SCROOGE

WBOS Youtheatre performed ‘’SCROOGE’ from Wednesday 1st November to Saturday 4th November 2017


Public Reviews and Messages

Noda review

West Bromwich Operatic Society Youth
Scrooge the Musical
Director Ben Cole
Choreographer Claire Flavell
Musical Director George Stuart
Thursday 2nd November 2017

Based on the very popular Dickens novel and the film the musical originally opened
on 9 November 1992 at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. The plot follows
‘Scrooge’s’ transformation from being a miserly mean individual to a man of
enormous warmth and generosity. This after ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ undergoes a
profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, when
visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley.
The opening scene to the finale moved with great pace and energy from a highly
talented cast and it would be invidious to single out any one individual. All on stage
though their contribution were pivotal in helping create this excellent production.
Superbly well-choregraphed routines, especially for the big chorus numbers
‘December 25th and ‘The Milk of Human Kindness’ and many more in a magnificent
score were a delight to watch. These were matched with robust and adept vocal
performances by principals and ensemble alike with a well-balanced orchestra.
Picture frame finishes for some scenes were excellent.
The whole company appeared in a variety of vibrant costumes including the
magnificent ghostly portrayals with appropriate make up. Full praise goes to the
production team taking full advantage of the flying facilities in the theatre that brought
an exciting and hugely entertaining element as the audience were treated to the
airborne ‘Jacob Marley’ and ghosts and times when ‘Ebenezer’ could be seen
dropping down to his bed. Highly effective lighting with powerful sound effects and
props including a huge ‘turkey’ were a pleasing enhancement.
This is a thoroughly entertaining family musical that rightly attracted huge applause
from a highly appreciative audience who left the theatre full of cheerfulness and
smiles. Certainly no ‘Humbug’ in this production,
Youth theatre companies face a shelf life, reliant as they are on members being with
them for only a few years before moving on. This company continues to have a
wealth of talent which was a joy to experience and to you all on stage and behind the
scenes “Thank You Very Much”!

Ian G Cox
Regional Councillor West Midlands
on behalf of Dennis Price Representative (District 8)
NODA – Be Inspired by Amateur Theatre


WBOS Youtheatre – Lichfield Garrick

 THIS musical version of the classic Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol novel was a soaring success for the West Bromwich Operatic Society youngsters.

An outstanding production was given a special lift by technology that enabled two characters to fly high above the stage together at various points in the show, proving an exciting boost to the haunting scenes.

Dan Hardy was first to go airborne when, playing Scrooge’s late business partner, Jacob Marley he returned from the grave draped in chains to scare the old skinflint who couldn’t stand Christmas and wouldn’t donate to charities.

Singing Make The Most of this World, Dan set the scene perfectly, and there were similar exciting performances from Jessica Harrison (Ghost of Christmas Past) and Fiona Winning (Ghost of Christmas Present).

But the star of the show was undoubtedly Josh Edge, an absolute delight in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, cleverly switching from the snarling, mean employer singing I Hate People, to the joyous member of the community handing out gifts and goodwill after the haunting experience showed him the error of his old ways.

Josh’s acting and singing was impressive, and another top performance came from Will Foggin as Tom Jenkins, leading the company with the lively number, The Milk of Human Kindness, then joining Scrooge and the cast in the hit song Thank You Very Much.

Other important roles were played by Dane Davies (Bob Cratchit), Finn Smith (Nephew), and Luca Marandola (Tiny Tim), while Thomas Rantell and Holly Forrester Mr and Mrs Fezziwig, led the company in a rousing December the Twenty-Fifth.

Ben Cole (director), Claire Flavell (choreographer) and George Stuart (musical director) are all former members of the youtheatre.

Scrooge closed on Saturday night, the last time the company will appear at the Garrick.

Paul Marston


 

 
Character
Name
Ebenezer Scrooge – the old miser Josh Edge
Bob Cratchit – works with Scrooge Dane Davies
Mrs Cratchit – his wife Jessica Millinchip
Kathy Cratchit – their daughter Arabella Yardley
Tiny Tim – their son Luca Marandola
Nephew – Scrooges nephew Finn Smith
Tom Jenkins – soup man Will Foggin
Jacob Marley – ghost of the man who used to work with scrooge Dan Hardy
Ghost of Christmas Past – lady ghost takes him to visit his school days Jess Harrison
Mr Fezziwig Thomas Rantell
Mrs Fezziwig Holly Forrester
Young Ebenezer – scrooge as a young man Ben Hayfield
Isobel –Ebenezers girl friend Tori Parkes
Ghost of Christmas Present Fiona Winning
Towns folk: Small parts
Mrs Pringle – toy shop owner Katie Russon
Wine Merchant Katie Simms
Mr Carstairs Nick Myatt
Hugo Harty Dan Butler
Bess Emily Hardy
Jocelyn Jollygoode Jack Dolaghan
Bissett the butcher Fallon Wilcox
Mrs Dilber Ellie Quinn
Miss Dilber Lauren Brown
Beggar Woman Tia McDonald
Punch and Judy Lady Michaela Highfield
Boy at end Valentino Scattone
School teacher Emily Cliff
Ebby – schoolchild Ebenezer Valentino Scattone
Jen – young Ebby’s sister Helaina Yardley
Dick Wilkins – Ebenezer’s friend Nick Myatt
Peter Cratchit Sam Cooper
Martha Cratchit Amber Seddon
Helen – Guest at party Molly Duckhouse
Topper – Guest at party James Bratt-Wyton
Mary – Guest at party Eleanor Shepherd
Ghost of Christmas yet to come Nick Myatt
Urchin Madison Jeffs

 

– NEXT SHOW –

The Dormston Mill Theatre,
Mill Bank,
Sedgley,
DY3 1SN

Dates :


Ticket Prices :
£ 16.00 and £12.00(under 16s)

TICKETS :
Online :  www.seaty.co.uk/wbosy-fame
Box Office :  07904 806598
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