Adapted by Nigel Holloway

Based on the work of the same name by Charles Dickens

Words & Music by Nigel Holloway

Adapted from works by W.S Gilbert and A. Sullivan

 

NODA Review by Frank Wooles

A new musical adaptation of this Charles Dickens classic by Nigel Holloway, incorporating the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan, played at the Paget Room, Penarth in December. This provided the perfect start to the festive season. This well written and constructed show remains faithful to the original and should in no way give offence to devotees of Dickens or Gilbert and Sullivan. It has been the intention of the adaptor to provide a further vehicle for amateur societies who perhaps specialise in the Savoy Operas and seek something a little different. It was surprising how well Sullivan's music, with its variety and many moods, seemed to match and compliment the characters and scenes of Dickens' story, even much of Gilbert's lyrics remained unaltered. Scrooge is, of course, the central character and this was a fine performance by Chris Chedzey. His portrayal was hard edged and crisp and his transformation from miser to benefactor convincing. His performance was surrounded by many vignette scenes and cameos generally played and sung to a good standard and with attractive and interesting company work. Strong, secure performances by Kevin Morgan as the unfortunate Bob Cratchit, Janet Holloway (Mrs. Cratchit), Sara Viney (Isabel), Caroline Thurlow (Elizabeth), Adam Parsons (Young Scrooge) and Nigel Holloway as Mr Fezziwig were amongst many in this formidable cast. Essential to the show, the ghosts of Christmas Past (Neil Davies), Christmas Present (Mark Hughes), Christmas Yet to Come (Rhodri Viney) and Jacob Marley (Adam Pitt) convincingly conveyed their chilling message. A simple staging but with the considerable number of scene changes there were a few technical problems but, as this is a touring company, the constant change and variety of venues must be a Stage Manager's nightmare. This was a show that I felt was still developing and evolving with each performance in an interesting and exciting way. Great theatre, it works well and has proved a successful venture. Concept, and in particular Nigel Holloway, are to be congratulated on their enterprise and courage in bringing this attractive adaptation to the stage.

 

Originally published in Spring 2000