YORK theatre company Procter Goblins are revisiting Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol for a second winter run at the Black Swan Inn, the Peasholme Green hostelry where Dickens once stayed.
From tomorrow, Procter Goblins will take the guise of an old-fashioned theatre troupe that passes from town to town, telling Ebenezer Scrooge’s sorrowful tale with a company of the "fancifully and frighteningly good" Ida Know, Leigh Vitout, Earl E. Bird and Felix Cited, augmented by music from Squeeze Box, as performed by accordionist Ben Crosthwaite.
"These players are our spirits and our guides as they juggle the various characters who aim to give Ebenezer a new lease of life," says Kirsty Wolff, who is making her directorial debut for Procter Goblins.
"It seems a bit more picturesque this time," says Lee Gemmell, as he prepares to reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge. "We're using the fireplace in the room."
Lee will be the only cast member to return from last winter's premiere. He will be joined by Johnny Curd as Felix Cited; Rosie Smith as Ida Know; Becky Lennon as Leigh Vitout and Jimmy Johnson as Earl E Bird. "So, as well as playing characters from the Dickens story, we're also playing the members of the theatre troupe, who essentially are extensions of ourselves," says Johnny.
Kirsty played a multitude of roles in last year's show but this time will concentrate on directing the new production. "Doing it this way it's a nice way to divide up the parts and give the performers a context for being in the performance," she says.
Bah humbug: Lee Gemmell as Ebenezer Scrooge
"It's like the Wagon Plays productions of the York Mystery Plays taking to the streets of York, or in our case with the actors taking a handful of plays with them and performing them as they go from pub to pub," says Johnny.
Kirsty notes how Dickens's story resonates with the world we live in today. "Nearly every piece of news we’ve heard in 2016 has been negative to a great many people. It’s no wonder we’re becoming more anxious and isolated! The world makes it easy for unfortunate people like Scrooge to exist. We’re sending the message that there is still love, warmth and togetherness.
"Audiences should expect an immersive and interactive evening of raucous cheer and festive feeling. Bring your laughter, bring your cheer, bring your Christmas jumpers and have a jolly load of fun."
The Procter Goblins' 2016 production focuses less on Scrooge's deteriorating mental state in order to broaden its theme to take on new resonance in the present political climate of intolerance and division. "There's a feeling that it's possible Scrooge's story could happen anywhere as it's infinitely applicable," says Lee, who has found himself appearing in A Christmas Carol on a regular basis in York, save for one year when he was away in Japan.
"Scrooge's story continues to be performed because he's such an all-encompassing character. Like Victor Meldrew, he's a miserly and miserable, but there's another side to him in that he has the potential for both the worst and yet the best of humanity," continues Lee.
"He turns his world around and in doing so he brings joy to others."
Procter Goblins' A Christmas Carol will be performed at the Black Swan Inn, York, on December 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18 and 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 on 07772 523116 or at seetickets.com/tour/procter-goblins-presents-a-christmas-carol
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here