Simple yet Effectively Magical

TNT’s latest offering to Singapore, A Christmas Carol, is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. This stage adaptation is timely, playing in Singapore during the world wide release of Disney’s screen adaptation of the same story and the lighting up of the streets of Singapore.

The play was staged simply with the director content to let the actors and the story do the talking. What was most striking was how the actors and the acting was the main focus of the production, in contrast to what Singapore audiences are used to – productions where multi media and other production take center stage. The audience was treated to a real feast of music, vocals and story telling.

The cast is led by Anthony Pedley as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Anthony Pedley gave a strong performance, bringing alive on stage Scrooge with all his mean heartedness. What was most enjoyable were the tableaux which were created on stage. The ensemble created a clock on stage with clever staging and use of vocals. The method of creating imagery with just imaginative direction was simple and effective.

The director’s training in the Grotowski Method is highlighted in how he approached the staging of this classic. The staging relied very heavily on the actors and their interaction with the audience. Sets, lights, props and costumes were kept to a bare minimum with the staging reliant purely on the actors. The intimate nature of Jubilee hall allowed the actors to fully engage the audience, highlighting the message of this timeless tale.

This heartwarming Christmas classic is a must see this festive season and I would strongly recommend this production. And for those who would not spend the little to support this production, well, beware a visit from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.