Visually spectacular and rich in Christmas spirit, there is nothing miserly about shake & stir theatre co’s brand new theatre production of Charles Dickens’ 19th century classic ‘A Christmas Carol’.
From the opening scene of joyous carollers huddled around a fire, to the final ‘Merry Christmas!’ exclaimed by cast member Arnijka Larcombe-Weate, I left QPAC Playhouse in no doubt that Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Adapted by shake & stir Artistic Director Nelle Lee, the production boasts a cast of eight who each do a superb job of depicting the story’s characters, with the majority playing more than one part.
Acclaimed Brisbane actor Eugene Gilfedder is superb as Ebenezer Scrooge; perfectly executing the character’s transformation from an ill-tempered, heartless, greedy old man, to an awakened, giddy-with-glee man brimming with newfound generosity and goodwill. Thanks to his delightful portrayal, “Piffle!” is my new favourite exclamation.
Arnijka Larcombe-Weate is fascinating to watch in every role she plays, from Scrooge’s lost love Belle, to Scrooge’s nephew’s cynical wife Lily, to the passer-by who hilariously delivers the giant turkey to the Cratchit home. Her singing is equally enchanting.
Image © Stephen Henry
It was however Bryan Probets who plays the ghost of Scrooge's deceased business partner Jacob Marley, the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, and who voices Tiny Tim that absolutely stole the show for me. Switching expertly between comedy, gravity and tenderness, Bryan was the beating heart of the show.
The magic of Christmas was brought to life visually through the combined talents of Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer) and Jason Glenwright (Lighting Designer). Their use of digital theatre backdrops and holographic projections was breathtaking, particularly the flying scene featuring Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past which drew a hearty round of applause from the audience.
Adding to the visual splendour was the seamless manipulation of the set pieces by the cast. Watching them wheel and manoeuvre the sizeable props without skipping a beat in their performances was a sight to behold. So too were the costume quick changes as the cast shed one gorgeous Victorian inspired outfit for another.
It is shake & stir’s hope that the production becomes an annual Brisbane tradition, and as someone who left with the lightest of hearts and the wish to see it again and again, they have my vote.
