Reading Rep Theatre – until 31 December 2023
Reviewed by Joanna Huggett
5*****
My friend and I went to see the show to kick off Christmas. The production made excellent use of the small space and the use of the moving set as props was very clever. The costumes were simple but effective, they needed to be given that there are only 5 cast members in the first half and 6 in the second. They were all on stage for most of the show which left very little time for costume changes!
Each cast member gave their all and was excellent throughout, I really couldn’t pick a stand out member. The lighting and sound were used to great effect. The theatre seats weren’t the most comfortable but the warm welcome from everyone at front of house made up for that.
In terms of performances, they really were all great. Jeremy Drakes transformed himself from the mean, imposing Scrooge at the beginning of the show through being scared by what he saw to the happy and kind character at the end. Charlie Warner as his long suffering assistant Bobbie Cratchit was both strong in standing up to him in places and vulnerable when being Tiny T’s worried mother. Nathalie Codsi as Belle showed Scrooge what his life could have been had he made different choices but their connection never left and was clear to see. Elijah Ferreira as Fred and Rick Romero as Hopkins both brought expertly timed humour to the production as well as drama. The young actress who played Tiny T has a bright stage future. She already has stage presence at a young age and that will only develop further with productions like this.
The story line was unchanged from the original but setting it in Reading at Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory was a stroke of genius. We really enjoyed the references to Reading Gaol and the local areas. It felt like the performance whizzed by and before we knew it it was over. We thoroughly enjoyed our night out and now Christmas has officially started.