The Fall and Rise of Mr Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most famous characters in English literature. Created by Charles Dickens in 1843 for A Christmas Carol the story of the old miser who declares Christmas “humbug” has been a popular favourite on stage, screen and television. This musical version by Englishwoman Sue Sewell, a Sunshine Coast resident, mixes Christmas carols with some simple original songs in telling the story of the old miser who experiences redemption after being visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

With solo piano accompaniment by Stuart Crisp, Nash Theatre’s production had the feeling of an end-of-year village church concert. Only two of the cast of 19 could really sing, Stuart Fisher as the Spirit of Christmas Present, and Maddie Wilson as Mrs Cratchit, with the rest of the company falling into the category of actors who carry a tune. Barry Haworth was an irascible Scrooge, a mean old man who finally found some Christmas spirit and compassion. It was a nice performance. Scott West also did well as Fred, as did Daniel Medda (Bob Cratchit) and John Tiplady (Narrator). “You Can’t Take It with You When You Go”, sung by Maddie Wilson, Emily McCormack and Colleen Crisp was the liveliest of the original songs.

Co-directors Brenda White and Jonathan Collins staged Scrooge’s ‘dream’ scenes behind a full-stage scrim with most of the other action (office and bed) in front of it. Visually it worked well but it had the effect of robbing some of the songs of presence and vitality.

Peter Pinne