A Christmas Carol- Bridge House Theatre
In the lead up to Christmas, the Dickens favourite “A Christmas Carol” was put on in the theatre above of the Bridge House Pub in Penge. The Bridge House Theatre has a strong reputation for the Christmas productions they put on. The delightful show had viewings from the 26th of November to the 22nd of December. On Top of the delightful theatre, the pub was selling a pre-theatre menu of two courses for the deal of £19.95.
A Christmas Carol was adapted by the artistic director Guy Retallack. Charles Dickens’ classic story is transformed using a simple set which is effectively used for all the scenes. The interactiveness of the cast brought the story to life and created an energetic atmosphere while the main character Ebenezer Scrooge’s undergoes his drastic character development when he is presented with the potential consequences of his lack of morality and compassion.
Turning the role of Scrooge on its head, Rachel Izen became the first actress in the UK to play the character. In an interview with London Pub Theatres, Izen said: “It’s the same, to have a woman playing a role when historically men have played women’s parts.” The role is well suited to her due to the musical aspects as her mother was an opera singer and her father, a musician. Because of her upbringing, she found herself taken by theatre from a young age.
These annual Christmas shows are ones which will sell out fast so I therefore recommend grabbing tickets early on.
Although for this year the renowned show has finished, I recommend going to the next Christmas show that is put on at the Bridge House Theatre or to attend throughout the year.
