A Christmas Carol Greenwich Playhouse

A Christmas Carol
Greenwich Playhouse December 6 2011 - January 15, 2012

Bah humbug, I was tempted to shout out early on. I don't want singing and dancing and actors running about. I want the old Dickens, the wordsmith, the craftsman of his age. Changing a masterpiece, to what end and why? Yet despite my best efforts I was slowly drawn in, enthused by the spirit of an infectious cast.

The story at least follows traditional lines with a miserable Scrooge (Stephen Barden) first seen hoarding his wealth. Then everything changes and he begins to repent, overwhelmed by ghoulish spirits who unfurl his dark life. Less traditional perhaps are the spirits themselves, their messages stark, their characters dark.

Christmas Past (Jess Mack) appears heaven-sent, clad entirely in white, her beauty and smile convincing Scrooge all is well. But as the veil on his childhood is gradually raised, her incessant cackling reveals a darker soul. Her message delivered, she ebbs violently away. Christmas Present (Tara Godolphin) is less subtle, her vulgarity unpleasant, her message no less cruel. “Oh Scroogy Woogy “, she addresses the by now babbling old miser, “come, let me show you what your life has become”. But Christmas Future (Barden again) is the darkest, its black hooded cloak reminiscent of the Reaper. Before it finally departs, Scrooge is at his wits end.
Less traditional still was the continuous music, the Yamaha keyboard too tinny and hollow. The carols were better, the harmonies strong, their timing allowing rearrangements of the set. The casting - 7 women and 4 men – was adventurous given restrictions of space but only rarely did the stage seem cluttered and (too) full.

While Scrooge usually dominates, here he does not, largely a function of the cast’s multiple roles. While Barden is competent, others catch the eye. Lee White as Bob Cratchett, unctuous but amusing, Charlotte Mason-Apps as Mrs Dilber and (Belle), elegantly comfortable in both of her roles and Christopher Rowland (Fezziwig and Fred) who promises much in this his first season in professional roles.

Bringing Dickens to life in a world without patience is an ambitious and difficult undertaking. But Sell A Door Directors, David Hutchinson and Phillip Rowntree are clearly more than up to the challenge. The theatre was full, the audience engaged and no more could be asked of the cast. While traditionalists (like me) may grumble and gripe, we should recognise what is good Christmas fare.

The play is amusing and enthusiastically portrayed and a Merry Christmas to one and all! 8/10