Cratchit is playing at The Park Theatre until 9th January 2021 (click here to book).
The production runs at about 2hrs (with an interval) and is playing in the Park 90 space.
The production is written by Alexander Knott and is a reimagining of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge but from the perspective of Bob Cratchit.
It is a bitterly cold winter in London Town, and as it turns out, Ebenezer Scrooge wasn’t the only person to be visited by spirits one bleak and haunted Christmas Eve!
Regular readers will know that I have been many times to The Park and in both of its performance spaces. The larger Park200 and the more intimate Park90. During lockdown they certainly undertook some conversion work however all of the theatres facilities are great with a really friendly environment. Located a short walk from Finsbury Park Tube and Rail stations.
This production is playing in the Park90 space and when you enter you are entering a cold and bleak counting house.
The bare floorboards are edged with snow at the front of the stage and piles of snow are at the stage rear. At the back of the stage is array of wooden strips like trees, creating a forest feel, rising from the snow. Positioned rear stage left is a wooden frame to represent the door to the house which is mobile and is used throughout the play at various points on the stage to represent doors of various houses. It isn’t a square frame so this works well to create the old fashioned building feel. Centre stage is a table at a slight angle to the audience. Initially this has a candle placed on it and a small stool neatly placed underneath. A simple but effective set, setting the scene well.
About five minutes before the start, Bob Cratchet appears. He slowly hangs up his hat before taking a seat at the table. Carefully moving the candle, he removes, from a squeaky draw, a ledger and two small books and starts to work. Periodically rubbing his hands to keep warm and fixing his coat to protect from the cold. The desk set with the books out, ink pot ready, he acts reading a ledger until the lights dim and the play starts. A great way to start the play and introduce the setting.
The play is a two hander but they perform not only the main characters but also switch to other characters. It is clear that the two actors have bonded during the rehearsals as their interactions flow. Subtle changes to set or costumes are smoothly carried out which is a sign of how this bond helps the production.
John Dagleish (playing Bob Cratchit, Scrooge and Threadneedle) is excellent at playing all the characters. He manages to switch to each character quickly which is combined with a change in lighting to enhance the change. It is credit to his skills that each character is different in stature and or expression ensuring that the audience can clearly follow the change. He has a great voice that creates excellent accents for the characters. As a hunched up, gnarly handed man that oozes humbug vibes. As Threadnedle, he creates a wild eyed villain with a great stature. These characters sit well with his skills and bring the story along. His main role as Bob Cratchit is brilliant. Almost a monologue in style, he delivers a character that is both strong but with moments of weakness balanced with humour and audience interaction. I loved the way he transfers from characters yet manages to keep the flow of the story and has you believing that both characters are there. I loved many screens but particularly the scene where Cratchit first meets Threadneedle which is cleverly and humorously acted.
Freya Sharp (playing Martha Cratchit, nephew Fred, Tim Cratchit, John Stoneworth and Rob) is excellent at playing the characters. Although bone thinks that the main character would be Cratchit’s wife,Martha, this isn’t the case. All the characters are played with great energy and presence. Where she shines is as Stoneworth who is confident and funny and works well with the nervous Cratchit. To assist the story, she appears as various ghosts as Tim, haunting Cratchit in various reincarnations. A great charter that works well. I loved the scene where Tim is modern and in soho.
Overall this is a great re- telling from a different perspective of the classic. There are moments that draw you in and moments that have you wondering what is happening. The relationship between the old and new story is at times a little heavy and unnecessary but stick with it and it blossoms in the end. An unusual piece that opens a new ledger for any story.
NUMB BUM 