A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2019
The Forge at The Court in the Pub Charity Studio, Christchurch
30/11/2019 - 21/12/2019
Production Details
FOURTH YEAR OF FESTIVE FUN IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Yule not want to miss this show – classic Christchurch comedy A Christmas Carol is back in time for the silly season, with a brand-new twist!
“We’ve got a new cast as I wore the last ones out,” laughs writer and director Dan Bain. “While I was sad to lose my veterans, the chance to rewrite the show with brand-new voices was a lot of fun and has leant itself very well to the final new thing – jokes.”
Court Theatre favourites Roy Snow (Fresh Off the Boat) and Hillary Moulder (Jesus Christ Superstar) are taking the reindeer reins from Gregory Cooper and Kathleen Burns, bringing a fresh flavour to this comedy extravaganza.
With just two cast members and a musician (Tom Harris returning for a fourth season), audiences can expect a fast-paced and funny Christmas treat that’s the perfect way to get yourself in the spirit of the season.
Following the story of Charles Dicken’s classic yuletide tale, Snow, Moulder and Harris will be recreating the entirety of A Christmas Carol – with a little help from the audience, of course!
Perfect for families and staff functions alike, you might just see your co-worker becoming the Ghost of Christmas Past, with your kids being called upon to play members of the Cratchit family.
“The show is built on kindness, community and a shared sense of play,” explains Bain, reassuring that no one should be worried about being called on-stage. “We make sure everyone has a good time.”
Following classic character Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas and encouraged to become a more generous man in the spirit of the season, this magical show is perfect for all ages.
“Christmas is about being part of something larger than your family or workplace,” says Bain. “Like comedy.”
The Forge at The Court Theatre’s Pub Charity Studio
30 November – 21 December 2019
Show Sponsor: Phantom Billstickers
Cast
Actress Hillary Moulder
Actor Roy Snow
Musician Tom Harris
Theatre , Musical , Family ,
Fun, festive fare
Review by Ruth Agnew 02nd Dec 2019
For the fourth year, Dan Bain and the Court Jesters have tampered with Dickens’ classic tale, presenting the traditional tale of Christmases past, present and future with two actors, a musician and of course, plenty of help from the audience, This has turned into a yuletide tradition as unique to Christchurch as the Christmas lights in Halswell or Christmas in (Hagley) Park.
Roy Snow plays Ebenezer Scrooge, leaving every other role to be played by the endlessly energetic Hillary Moulder and an assortment of ‘volunteers’ plucked from the audience. It is this reliance on the (good)willingness of people plucked from their seats to embody the parts of Tiny Tim, Mr and Mrs Cratchett, a trio of ghosts, a portly gentleman, and of course, a polar bear, that makes this show special.
For those who are more familiar with Snow as a dramatic actor, this is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy his comedic chops. Moulder may be better known for her Court Theatre credits in musical theatre; she is also an Apprentice Court Jester, and her gift for improvisation and her flawless comic timing are evident here. The actors must negotiate the weighty words plucked from the pages of Dickens’ original text alongside cheesy puns. Phrases like Jacob Marley’s ghost appearing “like a bad lobster in a dark cellar” are given voice alongside “I’m dickensening myself into a hole” by these versatile actors.
For the last three years, the entire season of A Christmas Carol has sold out, so I advise getting your tickets for this fun, festive fare fast. The joy of Bain’s script is that no two shows are ever the same, so you can enjoy this show year after year. Ōtautahi audiences deserve a distinctly Christchurch Christmas celebration, so after perusing the Ballantynes window and placing a flower in the top of a road cone, enjoy another helping of A Christmas Carol at the Court Theatre.
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