A CHRISTMAS Carol was the perfect way to get into the festive spirit in Brecon..
Despite the cast being disadvantaged from the start, they pulled together incredibly to deliver an eerie and emotional performance.
It was announced at the start of the show at Theatr Brycheiniog that main actor Jared Morgan, who was supposed to be Ebenezer Scrooge, was unable to perform due to illness in last Friday night’s performance
However actor Graham Hill stepped in at the last minute to ensure that the opening night could go on.
A spokeswoman from Chapterhouse Theatre Company said: “Unfortunately Jared is ill and has had to leave the tour early as a result so he wasn’t at any of the Theatr Brycheiniog shows nor will he be at any of the further shows.”
After the first scene Mr Hill was left acting with his script in his hand, however he was still incredibly believable as Scrooge.
Mr Hill could have done with looking a bit older for the role, however this is not a huge surprise considering the circumstances.
Despite the small audience at the opening night of around 150 people, the cast from the Chapterhouse Theatre Company were not lacking in energy.
The characters were played by a multi-rolling cast made of seven people who gave a fantastic portrayal of Laura Turner’s play adaption of the Charles Dickens classic.
It’s hard to pick a star of the show, however Dan Hazelwood who played young Scrooge, Fred Scrooge and Peter Cratchit stood out along with Dominic Vallance who played five separate characters including three of Scrooge’s spiritual encounters.
As well as playing a believable child, it became quite emotional on stage as the audience could see Mr Hazelwood deliver young Scrooge’s raw emotions while dealing with his neglectful father, the death of his sister and the romantic saga with Belle.
Imogen Parker who played Belle, as well as Martha Cratchit and Beth Scrooge, gave the character a greater sense of independence than seen in previous renditions.
Ms Parker had a beautiful voice on the stage and impressed the audience as she sang acapella in once of Belle’s first scenes.
Jacob Marley, played by Dominic Vallance, entered the stage surrounded by gloomy lighting, mist and with sound effects such as clanking chains.
Mr Vallance gave an outstanding performance in all of his roles which also included the school master and the lovable Fezziwig. He was one of the highlights of the night as each character had its own personality.
Gareth Cary was another excellently diverse actor as the audience received the loveable Bob Cratchit and Scrooge Senior - the true villain of the whole night, complete with disturbing facial expressions.
Jessamy James made the crowd uncomfortable as the beggar woman with her voice echoing around the auditorium with “God have mercy on your soul”, but she was also perfect as the feisty Mrs Cratchit.
The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Jasmine Earl, was a wonderful combination of creepiness and childlike-innocence.
Meanwhile the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Mr Vallance, combined the cheer which is loved by audiences globally with more sinister undertones of using Scrooge’s previous words and his father’s attitude against him.
The audience were in for a treat with the Ghost of Christmas Future as, while there aren’t any muppets present in this rendition, a menacing ten feet tall grim-reaper like puppet entered the dark stage behind Scrooge - controlled by Mr Vallance.
Children in the audience could be heard telling their parents they were afraid of the figure which maintained its deafening silence as it loomed over the other actors.
Complete with fake snow, an intricate set, aesthetic lighting and a fog machine, the play was gripping from start to finish and told the redemptive classic well.