A Christmas Carol – Norton Priory

Theres something so magical about seeing the Dickens masterpiece ‘A Christmas Carol’ played live around Christmas time.  We are all drawn to watch a version of the story around the season whether it be the Alistair Sim black and white classic or the Muppet version, it is a tale that we all know and love.

So, I have seen several short plays, shown in front of the iconic grand  entrance to the priory and the huge double doors of the entrance are a magnificent backdrop – and for this play were used wonderfully being the entrance for each ghost to appear through billows of smoke.    

For tonight’s short rendition ( 1 hour) of the tale of reflection, anguish and remorse, there were just 5 cast members – the formidable Ebeneezer Scrooge , played superbly by  Chris Brett ; the storyteller and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come , played superbly by Kate Allerston, various roles, the Hatchet family , ‘Want’ and ‘Ignorance’ and Scrooge’s past memories played authentically by Lucy Hilditch and Aj Howell and lastly  -the story teller, Scrooge’s uncle Fred, Mr Fezziwig, Jacob Marley, and Bob Cratchitt played sublimely with oomph and gusto throughout  by Caroline Heywood .The costumes were remarkable (Kate Allerston) and the production/sound and lightening  outstanding (Chris Bastock) . 

The five actors had the audience participate throughout, either by ‘volunteering’ to join the cast, by dance participation or by asking questions – all in the spirit (pardon the pun) of a Christmas panto – and the audience welcomed this, as they did the chocolate coins that were lavished upon them.   

The story, depicting the life of a cold, cruel and lonely man – who, through visions of his past, present and future life, is awakened to the fact that life is a joyous thing and that friendship and love can change his very soul – was delivered wonderfully in this equally wonderful setting and in the days leading to Christmas, I can think of no better way to spend an evening than with this amazing cast, as they bring this classic tale to you in the most intimate surroundings .

I would recommend highly that in the short opening available, you go to see these great actors deliver their version of this family-friendly classic.

The show is on 19^th and 20^th December  – at 6pm and 7.45pm – for 1 hour (no interval) Tickets are 12 adults £8 children.

A Classic Christmas Tale of delight!

Reviewer: Jan Mellor

Reviewed: 18th December 2024

North West End UK Rating: