Review: A Christmas Carol - The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome

Review: A Christmas Carol - The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome

Posted on: 16 Nov 2023

"...far from being dark and depressing, this performance was heart-warming, magical, and also humorous."

 

I will begin by saying that you have to feel for the Scrooge's of this world. What happened in their past to make them this way, so lonely, often sad and unable to find enjoyment in the simple things? This production was thought-provoking and made me consider how our past experiences can determine our happiness or unhappiness. It made me consider and think about how not everyone is able to enjoy the festive season for a variety of reasons...be it poverty, or because of mental, physical, emotional, or psychological issues.

 

However, far from being dark and depressing, this performance was heart-warming, magical, and also humorous. I was entranced from start to finish, and was sorry to have to leave the theatre, and return to the real world! 

 

Bah humbug... Scrooge, a surprising start to the 'Silly season'! BLOC Productions' presentation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", directed by Alex Turasiewicz, and assistant director Andy Barton, is a worthy rival to "The Muppets Christmas Carol".

 

 

Alan Menken's musical adaptation was upbeat and powerful, and reminiscent of songs in the Disney adaptation of "Beauty and  Beast". This performance was conducted by the talented musical director Brendan Casey, aided by assistant musical director Lauren Davies.

 

The singing, especially by the youth group was as good as any West End cast. I was enchanted by Tiny Tim, played this evening, by Tommy Marks, a little trooper, and completely believable - a star in the making!

 

The dance routines devised by choreographer Jacquie Bell, and assistant choreographer Adele Stitch, were mesmerising, fun and energetic, carried out by a talented and extremely fit cast, in perfect synchronicity.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance delivered by an awesome cast. Special mentions go to 'Scrooge' (Simon Vardakis), 'Bob Cratchit' (Michael Griffiths), the 'Ghost of Christmas Past' (Dani Copperstone), the magical 'Ghost of Christmas Present' (Tom Carron), and 'Mrs Fezziwig' (Louise Couzens). However, everyone involved, the whole team, deserved the standing ovation.

Thank you to each and every cast member and backstage team for a memorable evening! I hope a huge amount has been raised in support of Caring in Bristol's annual Caring at Christmas campaign, a poignant reminder to us all to practice "Goodwill to all men" not just at Christmas time but all throughout the year.

 

Live for the day and don't waste a precious moment, after all, you'll never know what hand life may deal you in the future. 

 

BLOC's A Christmas Carol - The Musical runs at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday Sat 18 November 2023 - grab your tickets here.

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Article by:

Colette Hand

Colette Hand, BA graduate of Bath Spa University and retired primary school teacher. Now an avid crafter for charity and volunteer shop assistant for SENSE charity. Enjoys time spent with twin grandchildren.