Knowle Village Hall 23rd-25th January 2014 at 7:30pm
Matinee performances 25th and 26th January at 230pm
When Charles Dickens first sat down to write a political pamphlet, An Appeal to the People of England, on behalf of the Poor Man’s Child, he couldn’t possibly have imagined the legacy that it would leave behind. For that pamphlet eventually turned into the novella – A Christmas Carol.
One of the most famous morality tales in the Western world, I think what makes A Christmas Carol so endearing is that, although set in times long past, the festive traditions presented are still held so dear at Christmas today. Dickens is credited not only with introducing the much-desired ‘white Christmas’, but also of restoring the importance of family gatherings, festive generosity, and even with popularising the simple phrase “Merry Christmas” itself.
With so many versions of the story available (it was adapted for the stage almost immediately when it was published), it was a challenge to find the ‘right’ version, one that appealed to my creative tastes and would strike a chord with audiences. But in Karen Louise Hebden’s faithful yet unique take on this classic, I believe we have a winner! Moving away from the traditional panto this year, we find ourselves in the story’s original setting, in London in 1843. Witness the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation as it is presented by an ensemble of storytellers, with plenty of exciting theatrical devices along the way.
Having only started rehearsals in October, I’ve been incredibly lucky to have such an enthusiastic company, with the cast delving into their roles, while the backstage team have been busy designing my set. Now I just can’t wait to open the doors and share our hard work with audiences old and young!
The Revels Drama Group will present A Christmas Carol at Knowle Village Hall from 23rd-25th January 2014 at 7:30pm, with matinee performances on the 25th and 26th January at 2:30pm. Tickets are now on sale from the Box Office on 01564 772585 or from Palmers on the High Street, Knowle. Adult tickets are £8, Concessions £7 and Members £6.
For more information, see www.revelsdramagroup.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Chris Cooper, Director, A Christmas Carol
This article originally appeared in the January 2014 edition of Knowle Parish Magazine.