The Pocklingtonian 2019/20 | Page 85

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stretching out before him and from Hannah East who made an impact as the larger than life and voracious Ghost of Christmas Present . Hannah bounded on stage with tremendous energy and lit up the space with her commanding presence . Equally impressive was Ellie- Mae Rooke as the Ghost of Christmas Present , who brought a wonderful ethereal quality and sophistication to the role as she probed Scrooge to delve deeper into his soul . A memorable moment was surely Scrooge being whirled around in his fourposter bed with snow cascading from above ; as the ghost of Christmas Past transported him back in time to a wintry landscape filled with childhood memories . His younger self was played skilfully by Tom Mc Dowell and equally matched by Imogen Gilby ’ s performance as his loving , caring sister keen to whisk him away from a solitary Christmas .
The sixth form led the cast admirably but this was very much an ensemble production and the cast multi-rolled effectively in creating tableaux of classic Victoriana . The social divide never wider with chestnut sellers ( Maise Spruyt , Poppy Ducker ) and beggar children ( Louisa Chacksfield ) lining the streets , while the upper classes enjoyed parlour games and parties .
The Cratchit family portrayed a loving , caring family in the midst of poverty and hardship . The children played by Harry Chacksfield , Isadora Philip , Imogen Gilby and Daisy Shepherd captured a perfect family Christmas portrait . The bleak future for Tiny Tim was sensitively played by Henry Hudson and Abbey Foster . Abbey Foster ’ s mature and moving portrayal of a grieving mother accompanied by Isadora Philip ’ s and Imogen Gilbey ’ s
haunting melodies created a truly poignant scene .
Other stand out scenes were Fezziwig ’ s Yuletide bash which was particularly joyful and splendid with the cast indulging in some well- choreographed dancing , while both Scrooge and his younger self looked on unable to drink in the festive spirit . Freya Stewart as Isabel
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