Productions - Scrooge
Scrooge, a family affair
It's a suitable tale for this side of Christmas, and a first for Hereford Amateur Operatic Society. Added to which, Scrooge - The Musical is a family affair in more ways than one.
With mothers, daughters, siblings and old friends all putting their shoulders to the wheel, this week's production is made to seem light work.
It's effort that pays off, and you are guaranteed to leave The Courtyard feeling better about life. Star of the show Nigel Holloway carries much of the burden in a spectacular that is particularly technical.
A new director - Paul Chandler - and musical director - Carolyn Malcolm - have stretched the company in a new direction. And it shows: there is no resting on laurels and much evidence of hard work.
Credit must go to unsung heroes, vice-chairman Betty Coles and Sarah Harris, who took responsibility for overseeing the direction during the early weeks of rehearsal.
The three spirits - of Christmas past, present and future - are all ably portrayed, as is the wonderful spectacle of Scrooge's former business partner, Jacob Marley.
You'll be lucky to leave the house with a dry eye once the Cratchit family has worked its spell on you: a side of life nicely balanced by the altogether more jovial household of Scrooge's nephew, Harry.
But it remains a one-man show in many ways, because Scrooge is the story of one man's wrestling with his conscience. And you're with Nigel Holloway's Scrooge from the snivelling, embittered miser to the big-hearted Father Christmas at the end.
He took his final bow alone - and it was much deserved.
Julie Harries
Photos courtesy of: VIC HERBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 01432 273712
