Thursday 3 December 2009
8 of us went to see The Hamble Players production of A Christmas Carol at The memorial Hall in Hamble.
There was excellent use of the stage, forestage and the area in front of the spectators. Before the play started, children dressed in Victorian costumes played and danced in this immediate area. The ticket collector, raffle sellers and programme sellers were also dressed this way, allowing the audience to become immersed in the period.
Charles Dickens narrated as this timeless play unfolded. Scrooge was excellently played by Mark Cook, who was ably assisted by all the main characters.
We were treated to ghostly dry ice effects as Marley made his appearance, along with a fantastic use of microphone to make his voice eerie and spectral. Superbly done.
The characters were also dressed in marvellous period costumes and the minimal use of scenery and props was just right. A black curtain hid some scenes until they were backlit to give just the right amount of illusion. In particular, the ghost of Christmas future appeared huge and menacing behind this screen.
I particularly enjoyed the scene in Scrooge’s niece’s house (yes I know it should be his nephew Fred but in this production it was a niece called Freda!). This scene took place off stage and to the left of the audience. Several of the cast assembled around a piano with a gaslight. The pianist played and they toasted Christmas with a glass of wine. Very atmospheric.
It was a super evening, much enjoyed by us all. Just the right start to the Christmas season. Well done to all concerned!
Juniper Berry June
Branch Manager
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