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A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Willow Tree Theatre Company New Hall
December 2011
Director: Michael Gilbert. M.D: John Fitton.
Choreographer: Debbie Shearman.
On entrance to the auditorium, an impressive, creatively designed set, gave the
once diminutive stage at the new hall, an impression of a large Victorian street,
realistic and smoky with balconies and street lamps, the scene was set as close
to a Dickens novel as could be imagined. Meticulous attention to detail was
satisfyingly overpowering , continuing from start to finish across the board.
Cast entrance confirmed that the audience were in for a special treat, their
singing, melodic and confident with distinct harmonies heard, despite the best
efforts of the lively band to drown them at every musical opportunity.
Scrooge
(Leon Searle) easily convinced as the snarling, morose misery with consistent,
expressive mannerisms and body language. All cast worked hard to successfully
establish their character identities with a fine balance of heart tugging from
the Cratchit's combined with the energetic jollity of the Fezziwig's ball. All
flowed seamlessly from scene to scene, combined with imaginative choreography,
beautifully performed with style and grace.
Marley’s appearance from the
fireplace created a stir, demonstrating the extensive skill of the costume and
make-up team, his hypnotic, eerie appearance was not achieved from a two minute
dab with a make-up sponge, that’s for sure! This show was tight, polished and as
‘lavish as it could get, not akin to an overly display of opulence, but
from
the generous contribution of talent and skill from cast and company which
culminated into this memorable production. |
