Here we are, not even December and the chrimbo consumer machine is in full swing, shops awash with decorations and the first waves of parents snapping up this year’s must haves. But before we sink into the usual scrum of expense and excess, why not take stock with a classic festive tale of redemption, morality and Victorian Christmas cheer?
Northern Ballet Theatre have chosen well, it’s a great story to work with on stage, with a wealth of juicy characters for the athletic leads to get stuck into. Not to mention countless Oliver-esque scenes of whirling bonnets and frockcoats as London is brought to life with a lively cinematic score.
So consumer folk, take heed as bitter old miser Scrooge is shown the error of his cold hearted, greedy ways. Realising the value of generosity and kind hearted friendship over misery and money. We're not talking Michael Caine in a nightie either, this is a proper Scrooge, all chilly sneers, greasy hair and vexation, played with penny pinching aplomb by Darren Goldsmith.
Scrooges long suffering clerk Bob Cratchett is played with touching cheer by Kenneth Tendall, enduring constant abuse and suspicion in Ebeneezer's dark freezing chambers for the sake of his desperately poor yet loving family. Where, central to the warm glow of the Cratchett's, is ill fated crippled youngest Tiny Tim, played by a young Adam Vokes. His sweet vulnerable singing had every Nan in the audience reaching for their giant embroidered hankies.
What's that? Did you mention singing? In a ballet? Egad! While there are no 'Bah Humbugs' to be had there are a number of carols that feature as part of the score, including some sung by the cast themselves and to good effect too. Expert ballet dancers can clearly handle some carols but I'm glad they didn't push on into solos, that would have been asking too much.
There were a number of standout scenes, Scrooges spooky bedtime encounters with a lurching ghoulish multitude, care of a sinister Ghost of Christmas Future was one. Contrasting dramatically with a wonderfully warm and witty slapstick dance scene recalled at the house of Mr & Mrs Fezziwig, parents of young Scrooge's love interest Belle - just before the greed took over. Imagine an amiable Mrs Miggins and a well to do sozzled husband unsteadily hosting a party in the period panto style, great fun. The show even squeezes in a debauched basement gin palace, where Scrooge's belongings are auctioned off by his cackling crone staff after witnessing his popular demise.
The attention to detail of Northern Ballet Theatre is first rate, the costumes, of which there are many, are as impressive as they are accurate. Combine these fine threads with clever sound and set - austere bedroom one minute, graveyard and gin palace the next - and the visual effect is rich and captivating. Especially with the dance in full flow, bodies and forms crafting the story in clever complement with their surroundings.
The performances were of the high standard we've come to expect from NBT, the cast's obvious enthusiasm for the parts lending real pathos to this engaging moral mix of spookiness, humour and touching sensibilities. Thoroughly enjoyable and a good one to take the family along to.
Photos by Bill Cooper (c)
A Christmas Carol plays at the Nottingham Theatre Royal from Tuesday November 17 to Saturday 21 November 2009.
