A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Forge at The Court Theatre, Christchurch
30/11/2016 - 17/12/2016
Production Details
Jesters Work like The Dickens for A Christmas Carol
The Court Jesters will be working like the Dickens in A Christmas Carol – and so will some members of the audience.
Writer, director, and Artistic Director of The Court Jesters Dan Bain has used much of the original text of Charles Dickens’ classic to create a decidedly interactive interpretation that is “respectful of the story while putting it through the Jesters’ filter.”
In the novella, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is shown visions of his past, present and future by a trio of ghosts. With only two performers and a musician tasked with bringing the story to life, however, audience volunteers will be recruited to help recreate the story. The highly interactive show is “the perfect mix of classic Christmas traditions and the Jesters’ brand of fast-paced hilarity,” says Bain.
Bain deliberately chose “two of our most experienced improvisers” (Jared Corbin and Kathleen Burns) to keep the story on track, lead the audience through their roles and ensure an entertaining show for all. “They know exactly how to handle audience members and adapt quickly on the fly – even if everything goes wildly off script there’s still be fun to be had.”
Burns has recently completed a six-month tour of New Zealand naval bases performing The Complete History of the Royal New Zealand Navy (Abridged), while Corbin was most recently on The Court’s stage in The Streaker. Both are looking forward to performing in a family-friendly show for all ages.
Artistic Director of The Court Theatre, Ross Gumbley, describes A Christmas Carol as “Scrooge, plus elements of improvisation, in an intimate setting – a great rollicking way to end the year.”
With strong advance bookings for the show and some evenings sold out already, additional performances for A Christmas Carol have already been added. Audiences are encouraged to come along and enjoy a fresh take on a yuletide classic filled with Christmas spirit.
The Forge at The Court in the Pub Charity Studio
30 November – 17 December 2016
Show Times: 6pm: Mon/Thurs
7pm: Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat
4pm Matinee Saturday 10 December
Ticket Prices: Adult/Senior/Court Supporter: $20
Groups (5+): $17 | Child (Under 18): $12
Bookings: phone 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz
#ChristmasCarol #TheForge
Cast:
Jared Corbin
Kathleen Burns
Thomas Harris
Production Team:
Dan Bain: Writer/Director
Sarah Douglas: Costume Manager
Giles Tanner: Lighting Designer/Stage Manager/Operator
Ioan Bramhall: Set Designer
Sean Hawkins: Sound Designer
Christy Lassen: Properties Co-ordinator
Charlotte Lloyd: Production Manager
Theatre , Improv , Family ,
1hr 20mins (no interval)
A fabulous festive way to entertain friends and family
Review by Ruth Agnew 01st Dec 2016
What better time to get together with friends and family for a fun filled evening of entertainment than the Christmas season? The Court Jesters have taken the classic Dickens’ story and given it a modern twist. Improvisation and audience participation give each performance a fresh and original feeling.
As we are repeatedly reminded, this is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but adapted by Dan Bain. Bain’s comedy has a broad appeal, evidenced by his brilliant children’s shows and his more adult Stag Weekend. With this show he balances a healthy helping of the source material with contemporary references.
His cheeky analysis of excerpts lifted directly from the source material provides some highbrow mental stimulus mixed in with the dick(ens) jokes. There is also a degree of the unexpected in every performance, as the two actors must employ the services of numerous audience ‘volunteers’ to flesh out the 14 or so characters.
The combination of long-winded Victorian prose, punchy one liners and improvisation necessitates a couple of versatile actors. Luckily the Court Jesters has such a pairing in Kathleen “drama school grad” Burns and Jared “first/third murderer” Corbin. Both familiar faces to Christchurch audiences, Burns and Corbin are well equipped to wrangle linguistic loquaciousness and reluctant audience participants in equal parts. Burns in particular impresses with her strong vocal technique, while Corbin’s likeable but dim witted persona gives an excuse to explain parts of the plot aloud.
While the casting choices are safe bets, there is a huge element of risk in any show with so many audience volunteers. On the night I attend the people plucked from their seats are fabulous sports, entering into their roles with gusto, with some even adding their own lines and twists. More reluctant participants might not be so entertaining to watch. Hopefully the eminently likeable actors are able to reassure nervous people thrust into the limelight.
Overall this is a great evening of Yuletide yuks, and would be a fabulous festive way to entertain friends and family visiting from out of town, or as an alternative work do for those who are over the BBQ and beers traditional shout. Don’t forget to stop at the bar on your way to your seats, and enjoy the Court Jesters’ twist on a traditional tale.
Thankfully one thing has been left intact in this version; Tiny Tim’s sweet Christmas message: “God Bless us, everyone.”
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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