“Yes, everyone knows the story, and yes, you’ve probably seen it before, but we doubt you’ll have ever seen it quite like this!”
So says Smoking Apples Co Artistic Director Hattie Thomas, as Cornerstone Arts Centre is transformed into a Victorian winter wonderland this December, where you can watch Mr Scrooge travel through time to learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Confronting Christmas past, present and future, this stunning new adaptation of A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ tale of redemption and compassion – is coming to Didcot over the festive season, complete with a cast of local children.
Yes, two casts of young people will be the beating heart of this warming festive show, playing everything from playful and naughty Victorian children who won’t go to bed, to puppeteers.
“Working with a young, talented cast for the first time is hugely exciting -they bring a real energy to the stage”
“It’s a festive, fun-packed Christmas show with something for everyone and a little bit more,” Hattie promises.
A year in the planning, Cornerstone are making sure local people have got an action packed, professional show to enjoy this Christmas.
Hattie adds: “Working with a young, talented cast for the first time is hugely exciting. And as it’s a show about humanity, it feels completely right that we’re extending the company to include some brilliant local young people and they give it a real energy.”
“it feels like the right message, to enjoy being with friends and family, to be thankful for what we have got and to look out for each other”
The children, who will play multiple roles, were picked after extensive auditions, and the entire cast are now in earnest rehearsals preparing for the opening night.
Audiences can expect to come face to face with magical spirits, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, in this reinvention of Charles Dickens’ classic story with world class puppetry included.
So suitable for all ages? “We’ve said 4+ but the story is timeless because it’s about someone being given a second chance to change their ways and think about what’s really important in life.
“it’s bigger and bolder than anything we’ve done before “
“And with budgets stretched tighter this year it feels like the right message, that we need to enjoy being with friends and family, being thankful for what we have got and looking out for and caring for each other.”
“Put it this way, it’s bigger and bolder than anything we’ve done before so we really hope everyone will come to A Christmas Carol because we are going to show the audience a really good time,” Hattie promises.
The Nourish Café will also be transformed into a spellbinding Victorian scene and will be open before and after the show, with lots of options for the whole family from bagels, hot chocolate and locally sourced cakes to festive mulled wine and mince pies.
A Christmas carol runs at Didcot’s Cornerstone from Saturday 17 to Saturday 24 December. To book tickets or find out more visit http://www.cornerstone-arts.org/whats/christmas-carol
