Oh for a thousand word count to allow full justice to be done to Chichester Festival Youth Theatre’s magnificent production.
Over the years its members have set the bar high but this year’s production must the best ever. The standard of acting and creativity is incredible.
The familiar tale of Scrooge is given a fresh look in Bryony Lavery’s adaptation which allows for wonderfully inventive staging by Dale Rooks and Jake Smith, including some marvellous puppetry. Marley’s Ghost, and the Ghost of Christmas Future, calls for some intricate synchronisation which is executed to perfection. Hats off to all the puppeteers.
Jason Car’s music and lyrics provides some lively high spots – “The Christmas Goose”, “Fezziwig’s Ball” and “Merry Christmas Everybody” provide for some excellent choreography.
With a cast of almost 60 it is impossible to acknowledge every performance except to say that they all contribute to the overall success of the show.
They demonstrate ensemble playing at its best.
Brendan Lyle makes an excellent Scrooge and there is a fine performance from Ed Waller as Bob Cratchit (at other performances the roles are played by Liam Wright and Sami Green respectively).
Christmas would not be complete if this show is missed.
Five Stars
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