A Christmas Carol

This classic Dickens tale of redemption and an idealised Victorian Christmas was performed by the Roan Theatre Company and directed by Mandy Brown at the Tyler Theatre in Eltham to full houses over four nights. Graham Johnson was excellent as Scrooge who from his initial dramatic and sinister appearance proved suitably mean and dominant in his bleak world until the appearance of the first spirit reduced him to a passive and reactive character beforel his rebirth on Christmas morning when his benign and hyperactive alter ego provided a challenge that even defeated Alistair Sim in the definitive film version. Trevor Talbot stole the show and was outstanding both as Jacob Marley and the Spirit of Christmas Present. Alison McGuirk played the Spirit of Christmas Past as a sultry seductress with red pre-Raphaelite hair and fluttering eyelids. Alf Knott provided an expansive portrayal of Fezziwig with grand gestures. Kevin Dineen is relatively new to the company but shone in the ensemble playing as Miss Fezziwig's admirer and added his fine voice to the joviality as well as his excellent portrayal as Bob Cratchit. David Peckham provided very versatile support appearing as the young Ebenezer and enjoyably as Fred the nephew. Glynis Watson, Teresa Wilkins and Isabel Trafford provided an attractive and informative chorus. Jessica Brown and Ben Wilkins were constantly strong as various children but special note must be made of Joe Wilkins as Tiny Tim whose solo Christmas carol received the loudest applause of the evening. Beryl Knott gave us a very enjoyable cameo as the charwoman and two other fine cameos were provided by Vincent Bennett as the Milkman and Old Joe. Other support was provided by Geraldine Day as Mrs Cratchit, Barbara Roe, Richard Rickson, Len Quaife, Joan Stanbridge, Claire Talbot and Jean Wilkins.

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