A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by David Edgar
Performed by the Arden Theatre Group
I’m an unabashed fan of Faversham’s Arden Theatre. There! I’ve said it. If you’re a regular reader of my reviews you might have thought I was biased. But I try not to be. Yes, I do keep in mind that I’m not watching a crack performance in the West End. The Arden is a Community Theatre! But I’ve found that each presentation is performed with such dedication, and with such imaginative creativity, that writing a glowing review, full of honest-to-goodness enthusiasm, has never been difficult. But as a regular reader you may find this review a tad more … (ah-hem) “judgemental”?
Yet again the Arden Theatre Group pulled it off, “A Christmas Carol” was amazing! Despite all the limitations of time, resources and facilities that they’re subject to, it’s a terrific show.
But hearing the lines was sometimes a problem, with lines sometimes a little bit rushed, and diction a little bit sloppy. I wondered if the cast appreciated how iconic Dickens’ immortal prose is (Scrooge’s phrase “… decrease the surplus population” is one example)?
Director Jo Andrews has pulled off a superhuman feat in getting such a huge show – 33 cast playing 65 characters in 20 scenes – rehearsed, costumed and on the stage at the right time and in the right place.
Congratulations to the “Scene Shifters”! They moved about the stage, shifting beds, doorways and desks brilliantly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world! Now about those beds, desks and doorways … I had a few disagreements with where they were placed – for instance, the door frames in Scrooge’s office – and I wonder whether those two elements could have been reversed (the door frame upstage and the desks, and the actors, downstage?)
As always the costume department performed its usual miracles! But all of the cast’s shoes need to be soft soled or with rubber heel covers! When you have a large contingent of actors (or even a single actor), careering across a non-solid floor, the sound reverberates. Not only does it sound clunky, but you can hardly hear the dialogue!
Enough of this criticism – it doesn’t come easy! Let me finish with two more positive notes:
The programme was as attractive and informative as ever. Chris Freed’s gorgeous photos are a delight (but some captions would be lovely!).
Now I know the Arden doesn’t give out actual awards, but if you did, there are several that I’d like to nominate. But (drum roll please!) I think the award for the best actor in a supporting role would have to go to John Higgins as Bob Cratchit! Unassumingly portrayed throughout – till the last scene: John – you nailed it!
If you have any questions or comments you’d like to give, please don’t hesitate to collar me in person and give me your views; I’m open for discussion.
Merry Christmas – and “God bless us, everyone!”
E.B.
