Scrooge - The Pantomime

This production was based on Charles Dickens’s story ‘A Christmas Carol’ which had incorporated into it a variety of pantomime-type characters. There was excellent characterisation from those actors portraying individuals featured in the ‘original’ story, which included Garry Goodge as Ebenezer Scrooge, Sarah Covill as Bob Cratchit, Rebekah Rankin as Ghost of Christmas Past, Craig Pakes as Ghost of Christmas Present and Lionel Rudkin as Ghost of Christmas Future. Blending in as Panto characters were Mary Rudkin as Nora Carrot, the energetic and exuberant dame, Linda Mallett as Sam and Jeff Hemsley as Ella, the zany madcaps. The cast also included several youngsters playing the parts of the Cratchit family and the chorus. The songs featured were lively and tunefully delivered with none of them being overly long, the choreography was within the capabilities of the young dancers who performed with smiles on their faces, giving the distinct impression that they were really enjoying what they were doing. The sets were well designed and robustly constructed;   the lighting plan was most effective. The costumes of all cast members were appropriate and their make-up was of a high standard. Lines were clearly delivered. There was much audience participation that generated laughter and the ‘fluorescent skeletons’ routine proved to be very popular. The way in which the pantomime characters were introduced into the original work served as a timely reminder that the issues of poverty and social injustice are still prevalent in the world today. Well done all who were involved in this production!

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