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The Elf and Scrooge

Author: Elizabeth Donald

Information

Date
21st December 2024
Society
Project Theatre
Venue
Grangemouth Town Hall Grangemouth
Type of Production
Musical Drama
Directors
Jamie O'Rourke and Kirsty Math
Musical Director
Nikki Marie Scott
Choreographer
Samya Guring
Written By
Jamie O'Rourke and Kirsty Mather

On the edge of Christmas, the audience was transported back to Dickensian times by Project Theatre Junior Youth Theatre with some Scottish, and humorous, twists and turns. Well concocted and set in a series of well arranged and well lit tableaux, the focus was on the spirit of Christmas with a very mischievous Elf trying to aid the grumpy Scrooge to engage with the Christmas season. The four Narrators set the scenes before the engaging main characters held court. Angus Graham was well cast and gave us a sterling performance as Scrooge resisting all attempts to see his miserable unsociable life as the root of his ills, spurning his nephew’s overtures of friendliness and ignoring his worker Bob Cratchit’s need to get home to his family. The scene where Scrooge prepared for bed undressing behind a screen gave us some hilarious moments as did some of his reactions to the Ghosts. Ramsay Shankland as the Elf Kiltie, his first time in a leading role, showed natural confidence and flair giving his best to dispel humbug and engendering lots of comedic moments with well timed lines. Both worked well together feeding each other clashing moments - one from good humour the other from grumpiness. The Ghost of Christmas Past was well performed by Imogen McKay assuredly showing Scrooge all the missed opportunities in his life: his young life, Noah Le Roux; with his employers the good natured Mr and Mrs Fuzziwig , Ryan Tattersall and Sophie Shabir, leading to some wonderful chorus moments with the Ceilidh song and dance; and how he rejected a loving future with his girl Bonnie who sang a heartfelt Everytime I See Your Face. As a contrast the cheery Fern Waddell took a trick as the Ghost of Christmas Present showing Scrooge in his dismissal of things social and friendly and Christmassy. I loved the gruesome puppet figure of the Ghost of The Future - really well handled. The scene of the Crachits’ home life and their love for Tiny Tim was heart warming. The movementt and singing of the whole cast was lively and secure. The ballet dance of Flora Graham in her tutu was memorably done. With a very large number of young folk on stage the choreography was smart and varied, the singing hearty and infectious and the costumes all in keeping with characters and their roles. The next generation of talent are honing their skills. Add enthusiasm and commitment to what they were doing and it ended up as a splendid cheerful and affirming performance. Congratulations to all.

 

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