22 Dec 2024
This is the third year that OVO have run their promenade performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Roman Theatre and here’s the headline – it just keeps getting better and better!
Although a small part of me was hoping they might choose a different Dickens Christmas story this year, I recognise the benefit of taking this ever-popular classic and fine-tuning it to perfection. It makes OVO’s Christmas Carol a “destination” show with people coming not just from St Albans but London and further afield to experience a story they love in the magical setting of the Roman Theatre. It is at Christmas particularly when traditions seem to be important and attending the annual OVO show is certainly one of mine as is the knowledge that they will not fail to surprise and challenge me.
This year boasts a brilliantly fun new adaptation by writer Mark O’Sullivan in which the story is portrayed by a highly energetic team of four actors. The script flows well with a good balance of respecting Dickens’ own words and matching it to the practicalities of the space and interactive style of a promenade performance. I really appreciated the way participatory carol singing is woven through the play – there were elements of group song last year but not on this level. In addition, the subtly and well-placed speakers throughout the Roman Theatre projected the beautifully composed and arranged music by Kezia Tomsett very well.
My problem here is I don’t want to tell you too much of what’s in store for an audience member for fear of destroying the surprises and I feel that this is particularly important when the plot is already known. Let’s just say that you will be kept active, engaged and in some cases involved in the storytelling thanks to the energetic cast of four who multirole under the guise of the Cornhill Carollers.
The actors are on rotation and I was pleased to see Anna MacLeod Franklin, Will Kirkham, Grace Bassett and Zoe Watkins on the night I attended. They mastered all their roles but I particularly liked Will Kirkham’s Marley, Grace Bassett’s ghosts, Anna MacLeod Franklin’s Mrs Fezziwig and Zoe Watkins’ Old Scrooge. As the Cornhill Carollers, they made the audience feel welcome throughout and warmed to the heart which meant the cold weather was only able to bite as far as our cheeks.
Simon Nicholas’ set is outstanding this year keeping a couple of pieces that worked really well in 2023 but experimenting further by ensuring that every single performance space on this magical mystery tour of the historic site is lit and dressed in the best and sometimes most surprising way. I particularly admire Simon’s design considering that he has the extra restriction of working in a protected heritage area combined with the challenges of the winter weather. Martin Ruff had similar challenges as technical director too and his work was also outstanding. The same goes for Jenny Jarvis’ costume design which had to look correct but also keep the actors warm and was well achieved. Martyn Jolly’s props were practical and beautiful and Helena Davies puppets were a stroke of genius!
Director Kelly Ann Stewart whose overall vision causes this new adaptation to thrive says “our aim is to move you, to make you laugh, and to make you reflect with a tear in your eye. Ultimately, that’s what Dickens would have hoped for. Well she has certainly achieved this which is testament to not only her creative work preparing the cast for their characters but her clear skills of working effectively with all contributors from design to tech. Once again Kelly has proved herself to be one to watch!
To return to my earlier point about OVO’s ‘Christmas Carol’ being a tradition, it proves that traditions do not have to be dull – they are merely a comfortable basisupon which to challenge people. Every time I attend an OVO Christmas show I come away appreciating something new from design or performance to a theme in the story. This is an enduring tale because it is ever relevant and like Scrooge we need to reflect on what we can do to bring kindness and tolerance to those around us at Christmas time and beyond.
