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BrumHour was invited to the press performance of A Christmas Carol by The Alexandra.
For BrumHour on Brum Radio, Dave Massey spoke to Alistair Joliffe,
Rosie Harvey and Michaela Hinton from BMOS Musical Theatre Company about their production of A Christmas Carol. Listen back here from (37:00):
By Julie Wallis
A Christmas Carol with BMOS at The Alexandra
Directed by Stephen Duckham, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, based on the novella by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol is available for your viewing pleasure at The Alexandra just until November 30th, so if you want to enjoy this musical extravaganza you need to get your skates on as it was a fairly full house last night.
As with the famous book, A Christmas Carol tells the story of the mean spirited and penny-pinching miser Ebenezer Scrooge. He is visited by three ghosts. The ghost of Christmas past reminds him of happier times and some not so happy. The ghost of Christmas present shows him how he is loved by his nephew Fred and his employee Bob Cratchit and the ghost of Christmas yet to come tells of how Scrooge will not be mourned for when he dies unless he changes his ways.
This is a musical with full emphasis on music, and barely a word of dialogue spoken. There are many big songs and dance routines and this production gives a huge amount of entertainment. I loved it.
Filled with festive feel good and both beautiful costumes and beautiful sets, Director Stephen Duckham has possibly the best production I’ve enjoyed from BMOS, definitely my favourite show from this company so far.
Alistair Jolliffe makes an impressive Scrooge, he looks great, he is a very talented singer, his enthusiasm when Scrooge sees the errors of his ways is totally contagious and he even gets a few well-earned laughs.
Elliot Beech as the ghost of Christmas present was absolutely perfect with his jolly face shining out from his magnificent outfit. He whirls his way around the stage reminding Scrooge that Christmas is a time men need not consider their wallet or their waist but a time to enjoy.
Daniel Parker makes for a delightfully optimistic Bob Cratchit who’s love for his ailing son Tiny Tim,(played by Conor Dodds last night) radiates from the stage.
I absolutely loved the Fezziwig’s annual Christmas ball. A huge song and dance number with some lovely choreography thanks to Aaron Gibson, and a very catchy song. With Nick Owenford as Mr Fezziwig and Jo Smith as Mrs Fezziwig, this was the standout scene of the entire show for me. Ms Smith is such a charming singer, it is a shame there are not more main female roles in A Christmas Carol.
Lots of very quick scene changes as we are whisked from Scrooge’s bedroom to his childhood or his graveside keep the pace up and I must say the sets were all very well presented too. From the beautifully painted backdrop depicting London to the ragged misery of Scrooge’s home, the staging is all perfect.
My only small criticism would have to be that last night I found the full orchestra to be a little on the loud side for the first half last night, and I struggled to hear some of the lyrics or dialogue. But they seemed to have reigned it in a little for the second half. Other than that, the music is perfect.
I felt far more festive after this outstanding performance. A Christmas Carol is such an iconic story and it never fails to bring me joy. Last night BMOS didn’t disappoint with their musical masterpiece and I’m sure Charles Dickens would be moved to know we all still celebrate with Mr Scrooge and co almost two hundred years after it’s conception.
A Christmas Carol is at The Alexandra until Saturday 30th November. Book tickets with BrumHour’s affiliate link >> HERE <<.
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