A Christmas Carol at the Grove Theatre Review
A Christmas Carol
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
Reviewed by Tricia Shaw
My 9 year old daughter and I have had a wonderful evening at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable.
On arrival the foyer was bustling with people of all ages looking forward to a night of seasonal entertainment. Having parked a short walk away behind the theatre we made our way easily to the box office and it was not long before we were able to collect our tickets. Having bought a bag of sweets (£2.50 for a bag of fruit pastilles) we took our seats in the middle of the stalls. We had an excellent view and waited with eager anticipation for the show to begin.
The stage was set as an old street scene and the dry ice was effectively emanating a cold misty winter’s evening which soon came to life with dancing and singing from a talented and energetic cast.
We all know Charles Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by his old partner and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come and this telling of the famous tale does not disappoint. With plenty of humour, the clarity of their voices, the slick scene changes and the special effects all combined to create a fabulous show.
My daughter’s favourite character was Tiny Tim, myself I find it hard to single out a particular favourite but I loved the fun loving personification of the Ghost of Christmas Past played by Emily Froggat and the marvellous voice of Pedro Gardiner as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Ebenezer himself was also wonderfully portrayed by Stephen Emery. I especially liked the dramatic way in which Marley’s ghost arrived in Scrooge’s house and the ingenious dramatisation of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Although it is advertised as a family musical, it is in my opinion not suitable for younger children and I would not recommend it for under 7s.
Service at the bar during the interval was rather slow and we were being called back to our seats as I was being served. The staff, nonetheless, were all polite and helpful and the venue was clean and tidy. Despite the slow service I would highly recommend the Grove Theatre and look forward to my next visit later this month.
Why not go and see this brilliant show from Talkwood Productions as it continues its tour at the following venues:
7th December 2013 – Grove Theatre, Dunstable
8th December 2013 – Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
9th December 2013 – Fairfield Halls, Croydon
24th December 2013 – Watford Colosseum
16th December 2013 – 4th January 2014 – Charing Cross Theatre, London
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £13 to £21.50 (plus £1.50 booking fee).
For more information or to book tickets for A Christmas Carol at the Grove Theatre click here.
