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A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Library Theatre, Sheffield Directed by John Moran Tudor Players’ productions are always superbly
performed and directed and “A Christmas Carol” is no exception. This
adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-known and loved work of “A Christmas
Carol” follows the storyline of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge but with a
mixture of wit and humour from all the characters. In addition to the role
of Scrooge there are four actors each taking on multiple roles. Within the
blink of an eye, they changed their characterisations, speech, body language
and costumes to suit whichever character they were portraying. The five
actors all gave first-class and very professional performances. Phil Gascoyne’s performance of Ebenezer Scrooge was
truly amazing, with copious amounts of dialogue and changes of character
from the miser to that of a man displaying humour. He very rarely left the
stage, making us laugh and in the end, you couldn’t help liking the old
miser. No matter which character Ross Bannister takes on he is
superb, his characterisation of all the roles he portrayed (six in total)
was spot-on, especially those of Bob Cratchit and Marley’s Ghost.
The very experienced and talented actor Edwina Gascoyne
also had to deal with six different characters. She gave great and different
interpretations of all the characters, especially as the Ghost of Christmas
Past. As a plus, we were also treated to some of Edwina’s beautiful singing.
Charlie Gascoyne-Thompson is also a talented actor and had to deal with
seven different characters, accents, and mannerisms, all of which were
skilfully played, especially his Ghost of Christmas Present - I loved this
interpretation. Josh Cooper, with his very strong voice projection, was
excellent as Scrooge’s nephew Frederick. Also, as Mr Fezziwig, a complete
opposite to the nasty schoolmaster Mr. Grimes. Adding to his character list
is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – this character had the audience in
fits of laughter or an attack of fright all at the same time. Adding to this wonderful production we had puppets.
They were just like the Muppets and represented the young children of the
Cratchit and Frederick families and a dog. The puppets’ actions were
controlled with ease, and they had the audience in fits of laughter –
especially the young Tiny Tim worked by Joe Gascoyne-Thompson. Joe, Justin Harrison, Siobhan Hible, Rob Jex and Steve
Mitchell (as the Musician) gave vital support in other acting roles and as
puppeteers, singers and in placing the set around the stage.
John Moran’s very professional direction of this
skilful production was truely remarkable. A minimalist set, with
well-choregraphed movement of screens and back projection of various
Victoria scenes was well thought-out with sound, musical numbers, lighting
effects and costumes, all enhanced this fine production.
From the opening of Act One until the final curtain,
every member of the cast, production and technical teams worked very hard to
ensure a first-class production and the applause received was well deserved.
I don’t very often see a standing ovation, but there was one on the evening
I visited. A most excellent
production, which I thoroughly enjoyed. NODA N. E Drama Rep Reg 14.
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