Blairgowrie Players set to stage classic for first time
You know its Christmas, when a mean, grumpy, vindictive, child-hating, miserable, old man walks on stage ... writes Clare Damodaran.
Yes, Ebenezer Scrooge puts the damper on any party. Until one night he meets three ghosts. Can they change him?
Not normally performed as a panto, nevertheless the Blairgowrie Players’ version of A Christmas Carol by Nick Moore contains all the necessary elements - colour, humour, slapstick, songs and dances.
This is the Players’ 43rd pantomime but the first time they have performed A Christmas Carol in any form.
All the main characters of the original story are featured, including the ghosts, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Scrooge and Mrs Cratchit, who acts the “dame” part.
There are over 35 characters in the cast and this has allowed a lot of first time Players to start their careers on stage.
Pam Howat is directing again and, as usual, a large army of backstage helpers has been assembled to ensure a successful production.
Although there are some original songs in the show, there are also some well-known hits including Abba’s Money, Money, Money, Food Glorious Food, Yes Sir I Can Boogie and the Supremes’ Baby Love - retitled Scrooge-y Love - all with re-written words.
A Christmas Carol, despite being relatively short, still requires a huge number of costumes and the wardrobe ladies have been hard at work producing period panto costumes, with the set designers having a similar job to do in their area.
Blairgowrie Players’ production of A Christmas Carol will take place in Blairgowrie Town Hall from Wednesday, December 7 to Friday, December 9 at 7pm and on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 at 2pm.
Tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions) and are available now from Scotts, 29 Reform Street, 01250 874230, or by emailing blairplayers@btinternet.com.
Tickets will also be available on the door.