We had a really good time at this endearing production of Dickens’ classic tale. I was a bit unsure, being a devotee
of Dickens in written form, what to expect from the publicity announcing ‘beautiful period costumes, song, dance and
a magnificent original musical score’, but the Chapterhouse Theatre have done a really good job so set the video for
‘Strictly’ and get down to the Connaught.
Laura Turner’s adaptation managed to combine both
the lighter and darker sides of the original story and included all the salient points of the book. Richard Mains’ music
fell a bit short of magnificent for me but added atmosphere. Emma Gadsby’s direction was lively and enabled the cast
to employ Peter Eldridge’s clever set, with Scrooge’s (symbolic) bed ever present and a revolving Counting House
creating the different scenes, to good effect.
I felt that Marcus Taylor as Scrooge struggled to be really
miserly and understated his ‘humbugs’ a bit, but really came into his own as his conversion proceeded. Edwin Wright
was Fezziwig personified and an excellent Ghost of Christmas Present. The rest of the 8 strong cast spanned the range of Dickens’
characters very successfully and part of the attraction of the show was the slightly ‘home spun’ atmosphere they
managed to create. It was a bit like watching a performance in the parlour (something that Scrooge’s nephew and company
would have put on after dinner) without the amateur acting. By the end of the Show I felt I was friends with all of them.
We had the whole range of effects as well. Snow, mist, disembodied figures and an inspired portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas
Future, worth the entrance money on its own.
Being critical, perhaps there was an uncertainty as to how to
play the balance between the comedy and the darker side of Dickens’ work. The music was a bit thin at times and there
were a few technical hitches with the effects, but the overall impression remained positive.
In her notes
in the programme the Director concludes by saying she wanted to produce ‘that tingling excitement, anticipation, warmth
and feeling of joy that embodies the spirit of the festive season’. Well she certainly achieved her aim for me and as
my glowing companion said on exiting the Theatre (fully expecting to find deep snow, chestnut sellers on the corner and a
turkey in the window opposite) ‘how come it is still November?, I am ready for Christmas now!’.
Reviewed
on the 24th Nov
