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A Shoddy Christmas Carol Lichfield Garrick Studio **** Lichfield Garrick’s programming policy of providing a studio play alternative to the high decibel chaos of the annual panto on the mainstage is a clever move. As much as every theatre relies heavily on the box office returns of traditional pantomime, many realise that it doesn’t appeal to everyone...cue the studio option. Shoddy Theatre returns to the Garrick with another adaptation of a classic story. This time, Charles Dickens' oft told tale A Christmas Carol gets the Shoddy treatment and what a yuletide joy it is to behold. We all know the story and we probably all have our favourite versions. From Alastair Sim to The Muppets, Albert Finney to Blackadder, it’s a universally popular tale and one that is ripe, of course, for satire. The premise and telling of this particular version is ingenious. We are told at the start by a flustered Stage Manager (Jacob Aldcroft) that the actors are stuck on a coach and won’t be able be make the show. It’s clearly too late to cancel as the audience are in and wanting to be entertained. Enter two more characters - the Producer (Mitch Donaldson) and the bit part actress with one line in the last scene (Becky Bartram) who is only in the show because Daddy paid for it. The Show, of course, must go on and the only thing to do is take on all the roles between them and somehow get through to the end. What could go wrong? What follows is a fast paced mix of multi role playing mayhem, combining classic farce with pinches of Monty Python and Brian Rix added to the brew. All the ingredients are there …. doors in faces, dropped trousers, dodgy props, physical comedy, bizarre character choices and structured confusion - all timed with perfection and met with obvious glee from an engaged audience. There are even Panto elements, with the fourth wall being broken at times to bring in and include the audience. Keith from Row C was asked to come onstage to help sweep up, assist with line learning and dress as a ghost. Probably more than he would have imagined when he left the house for a night out but he took on his cameo perfectly and is probably in the process of applying for an Equity Card. The three actors are tireless – never letting the ball drop as they switch from role to role via different costumes, facial expressions, posture and vocal changes. It’s a formula that could appear confusing but never does here, thanks to clear and familiar storytelling and some beautifully observed and clearly separated characterisations. Louis Whitemore’s all purpose set fits the studio space perfectly, incorporating some lovely touches such as a concealed bed and festive falling snow. All highlighted well by Adam Jeffrey’s atmospheric lighting design Shoddy Theatre emerged from a group of acting students at East 15 School wanting to present slapstick versions of classic British and American comedies. This is the latest in the Shoddy series and more will surely follow given the success and appeal so far. Good farce is not easy. A mix of pin point timing, sharp writing and physical contortions. All of that is here...in spades. Produced and Directed by Mitch Donaldson, A Shoddy Christmas Carol continues to charm the Garrick Studio until January 4th. Tickets are selling fast …. with or without Keith in the cast. Tom Roberts 11-12-25 |
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