A Christmas Carol: The Musical - Review by Francesca Foxtrot

**** (4 Stars)

Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York - Wednesday 27 November, 2013

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a lovely little theatre in York that provides a venue for amateur and professional theatre groups. A Christmas Carol: The Musical is a production based on Charles Dickens' novel and adapted by a local York theatre group called We Are Theatre. They believe in giving everyone, including people with disabilities, the opportunity to perform and matching the performance to the character. This is highlighted in the programme as they point out that the 19-year-old playing the old Scrooge is younger than the teenage Scrooge! A fact that is very difficult to believe  as the costume, make-up and ability of the actors are fantastic.

The musical is advertised as a family adventure and the audience was certainly full of family - mostly family and friends, which made for a very appreciative and jolly atmosphere. The cast overall is faultless but there were a couple of technical issues with the microphones (but for a first night that can be overlooked and overcome).

There are some stand-out soloists with wonderful voices. The main character of Scrooge played by Harry Revell is amazing. The young 8-year-old Maggie Wakeling playing the Ghost of Christmas Past has a stunning, powerful voice.

There are lovely harmonies and duets and the cast all have strong singing voices. Theo Tattershall playing Fred has some complicated dialogue which he delivers confidently. The directors are to be congratulated on the casting as the whole cast seem to really enjoy their roles.

The stage direction is very clever and involves members of the cast walking, dancing and singing through the auditorium giving out sweets at the beginning and mince pies at the end and freaking out the audience with visits from zombie ghosts!

The musical is thoroughly enjoyable and a great start to the festive season.