A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Forge at The Court in the Pub Charity Studio, Christchurch
02/12/2017 - 23/12/2017
Production Details
Festive Fun Returns in A Christmas Carol
Featuring Jared Corbin and Kathleen Burns
Deck the halls, dust off your baubles and get ready to be part of a show that makes everyone laugh like the Dickens: A Christmas Carol is returning to The Forge at The Court Theatre.
In Charles Dickens’ novella, the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by ghosts with visions of his past, present and future to learn the true meaning of Christmas. In writer and director Dan Bain’s adaptation, two actors and a musician bring the story to life, incorporating audience members into the performance.
In 2016, the mix of classic Christmas spirit and interactive fun proved a big hit with audiences, resulting in a sold-out extended season. Due to popular demand, the show has returned for another serving of festive fun. To keep the show new, engaging and exciting for audiences, Bain has updated the script. “A lot of the show reflects on the year in the theatre and wider community, so all of those jokes are fresh. The core story of Dickens’ Carol remains the same; however the show itself is different every night thanks to the random factor of our audience volunteers.”
Jared Corbin and Kathleen Burns reprise their roles as performers and audience guides. “We were lucky enough to get the same cast, which lets us build on the fantastic work they did last year,” says Bain. “[Corbin and Burns] are great at picking people who want to play and ensuring they’re safe, look good and have fun.”
Tom Harris also returns as musician. “Tom’s music is integral to add magic to the piece,” says Bain.
Suitable for all ages. Enjoy an evening of festive fun that gets everyone into the Christmas spirit.
The Forge at The Court in the Pub Charity Studio
2-23 December 2017
Show Times:
6pm: Mon/Thurs | 7pm: Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat
4pm Matinee Saturday 16 December
Ticket Prices:
Adult/Senior/Court Supporter: $20
Children (Under 18): $15
Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz
CAST:
Jared Corbin
Kathleen Burns
Thomas Harris
Theatre , Family ,
1hr 10mins (no interval)
A genial, peppy and thoroughly enjoyable family entertainment
Review by Grant Hindin Miller 03rd Dec 2017
Charles Dickens wrote the novella A Christmas Carol in 1843; it was published on December 19th of that year and the first edition was sold out by Christmas Eve. It has become one of the greatly-loved stories of the world, and Dickens, himself, gave more than a hundred public readings of it from 1849 until 1870, the year of his death.
So, it is no surprise that two Court Jesters, Kathleen Burns and Jared Corbin, should have a crack at resurrecting the classic this Christmas. But how do two actors and one musician, Tom Harris, pull the whole thing off?
They narrate, they act, and random audience members are primed to take on specific cameo appearances. Burns as Mistress of Ceremonies owns the space and it all makes for a spirited, genial, and supportive communal theatre experience. We’re in safe hands with these two (three, Tom) who are skilled and comfortable with each of their varied roles. I especially love Burns as Scrooge’s cruel and creepy teacher.
The range of ages in the audience serves the story well, from adult figures who play the spirits of Christmas Past and Future to a made-for-the-job little boy, seated near the front, who embodies Tiny Tim. On opening night the show is almost stolen by good-natured Gillian, freshly plucked from the audience, who plays (and nails) the ghost of Jacob Marley.
Dan Bain has written a script that adheres to the five ‘staves’ of Dickens’ original tale but he also embellishes the narration with topicality and gusto – Jacinda’s “Let’s do this!” is a popular maxim.
Burns deserves a special nod for her ability to engage unsuspecting audience members in the festivities. Corbin makes a suitably stingy Scrooge. Tom Harris, too, hits the right note with his atmospheric keyboard accompaniment. It’s high energy, the lighting changes enhance the experience, and the extravaganza runs for 70 minutes. The timing, without an interval, works a treat.
The innovative seating facilitates full audience participation – I won’t give it away – and you enter to the stirring swells of Vaughan Williams and Elgar. All in all, a genial, engaging, peppy and thoroughly enjoyable family entertainment.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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