DRAMA // A CHRISTMAS CAROL
and Oliver Spink as young Scrooge gave utterly believable performances as a young couple and captured an innocence and delight in all things good at Christmas time .
Fezziwig played by Adam Hall was a joy to watch as he brought life , energy and fun to the festivities . Lexi Jagger , Anna Wraith and Isobel Stones keen to be in the spotlight took centre stage as Fezziwig ’ s vain daughters . The stage abounded with dancing and festive song which filled the stage with perfect festive cheer ! Lucy Grewer and Pippa Byron cleverly magicked up a feast to die for ! Christmas decorations , lanterns and holly adorned the stage as audiences were swept along in an atmosphere of Christmas joy and celebration .
In contrast , quiet firelit scenes led by Freya Stewart ( Isabel ) and Tom Gledden ( husband ) gave a perfect vignette of the life Scrooge could have had ; a loving family all gathered round the Christmas tree for present openings . Lucy Wedge , Jenni Harrison , Louis Toulmin and Alice Chrispin played excitable , giddy children on Christmas Eve with great warmth and humour .
Henry Kay also gave a delightful portrayal of the jolly , enthusiastic nephew Fred , adamant he will persevere and change his selfish uncle ’ s ways . He brought an energy and fun to his parlour game scenes and was supported admirably by his family members and friends full of frivolity and trivial party games . The characters ranged from sensible Jane , ( Grace Gleddon ) bold Jessica , ( Ruby Remblance ), giddy Aunt Emily , ( Xylia Milsom ) to tipsy Topper ( Tom Brown ) who brought great hilarity to the party as he stumbled around the stage blindfolded chasing guests !
Clever design elements such as a moving bed , awesome silhouettes and magical lights combined to provide an uplifting surreal quality to Scrooge ’ s journey . This was perfectly punctuated to contrast with the darker graveyard scenes , the ragged helpless children and fights over Scrooge ’ s belongings . Henry Kay ’ s tall dark robed figure was a foreboding , ominous Ghost of Christmas Future . His silence chilled Scrooge to the bone and forced him to face his darkest secrets and regrets of his past , present and future . Josh Thornton performed a terrific cameo role as Old Joe ; a low life figure keen to make a quick buck out of Scrooge ’ s ‘ death ’. Alexis Jagger and Fiona Tilsed , two charwomen , played to their comedic strengths as they fought furiously over Scrooge ’ s wares . The fighting over money a fit remembrance of his time on earth as a coveting , spiteful figure of a man .
This was ultimately a moving , memorable and atmospheric Christmas Carol . As the audience witnessed Scrooge reflect upon his selfish ways and desire to seek change we were all encouraged to take inspiration from Dicken ’ s Christmas message . The wonderfully warm hearted ending , full of festive cheer hit just the right note at the end of the Michaelmas term . A big thank you to the entire cast and crew for making it such an enjoyable evening ’ s entertainment for everyone .
84 THE POCKLINGTONIAN