Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 FAIRLIGHT PLAYERS

'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens

How we got involved in this play, is a long story. Let's just say we were involved, as the words of encouragement from one of the Directors says "on our debut as actors, dancers plus stage hand and wardrobe mistress" - "Break a leg".

Margie being more careful than me in the 'leg break' department, as she had to scale the steps to the stage, while I remained back stage !

So we were leaping around dressed as Party people, while City folk (Margie) and the Ghost of Christmas Future (Bill) had a less energetic stage presence. (This explains last Friday's Music Spot [link] from the band Ghost for those of you wondering what that was about.) 

It was a large cast, with a lot going on. So how did it go ?  In a word: Logistics ! Everything in its place and a place for everything... scenery, costumes even the actors. Knowing our cues, lines (not in my case) and helping with props were necessary. It was great fun. The audience reaction and the joyful singing at the end summed it up. 

My favourite scene was the Pawnbroker one. While Scrooge was excellent, remembering all his lines and young James playing five characters (especially the Urchin), memories I will never forget.  

Some PICTURES as captioned

THE DANCE - was 'Sir Roger de Coverley'
Sir Roger de Coverley was a model of Christmas benevolence and charity and by association this dance became a typical Christmas dance.  (Below: 10 of us performing this Country dance). 


Ghost of Christmas Future and Scrooge


Big finish: "Deck the halls with boughs of holly"

I will leave you with more dancing. And some music ♫♫♫
- We were at the Fezziwigs' Party and so a bit merry. It wasn't supposed to look professional - and I'm sure it didn't... but it was great fun and a lot of laughs !

This is is how it might have looked in Dickens Day