No Humbug At
Northern Stage
A Christmas Carol
Newcastle Northern Stage
Until Saturday 5th January 2019
Newcastle’s Northern Stage has consistently produced a
great show for families every year for a number of years. Ideal for the family
that wants to be entertained but not in the pantomime format – a story
delivered with music, excitement, passion and panache but no old jokes that
belong to the old comic’s home. A Christmas Carol is another magical
show that will keep the over 7s entertained.
Regular readers of the North East Theatre Guide will
appreciate, we have been taking our son to these shows since he grew up from
the under 7s show. They have been responsible for his love of drama and despite
the fact he is about to do his GCSEs he enjoyed this evening’s performance. In
fact, he is studying this text as part of his English Literature exam and he
said it was interesting to see how it was adapted for the stage.
Now Charles Dickens was responsible for a number of stories
that highlighted the need for a social conscience in harsh Victorian times.
Tales like Hard Times flagged up a
failing system of government support. So even though this play is based upon a
tale from the middle of the 19th century, the over-arching themes have
been discussed in parliament during Prime Minister’s Questions this week. So
for an old tale – it has a modern edge.
Northern Stage have decided to move the classic story to
the 1920s though it doesn’t feel old. Even the versions of classic Christmas
Songs have a modern feel thanks to the live band under MD Dr Hannabiell
Sanders.
Central to the story is Scrooge and Nick Figgis is superb
as the man who became enlightened in the early hours of Christmas morning. He
is able to show the journey for harsh penny-pinching business man to socially responsible
boss passionately.
Craig Fairbairn is also able to be convincing as Bob Cratchit
– a man who is being dealt with harshly by a mean boss but he remains faithful
and loyal even when expected to work in the cold office on Christmas Day.
Supporting the action is a large cast playing multiple
roles. Tim Dalling commands respect during Fezziwig’s fabulous party. Rachel Dawson’s
Mrs Cratchit providing suitable caveats to her husbands loyalty. Rachel Dawson,
Will Pennington, Clara Darcy impressed as the ghosts Marley, Past and present.
Talking of ghosts… someone who know I was reviewing the
show asked me if the show was suitable for the very young… The use of big
puppets for some of the ghosts is unlikely to cause problems. In fact it is the
arrival of Marley and her (yes she was female in this version) entourage that
may cause little minds to work overtime. I would say that if you’d be happy to
show footage of Michael Jackson and his ensemble dancing on the streets in the Thriller video (and not the scary
transformation or chase scenes) then your children will be okay with this. Let’s
face it, there was scarier stuff in Scooby
Doo.
A
Christmas Carol is performed, like previous shows, in the round
by putting some of the audience in Stage 2, with a wall removed, and on the Stage
1 stage. This helps with the interaction and atmosphere in the show as the audience
sees not only the performers, but also other members of the audience. So when
clapping to the music starts then the reaction spreads quickly. Indeed, there
was a very quick standing ovation at the end as all 4 sides showed their
appreciation to the hard-working cast.
Behind the scenes of a very hardworking and enthusiastic (I
loved it when a date stamper fell apart in the first scene due to the keen
performance) ensemble cast is a very talented creative and backstage team.
Director Mark Calvert, once again, keeps the action flowing and adds really
nice touches to each scene. Sam Vivash and Nick John Williams also add to these
flourishes with the lighting and sound designs. The vibrant ensemble cast add
visually on all 4 sides thanks to the concepts from movement director Martin
Hylton.
What helps separate the Northern Stage shows from other
family shows currently on in the region is the set and costume design of Rhys
Jarman who helps give the feel and enables the flow of the show.
As we’ve already mentioned, our son is studying the text at
school and commended the writer, Neil Bartlett, in producing a much more
exciting version.
I will finish this review with wee-man’s initial reaction
at the end of the first half. “It now feels like Christmas has started”.
Bravo
Review by Stephen Oliver.
Cast:
Fezziwig & Old Joe – Tim Dalling
Ghost of Christmas Present, Miss
Belle Fezziwig, Mrs Dilber & Harry – Clara Darcy
Marley, Mrs Cratchit, Scrooge's
Sister & Fred's Wife – Rachel Dawson
Bob Cratchit – Craig Fairbairn
Scrooge – Nick Figgis
Ghost of Christmas Past &
Fred – Will Pennington
Mrs Fezziwig – Dr G Hannabiell
Sanders
Ensemble:
Tiny Tim – Eleanor Carter
Tom – David Connelly
Hugo Davison
Peter Cratchit – Cooper McDonough
Dick Wilkins – Joe Metcalfe
Belinda Cratchit – Charlotte Turrell
Martha Cratchit – Rachel Wells
Creatives :
Director Mark Calvert
Writer Charles Dickens - Adapted By Neil Bartlett
Designer Rhys Jarman
Lighting Designer Sam Vivash
Sound Designer Nick John Williams
Composer & Musical Director Hannabiell Sanders
Movement Director Martin Hylton
Associate Sound Designer Matthew Tuckey
Stage Management Company Manager Colin Holman
Stage Manager Chloe Ribbens
Deputy Stage Manager Nichola Reilly
Assistant Stage Manager Nicola Morris
Photos: Pamela Raith Photography
Tickets:
Tickets are now
on sale from £10 at www.northernstage.co.uk or
call the box office on 0191 230 5151.
Another I wasn't able to get to! Knew it would be fab - may have to drag the family along after christmas... 😊
ReplyDelete