A Christmas Carol

Published Monday 21 December 2009 at 10:40 by Susan Elkin

I have to admit that A Christmas Carol is not my favourite work of literature, so I arrived for this show not expecting to be greatly moved or entertained. How wrong I was. Caroline Elliot’s impeccable direction ensures a compelling, fast-paced, slightly off-beat take on the familiar story, with outstanding ensemble work including lots of nifty, Greek chorus-style group speaking and chanting, interspersed with a cappella singing. And what a joy to hear so much of Dickens’ original language.

Michael Elliot’s measured and intelligent interpretation of Scrooge reveals a grittily unhappy man ready to soften. Elliot’s facial expressions are strong and telling, without being hammed up or exaggerated. Charis King, although still at school, gives Tiny Tim real poignancy and shows oodles of stage presence in several other roles. Colin Hill brings a nice warmth to the Ghost of Christmas Present and the benign Mr Fezziwig. Adrienne Fitzwilliam is a slick and versatile ensemble player and Phee Watt’s fine mezzo singing is an asset to the show.

Since the attractive Trinity Theatre, a converted Grade I-listed church, lost its ACE funding last year, it has been obliged to reinvent itself with new ways of working. This (very) professional show, which uses a mixture or established local professional actors - none of whom is paid more than expenses - and highly proficient amateurs shows what can be done.