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You are here: Home / Arts / Review by Hazel Bateman: A Christmas Carol by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

Review by Hazel Bateman: A Christmas Carol by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players

November 23, 2018 By Hazel Bateman Leave a Comment

I enjoyed a very entertaining evening yesterday when I went to watch A Christmas Carol by the Chandler’s Ford MDG Players. It was held in the Dovetail Centre of the Methodist Church, and this venue facilitated an intimate theatre experience.

The production followed Charles Dickens’ famous story using acting, narration, carol singing and audience participation for the sound effects, which was great fun! The play was brilliantly adapted by James Reynard.

A Christmas Carol - adapted by James Reynard, performed by Chandler's Ford MDG Players.
A Christmas Carol – adapted by James Reynard, performed by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players.

The set, costumes and lighting were simple but effective, as we were transported from Scrooge’s counting office to London streets, Bob Cratchett’s poverty stricken home and through history with the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Bob Cratchit (Mike Slatcher) is berated by Ebenezer Scrooge (Lester Parry)
Bob Cratchit (Mike Slatcher) is berated by Ebenezer Scrooge (Lester Parry)

Lester Parry: commanding performance as Scrooge

Lester Parry gave a commanding performance as Scrooge, taking us through the range of emotions Scrooge experiences during his transition from miser to bringer of Christmas cheer. Tiny Tim, played by James Greenham, won everybody’s heart!

Lester Parry (Scrooge) and the cast
Lester Parry (Scrooge) and the cast
Bob Cratchit (Mike Slatcher), Mrs Cratchit (Christine Slatcher), and Tiny Tim (James Greenham).
Bob Cratchit (Mike Slatcher), Mrs Cratchit (Christine Slatcher), and Tiny Tim (James Greenham). Image: Ali Baseley.

Excellent narrators

The four narrators took the story forward between scenes with ease and expression, as well as prompting ‘clanking chains’, ‘ghostly wails’ ‘bells’ and ‘Christmas cheer’ sound effects from the audience as appropriate.

I had been told of the high standard of acting maintained by this group and I was not disappointed as each actor played his/her part really well. Mike Standing is to be congratulated on a super production.

Mike Standing is to be congratulated on a super production.
Mike Standing is to be congratulated on a super production.

Festive treats

During the interval, refreshments were provided very efficiently by members of the church house groups. I was impressed to find gluten-free mince pies on offer too!

Refreshment with festive treats - including gluten-free mince pies. Image via Pixabay
Refreshment with festive treats – including gluten-free mince pies.

I will keep my eye out for their next production – it is good to have the opportunity to attend quality entertainment without driving out of Chandler’s Ford.

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Tags: A Christmas Carol, acting, arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, community, Dovetail Centre, drama, entertainment, event, fiction, humour, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, review, social, theatre, Winchester Road

About Hazel Bateman

I have lived in Chandler's Ford since 1987. I collect food donations from St. Boniface and St. Martin in the Wood every week and transport them to Eastleigh Basics Bank. I also carry out other voluntary work for the church as part of my Christian lifestyle.

I work part-time as a self-employed assessor/tutor for dyslexic children. My hobbies include reading, 1000 piece jigsaws and walking in the countryside.

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