What better way to enter the festive month of December than by watching this classic, a tale of reflection and redemption. Reminding us to be kind, compassionate and think of others.
This is the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean spirited man who has no interest in anything other than making and saving money. In the play he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Marley, who tells him he will be visited by three ghosts, the Spirits Of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.
The play begins in the left corner over the stage, illuminating an armchair in a cosy corner of a Victorian sitting room and the narrator Keith Fenwick, dressed in Victorian style clothing enters the stage and sits to begin the tale. He opens the large book he is holding and begins, his voice, calm and clear and well enunciated as he draws you in to the story.
We then meet Ebenezer Scrooge (Peter Aspinall) , who looks every bit like you would imagine him to, mean spirited and crabby with everyone, and Bob Cratchett (Mark Field), a humble man who works hard, despite the miserable working conditions to bring money home for his extremely poor but loving family. Its Christmas Eve, there is lots of festivity going on outside but Scrooge is having no part in it and snaps "bah ! humbug!" at anyone who tries to get him to give money or join in the Christmas festivities.
At his miserable home that evening he is visited by Marley (Roger Mellor) to warn him of future visitations.
The first ghost, Christmas Past (Julie Brown) an ethereal ghost shows Scrooge scenes of when he was a boy, (Joe Ward) and how he was a quiet lad, his imagination rooted in books and his affection for his sister. All these scenes show Scrooge as happy but never really joining in with the seasonal time of year. Scrooge takes delight in the reminiscing and there are comical parts where he joins in with festivities from the past.
The second ghost, Christmas Present (Steve Hester) appears, he is hearty and festooned in seasonal green and shows Scrooge how happiness is found in the togetherness of the season, we see his nephew enjoying Christmas with friends and again Scrooge tries to join in. We see the Cratchett family, poor as they are, taking comfort in the joy of being together and their little boy, tiny Tim, not as you might expect him to look, but well integrated in to the scenes and made the audience laugh at times as they would to indulge a small child. It shocks Scrooge to hear that if things carry on the way they are tiny Tim will not be there for anymore Christmasses.
The final spirit to appear is like the grim reaper (Adam Turner) he doesn’t speak to Scrooge but shows him the bleak future that is held for him. It’s an amusing scene to see Scrooge’s belongings being picked over and sold for very little and jokes being made at his expense. There is no-one to care for him and the horror and realisation for Scrooge when he sees what the future holds makes him want to change.
When he wakes up on Christmas morning it’s a new, much happier Scrooge. He makes the audience laugh at his antics as he hurriedly tries getting dressed. Scrooge has finally realised what he can do to redeem himself and help others.
The scenery and stage sets were very effective and throughout the play props were used well. The changes ran smoothly and good use was made of lighting and projectors to make it look like there was snow falling. Vocally there were some strong voices as carols were sang by soloists and in groups which added to the atmosphere of the season.
The Garrick Theatre is a very intimate theatre that has good facilities and allows you a clear view of the stage wherever you are sat. If you want a nostalgic feel-good play then this is a must-see to get you in the festive mood. Strong performances from all made for a very entertaining evening. It’s on until the 7th December but tickets are selling fast
Reviewer - Catherine Gall
on - 30/11/19
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