REVIEW
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
WORLD PREMIERE EXTRAORDINAIRE!
A TALE OF REDEMPTION LIKE NO OTHER AWAITS!
Step into the bustling streets of London as Gobi Bear Productions presents the most spellbinding theatrical experience of the season!
✭✭✭✭☆ 4/5
WORLD PREMIERE EXTRAORDINAIRE!
A TALE OF REDEMPTION LIKE NO OTHER AWAITS!
Step into the bustling streets of London as Gobi Bear Productions presents the most spellbinding theatrical experience of the season!
"THAT'S THE SPIRIT MR SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS ROCK OPERA"
THREE ENCHANTED EVENINGS ONLY
December 19th, 22nd & 23rd
The Fickle Pickle, London Road
THREE ENCHANTED EVENINGS ONLY
December 19th, 22nd & 23rd
The Fickle Pickle, London Road
Photo: Kenneth Campbell
"This story's good to hear, this time of year!"
It’s not often you get to witness the World Premiere of a Rock Opera but last night was the very first performance That’s the Spirit Mr Scrooge - A Christmas Rock Opera, brought to the stage of Westcliff music venue, the Fickle Pickle (next door to Chinnerys). It’s quite an appropriate setting for the production, as looking out from the audience, the walls of the venue are covered with posters of bands of every genre, who are lined up to play or have previously played here. It's quite a catalogue. The vibe is set.
Another thing that’s appropriate is the subject matter; with less than a week before Christmas Day, what better story than that of Charle’s Dickens’ immortal masterpiece, A Christmas Carol and its infamous protagonist, Ebenezeer Scrooge. The script is taken from the novel and the narrative drives this musical along, nicely leading into each number. The script has been written by Sebastian Abineri who was also due to be playing the role of Scrooge. Unfortunately, however, an announcement at the beginning of the show, informed the audience that Mr Abineri had been taken ill (and to hospital) within the last few days and so the role of Scrooge was shared between Jonathan Buxton and Alex Abineri. (I have since been told that thankfully Mr Abineri is recovering well). I have to say that if I hadn’t known about this, I would have been none the wiser as both actors slotted into the role with ease.
The storyline, naturally, takes on Scrooge’s extraordinary journey from miserable old skinflint to generous soul with the visits of four ghosts who each show him the error of his ways and make him realise that he has the ability to redeem his curmudgeonly, mean ways.
It’s a fairly small cast (even smaller of course with the absence of Mr Abineri) with all of the performers switching roles seamlessly. Jonathan Buxton kicks off as Scrooge in a fairly traditional manner and then takes on the roles of the Ghost of Christmas Present and Fezziwig. Eleanor Warner Larthe and Nadezhda Beaumont-Lockley provide some lovely backing vocals and also in their own right in the parts of Scrooge’s sister, Fran, and Belle and Lily and the Ghost of Christmas Past respectively. James Cohen takes on the roles of Bob Cratchet, which is nicely played, and the younger Scrooge. Alex Abineri plays Scrooge, physically and vocally morphing through Buxton’s portrayal, as well as Fred and Jacob Marley, which was one of the more impressive characterisations of the evening.
Another thing that’s appropriate is the subject matter; with less than a week before Christmas Day, what better story than that of Charle’s Dickens’ immortal masterpiece, A Christmas Carol and its infamous protagonist, Ebenezeer Scrooge. The script is taken from the novel and the narrative drives this musical along, nicely leading into each number. The script has been written by Sebastian Abineri who was also due to be playing the role of Scrooge. Unfortunately, however, an announcement at the beginning of the show, informed the audience that Mr Abineri had been taken ill (and to hospital) within the last few days and so the role of Scrooge was shared between Jonathan Buxton and Alex Abineri. (I have since been told that thankfully Mr Abineri is recovering well). I have to say that if I hadn’t known about this, I would have been none the wiser as both actors slotted into the role with ease.
The storyline, naturally, takes on Scrooge’s extraordinary journey from miserable old skinflint to generous soul with the visits of four ghosts who each show him the error of his ways and make him realise that he has the ability to redeem his curmudgeonly, mean ways.
It’s a fairly small cast (even smaller of course with the absence of Mr Abineri) with all of the performers switching roles seamlessly. Jonathan Buxton kicks off as Scrooge in a fairly traditional manner and then takes on the roles of the Ghost of Christmas Present and Fezziwig. Eleanor Warner Larthe and Nadezhda Beaumont-Lockley provide some lovely backing vocals and also in their own right in the parts of Scrooge’s sister, Fran, and Belle and Lily and the Ghost of Christmas Past respectively. James Cohen takes on the roles of Bob Cratchet, which is nicely played, and the younger Scrooge. Alex Abineri plays Scrooge, physically and vocally morphing through Buxton’s portrayal, as well as Fred and Jacob Marley, which was one of the more impressive characterisations of the evening.
Photo: Kenneth Campbell
Acting performances aside, the crux of this production is the music and Martin Clarke’s score is a joy from the opening number to Cratchet’s 70s folksy song “He’s Making Money”, to the melancholy yet humorous ‘Cheese” song and the barnstormingly lively Fezziwig number which seemed to be the audience’s favourite. Every song is impressively produced and played by the accompanying band, directed by Clarke who is also on guitar alongside Mark Elliot on Lead Guitar, Nancy Warner on Bass, Archie Elliot on Drums and Mike Applewhite on Keys, Flute and Saxophone. These guys sounded tight and together they create a fantastic sound number after number.
Director, Sally Millest has worked the cast nicely with stage movement that lends itself to the piece and is subtle enough not to detract from the music and lyrics.
Highlights of the show for me were Marley’s initial appearance to Scrooge through the darkness aided by some lovely lighting from Liam Pike and great sound produced from Joe Lamb creating a great mood. At first I thought Marley’s words were a recording but Abineri’s spookily spoken vocals were utterly as mesmerising as they were terrifying (he reminded me a little of Richard Burton in War of the Worlds) which segued into his ‘Chain of Life” song. I also enjoyed the Fezziwig number. James Cohen’s song as young Scrooge was a beautifully sung ballad alongside Eleanor Warner Larthe playing Belle. Jonathan Buxton also had a chance to show off his vocals as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Director, Sally Millest has worked the cast nicely with stage movement that lends itself to the piece and is subtle enough not to detract from the music and lyrics.
Highlights of the show for me were Marley’s initial appearance to Scrooge through the darkness aided by some lovely lighting from Liam Pike and great sound produced from Joe Lamb creating a great mood. At first I thought Marley’s words were a recording but Abineri’s spookily spoken vocals were utterly as mesmerising as they were terrifying (he reminded me a little of Richard Burton in War of the Worlds) which segued into his ‘Chain of Life” song. I also enjoyed the Fezziwig number. James Cohen’s song as young Scrooge was a beautifully sung ballad alongside Eleanor Warner Larthe playing Belle. Jonathan Buxton also had a chance to show off his vocals as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Photo: Kenneth Campbell
All of the songs really tick the rock opera boxes to drive the show along and the varying genres of music in this show are interwoven with classic rock, prog rock, folk rock, with even a bit a ska and operatic tones to lend itself to the spoken word narrative.
The production does seem to come to a halt rather abruptly once the the last Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come has made its appearance; where Scrooge finally comes to realise his misgivings and the cast launch into a raucously joyous “I Am Redemption Man”.
The whole show is just an hour and half with no interval and for just £12.50 this is really an experience you won’t want to miss, unless you are a bit of a Scrooge yourself of course. For a concept piece this is already in a good place and has amazing potential to become a popular Christmas feature for years to come.
Grab your tickets now so you can say you saw it first!
Review: Kim Tobin
The production does seem to come to a halt rather abruptly once the the last Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come has made its appearance; where Scrooge finally comes to realise his misgivings and the cast launch into a raucously joyous “I Am Redemption Man”.
The whole show is just an hour and half with no interval and for just £12.50 this is really an experience you won’t want to miss, unless you are a bit of a Scrooge yourself of course. For a concept piece this is already in a good place and has amazing potential to become a popular Christmas feature for years to come.
Grab your tickets now so you can say you saw it first!
Review: Kim Tobin
All Photos: Kenneth Campbell
Charles Dickens' immortal masterpiece springs to magnificent life through Martin Clarke's soaring melodies and unforgettable lyrics.
Witness Ebenezer Scrooge's extraordinary journey from miserly curmudgeon to generous soul, told with musical grandeur that would make the great author himself weep with joy!
Experience the magic as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come guide our tormented protagonist through a symphony of transformation.
This December, join us for a Christmas Carol that will echo in your heart long after the final curtain falls.
Witness Ebenezer Scrooge's extraordinary journey from miserly curmudgeon to generous soul, told with musical grandeur that would make the great author himself weep with joy!
Experience the magic as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come guide our tormented protagonist through a symphony of transformation.
This December, join us for a Christmas Carol that will echo in your heart long after the final curtain falls.
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Scrooge ticket links
23rd of December https://wegottickets.com/event/674307 22nd of December https://wegottickets.com/event/674306 19th of December https://wegottickets.com/event/674301 |