Article
A Cornish Carol
This Christmas enjoy the festive Dickens classic like never before. Set in the streets of Camborne town, join the grumpy Scrooge on his journey through Christmas past, present and future and find out what he learns on the way!
With its Cornish twists, jolly panto spirit and a sprinkling of modern references, this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive favourite will delight audiences young and old. Written by Simon Harvey (Hireth, Brown Willy) and Richard Healey (Hireth, Hall For Cornwall Christmas Show), this production stars the fantastic Mary Woodvine (Bait, Poldark) and Ed Rowe (Bait, Hireth). The cast was also meant to feature Jenny Beare who unfortunately had to pull out of the show, but lucky for us Simon Harvey took to the stage in her place.
The show was accompanied by Richard Healey underscoring the amusing, solemn and festive moments in the show – and provided great karaoke backing. Throughout the show we were treated to a handful of Christmas songs, as well as those classic Christmas artists The Greatest Showman and Michael Jackson . . . !
The stage is dominated by a giant book, flicking from dark Camborne streets to a pasty workshop to Scrooge’s cosy house. Opening windows and collapsible set pieces fold out like a pop-up book giving a 3D effect to the backdrops.
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Mary Woodvine plays the money grabbing Scrooge with Ed Rowe and Simon Harvey don multiple outfits through fast costume changes to bring us characters including the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s sweetheart Rose, and in true Christmas tradition, a pantomime dame. We particularly loved the Ghost of Christmas Past(y) and if you want to see a life-sized pasty costume then this is the show for you!
As Scrooge is swept away on Christmas Eve to re-live his past we learn of his apprenticeship in the Wiggs Family Bakehouse. Here he dedicated his life to the art of pasty making and fell in love with the daughter of his employer, Rose. Impressed by his devotion, Scrooge is given the keys to the family business when Mr Wiggs retires. But Jacob Marley arrives and Rose and Scrooge’s happiness is disrupted by the prospect of expansion. Why keep the secret of these great pasties in Camborne when you could export them via Cornwall Airport Newquay?
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As we skip forward to the present day, Scrooge comes to visit his employee and son Timmy who gratefully share a morsel of a old Findus crispy pancake, as they can’t afford a Christmas dinner. They are content with nothing but each other and raise a glass to Mr Scrooge who is all alone on Christmas. Scrooge is then whisked away to the house of his nephew and wife who too toast to miserly old him. Invited to dinner every year, but declined the invitation, Scrooge couldn’t bear to be around all their merriment – bah humbug!
The last stop of the evening, Scrooge sees what future will befall him and those around him if he does not change his ways. Horrified at his behaviour and the prospect of a bleak future, Scrooge returns to the present day with a new lease of life. Determined to mend his wrongs and get in the festive spirit, he scraps his mass pasty production, reunites with his beloved Rose, treats his employee to a Christmas meal and even accepts the invitation to have dinner with his nephew! Hurrah!
A Christmas Cornish Carol is a delight for all the family. With physical comedy and jokes for all ages, music, song and festive cheer, come and enjoy this Cornish adaptation of a classic story. On this week at The Acorn Penzance.
DATES
9th – 14th Dec, The Acorn Penzance
16th – 17th Dec, The Regal Theatre, Redruth
18th – 21st Dec, The Burrell Theatre, Truro
27th – 28th Dec, Launceston Town Hall
View our listings here.
About The Acorn
With 40 years’ experience hosting a variety of cultural events and performances, this former Wesleyan Methodist chapel is set in the heart of the west-Cornwall community, providing an accessible cultural hub for music, theatre and dance lovers alike.
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Published on Mon 9th December