Christmas? Bah! Humbug!

Posted on Friday 8 December 2006

A review of the College production of John Mortimer's version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol which pl

Bah! Humbug! 

Tired of Christmas already? Got that sinking feeling at the thought of seasonal excess? Well Matt Sheppard (director) and his huge cast of students from the Sixth Form College Farnborough have created the perfect anti-dote: a cracker of a show which warmed the hearts of the coldest of Christmas skinflints.
 
Gareth Davies and Elliot Smith shared the role of Dickens’ most famous curmudgeon, Scrooge, confidently leading the packed house through a chilly Victorian London, beautifully evoked by a clever set. As the ghostly form of the dead Marley rises up in his chains, Scrooge is led by the spirits of Christmas past, present and to come (Sophia Cuell, Vaneesha Short, Abigail Davey) to appreciate the warmth and generosity of teeming town life around him.
 
Here is the delightful abundance of the Fezziwig home; now a frugal meal with the poor Cratchit family as they listen to poor Tiny Tim’s last song; then flying on to hilarious parlour games at the home of his nephew. Finally, the miserable old fellow is taken from his bed by a terrifying phantom to experience what is in store for him if he does not reform his grumpy ways.
 
Scrooge’s journey is complete.   And we are left with the sound of joyous carols, the sight of children playing and the wonder of gentle snow falling, to reflect on the true values of the season.
 
This was fine ensemble playing, performed with relish by a marvellous cast: Happy Christmas to you all!