A Christmas Carol with Bells On!
Directors Robert Sloan and Darren Pratt (centre) with the cast and crew of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Martin Pulley.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, a new adaptation by Robert Sloan. At Rugby Theatre from 6 – 14 December 2024.
Review by Ann Evans
This new adaptation by Robert Sloan of Charles Dicken’s classic story highlighting the plight of the poor and the need for change in Victorian England, certainly hits all the right notes! When Robert Sloan and fellow Director Darren Pratt were working on their version of the play, they could only hope that they had got the balance right in the re-telling of a story that means a great deal to them – and countless other people.
In writing this, Robert Sloan is quoted as saying: “I was mindful of the huge challenge of getting it right. Too much sentimentality and the audiences won’t buy it, not enough and the story becomes very bleak. We will have to see if we managed to get the balance right on the night.”
Scrooge (Andy MacCallum) Bob Cratchit (Sam Henshaw), Gibberts (Dean Mills). Photo by Martin Pulley.
Rapturous applause as this brilliant cast took their final bows of this sell-out production most definitely said they had achieved their goal. A wonderful re-telling of this Dickens classic.
From the moment you take your seat, you are drawn into Dicken’s Victorian London streets. Carol singers are already there practicing their songs, local people are going about their everyday activities – but there’s excitement in the air – it’s Christmas Eve. However, the joy is sucked from the scene as Ebenezer Scrooge makes his unwelcome appearance.
Young Ebenezer Scrooge (Archie Parker), Belle (Isabella Prag), Fezziwig (Trevor McClay), Mrs Fezziwig (Sarah Phipps). Photo by Martin Pulley.
A fabulous portrayal of this miserly, cold-hearted businessman who cares nothing for Christmas or his fellow human beings, seeing only value in money – his! Andy MacCallum takes on this role brilliantly with his barr humbug attitude, particularly towards his Clerk, Bob Cratchit (Sam Henshaw). Must say also, what an incredible piece of acting by Andy McCallum in Act 2 when Scrooge becomes remorseful and fearful when finally seeing the error of his ways – a very powerful scene!
The Cratchit family are delightful as they make the most of the little they've got. Mrs Cratchit is played by Hannah Morgan-Brown with Tiny Tim played by Harry Henshaw. Two wonderful - and very different scenes will delight and sadden audiences - their Carol singing scene around the dinner table, and Tiny Tim's graveyard scene which could come to pass unless Scrooge changes his ways!
A street celebration. Photo by Martin Pulley.
An excellent portrayal of the ghosts, each one very different to the next. Marley – dead these last seven years, is played so well by Malcolm Stewart. Hats off to the costume and make-up people for his appearance, with the added spookiness of smoke drifting out of his ‘body’.
The ghost of Christmas Past (Evangeline Parker) takes Scrooge on a gentle trip back in time to his childhood, where we see he’s not like other children, playing and having fun; he’s alone, head down over his schoolwork. (Child Scrooge played by Dylan Mitchinson). And then, as a young man (played by Archie Parker) who falls in love with Belle (Isabella Prag). Scrooge begs the Ghost of Christmas Past not to show him the Christmas when Belle breaks off their engagement as she realises Ebenezer loves money more than he loves her.
The Ghost of Christmas Present (Simon Burne) is a large, loud, benevolent colourful ghost who understands the importance of the present moment in time. He allows Scrooge to glimpse the lives of the people he knows, and to see the impact he is having on them. These home truths are starting to make an impact on Scrooge.
But he’s certainly not prepared for the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Played by Simon Ainley – this ghost makes an entrance that will haunt your dreams! Well done the backstage crew for creating this bleak and deathly apparition.
Scrooge as a young man with his fiancee Belle. (Archie Parker and Isabella Prag). Photo by Martin Pulley.
Whilst not a musical, the inclusion of music is a vital element in this production. In planning the show, the directors Robert Sloan and Darren Pratt, reached out to musician and composer James Grady who they have worked with on other productions. Apart from the Carols, James has composed from scratch all of the beautiful, atmospheric music heard throughout the show. The five-piece live band playing in the orchestra pit comprise of Musical Directors James Grady and Jo Foote, Elena Carlig, Ralph Iles and Aster Ozcan. Choreographer is Jenny Pratt.
The lighting, sound and special effects that all add to the magic of this production, are just fantastic. The haunting sound of bells herald the coming of all but one of the ghosts, and the spectacular hanging lanterns are a sight to behold. The crew team involved in bringing the magic to this show include: Simon Smith (Special Effects and Sound), Adrian Gyles (Stage Manager), John Dulcamara (Scenic Designer), Luke McMaster (Lighting Designer and Operator), Nick Ingram and Aaron Doyla (Lighting Operators).
Praise must go to the whole team behind this production – costumes, scenery, hair and make-up, stage management, right through to the important role of the chaperones and behind the scenes volunteers.
Altogether a wonderful production!
For more information on Rugby Theatre’s forthcoming shows, and to book tickets, please go to: https://www.rugbytheatre.co.uk/
