A Christmas Carol, The Old Alresford Dramatic Society, Christy Hall, Old Alresford (From Daily Echo)

A Christmas Carol, The Old Alresford Dramatic Society, Christy Hall, Old Alresford

10:38am Monday 10th December 2012 in Curtain Call By Anne Waggott

PANTOMIME versions of well-loved classics tend to unnerve me, but TOADS’ musical version of Dickens’ tale was both heartwarming and entertaining.

Mark Durrant was an appropriately curmudgeonly and somewhat smug Scrooge with Anthony Bevan a rather coy panto Dame Fanny Fuzziwig, providing “light entertainment in between the gloomy parts.”

Phil Collins and Tracy Lintott were great fun as the jolly Fezziwigs, while Tobie Bousefield was convincing in her cameo as Mrs Tickle (as well as providing beautiful scenery painting, enhanced by atmospheric lighting).

Daniel Walker-Arnott was excellent as an eerie Marley’s ghost, Ellie Gifford sang sweetly as Young Scrooge’s paramour, Belle, and the young Cratchit son (to whom Scrooge gave the money for the turkey) had wonderful stage presence and a winning smile.

The ensemble singing was of a really good quality, accompanied by a fine trio of musicians, and overall this was an example of community theatre at its best.