Festive classic of miser who needs redemption

BETH Flintoff’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’s seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol, transplants the miserly Scrooge into Victorian Reading, where his business is one of the town’s three Bs, running Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory.

First performed at Reading Rep Theatre in King’s Road three years ago, the story follows the bitter and stubborn factory owner, Scrooge, as he is made to face up to his failings.

With three ghostly visitations, hopefully Scrooge will open his eyes to the suffering of others, change his ways and find a path to redemption before it is too late.

George Eggay, who plays Scrooge, says: “This is my first production at Reading and I have never worked with any of these wonderful actors before, but I’m very honoured to be doing that now and hope to become a vet myself at Reading Rep.

“Audiences can look forward to wonderful storytelling and very slick scene changes, as well as sentimental heart-wrenching themes, peppered with laughter and joy.

“It’s such a joy and a pleasure to be a part of Beth’s recreation of the telling of this wonderful story, with many references to its landmarks in Reading and famous establishments that were once part of Reading’s glorious history.”

Mark Desebrock, who plays Hopkins, Fezziwig, the Ghost of Christmas Present, Palmer Senior and others, says: “It’s a real privilege to be a part of a new take on such a classic. Beth has done so brilliantly in bringing to life Victorian Reading with so much research and detail, while maintaining the story and heart of the original.

“I’ve worked with Charlie [Warner] in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Snow Queen. With Orla we’ve done It’s a Wonderful Life, Potted Panto and The Snow Queen together. It’s quite a rare, lovely thing to work with the same actors in multiple jobs — I feel very lucky to have been able to work with them so often, they’re brilliant.”

Orla O’Sullivan, who plays Belle and other characters, says: “It’s been so much fun and Beth’s version is full of humour and warmth.

“The comedy is something audiences can definitely look forward to. It leans in to the joy of the story and audiences can enjoy lots of laughter and levity within the horror.”

Charlotte Warner plays Bobbie Cratchit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, Kitty and others, while Sam Amestoy plays Fred, Young Scrooge, Alfred Palmer and others.

The role of Tiny Timmy is shared by 10-year-olds Eli Murphy and Emily Maclellan and nine-year-old Ned Woollatt, who are all from the Reading area.

Flintoff’s adaptation includes Reading landmarks such as Reading Gaol, Newtown, Coley and Eldon Square.

The production includes the use of haze, smoke and loud noises alongside some flashing and moving lights. Some scenes may be scary for little children.

“The scariest bit is probably the appearance of the first ghost, George Palmer covered in heavy chains,” adds Mark.

“But we sing carols together, dance, celebrate Christmas, it really puts audiences in the festive spirit. Together with the beautiful sound, lighting, costumes and set design, there are many highlights to be found.”

Chris Cuming, who was co-director and movement director on prior incarnations of the show, directs. Alongside Cuming are Nicky Bunch as set and costume designer, Aaron J Dootson as lighting designer, Joe Dines as composer, sound designer and musical arranger, Tabitha Stock as costume designer, Nathan Storm as associate lighting designer, Louis Ling as children’s manager, Sarah Harkins as casting designer and Jordan Harris as production manager.

Sam Amestoy is also musical director with additional vocal arrangements, while Tolley Angell and Kate Cox are chaperones.

Originally published in 1843 as a short story, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in just a few weeks.

Flintoff has said: “I have always loved Dickens and I was so excited to adapt A Christmas Carol.

“Its message is so warm and generous and full of heart. Christmas shows are about bringing the whole family together and celebrating our community and I really hope this does that.”

Executive director and chief executive officer, Nick Thompson, says: “It is one of those scripts that you can go back to, it’s such an iconic story and I think what we did with it was try and find a unique way in.

“Scrooge runs Reading Biscuit Factory, so it feels like a really present and local production which I think is really important at Christmas.

“It has all the things you need, it’s super-festive and there’s a really exciting team behind it. It’s probably the biggest production we’ve had yet.”

l A Christmas Carol, adapted by Beth Flintoff and directed by Chris Cuming, is at Reading Rep Theatre in King’s Road until Saturday, January 3. Tickets cost from £5 to £34. The show is suitable for ages six and over. For more information, call the box office on 0118 370 2620 or visit readingrep.com/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-2/#performances