21 Dec 2023
Deborah Heath explores a remarkable interactive take on the Dickens classic at the Roman Theatre in Verulamium…
Quite the best prelude to my yuletide season was watching OVO’s promenade performance of A Christmas Carol. Staged at various points around the Roman Theatre site, the characters guided their audience between each scene, often with singing and other audience participation. If you like theatre and/or treasure trails this is the show for you!
Having already seen the show last year, I was late to get my ticket this time but am very glad I did.
This production simply goes from strength to strength and leaves one feeling warm even in these chilly temperatures.
The range of experiences presented to us from directors Adam Nichols and Janet Podd were super.
Sometimes, it was a simply fantastic straight piece of theatre such as the appearance of the ghost of Christmas Past (played with great strength by Katie Hamilton), which is doubly chilling for it happening in the dark. Another example was the merging of audience and actors during the Cratchits’ Christmas dinner when young spectators were picked to sit at the table and participate.
Perhaps the most magical part of the show however, was the middle section in which we all became guests at the Fezziwigs’ Christmas party. This was a masterstroke because many people were ready for a hot drink from the bar at this point. We were taught a simple dance routine and enjoyed part singing (it was a little tricky to read the lyrics in the dark) while the atmospheric fairy lights marked out the beautiful historic site. This was a spine-tingling immersive scene which left us warmer in body and spirit and ready for more!
I was impressed with everyone’s acting, especially because the performers didn’t appear to be distracted by the cold conditions. Vocal projection was set just right for this outdoor space, and was altered with skill depending whether the actors were above, alongside or even behind us. Most played multiple roles and switched between them seamlessly such as OVO stalwart Anna Franklin.
A shout out for Will Kirkham and Harry Boyd who acted as our guides and kept the singing going. David Widdowson was a thoroughly believable Scrooge and portrayed his extremes of character and emotional journey without a touch of ham (which is sometimes the case with this role.)
Knowing the text very well, I felt it had been adapted expertly by Janet Podd. The play focussed on the most important drivers of the story and was just the right length at an hour – more than this would have been too cold for everyone concerned!
The only addition to this production which could possibly elevate it further would be the use of live music – just a violin and ukulele or guitar would have taken it to the next level. Playing outside in the cold with numb fingers is a challenge so I do understand why perhaps the directors had decided against this!
Thank you OVO for another fantastic Christmas treat. I can’t wait to see what you bring us next year!
