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A Christmas Carol

November 26, 2007

Christmas Carol
Venue: Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Date Reviewed: 26th November 2007

star

With Christmas proving such a lucrative time for many regional theatres, this Octagon Theatre production of Charles Dickens’ classic, has the advantage of being one of the first festive productions to open, within the Manchester area.

You may associate this theatre with Roald Dahl, this time of the year, as they have had hits with The BFG, The Twits and James And The Giant Peach. Rather than continue the Dahl trend this year, however, the theatre has wisely chosen this Christmas cracker instead, putting their own unique take on the Dickensian tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his penchant for money, money, money, whatever the personal cost for his local community.

Robert Pickavance plays the old miser, complete with hunched body language and a palpable hatred of the season of goodwill. Watching this actor playing a man full of regret is incredibly touching. The only problem is that Neil Duffield’s condensed version of the story means that Scrooge is nowhere near as nasty as you remember him, so although, he has a go at a few carol singers, you never quite get a sense of the curmudgeon that you recall, so well.

But, you won’t feel slighted unduly. The cast here are so wonderful though, that this production takes off in so many other areas. Thomas Frere plays Bob Cratchit with believable humility, and Pam Jolley and Dan Willis play a multitude of roles, both in fine voice and wielding wind instruments with real panache also.

It is the talented Sarah Groarke though within this trio who impresses the most. She brings humour, pathos, great vocals, and a sense of 18th Century life to the proceedings.

Simeon Truby is also great as several ghosts and Jacob Marley, although once he jumps on the piano as Marley’s Ghost, the scariness of the piece is somewhat diluted.

Conrad Nelson’s unique direction is very impressive, as like Dawn Allsopp’s evocative clock style set, it captures the spirit of the original text, but also adds so much more. Thereby, this is a show which the whole family can enjoy as it is timeless, funny and poignant.

Local children from active8, Urban Stage and Bolton Stage Coach play the youngsters brilliantly, involving you within the plight of Tiny Tim, young Scrooge and co with ease and professionalism.

So, The Octagon has done it again: this could be the show to beat this Christmas.

-Glenn Meads

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