Monday 25 November 2019

The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit


30 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy tickets for The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit here (Hope Mill Theatre)

I do love a Christmas musical. That is why I booked tickets to see The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit when I saw a poster for it during a trip to see Mame at the rather lovely Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. I had very little knowledge of what the musical was about, other than an inkling it followed Tim Cratchit’s adventures after he decreed “God bless us, everyone” at the end of the endlessly timeless A Christmas Carol. Turns out The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit isn’t a Christmas musical per se; though it does have the spirit of Christmas as a running theme and a rather fabulous Christmas number towards the end of Act Two that will have you feeling merry and bright for days. What does sparkle like the brightest star is the phenomenal performances and ridiculously catchy songs. Combine this with the emotional tug of the book and it is an out and out winner that lifts your spirits as you wander out into the crisp night air. Definitely a five star show, this is one that deserves word of mouth buzz to make it a perennial (or all year round) favourite. Here are just some of the highlights:
  • Ryan Kopel as Timothy Cratchit ~ the entire show hinges on a compelling Timothy and Ryan is a huge success in the role. It reminds me of the first time I saw Charlie Stemp in Half A Sixpence – you just knew that something special was happening; Ryan is surely destined for big things. He brings a sense of determination to the role, but never loses the wide eyed wonder and awe you find in children across the globe at the most wonderful time of the year. He’s sweetly dorky when he needs to be; loyal and wise when life throws him emotional curveballs. His “use me/choose me” moment is genuinely inspiring – bought a little tear to my eye.
  • The spirit of Scrooge ~ I’m pretty sure I’ve seen Paul Greenwood as Scrooge before; the man knows Charles Dickens most indelible creation. At the end of a Christmas Carol, we are left knowing that the man kept Christmas well – but life isn’t that simple and Paul’s portrayal of all the complexities of human drama that inevitably impact us is a masterclass in nuanced acting. His anger, driven by hurt, will be recognisable to anyone who has sought to protect their own heart from breaking.
  • Multiple roles
    • ~ the ensemble took on multiple roles and succeeded in making them individual and unique. Dimitri Gripari bought wonderfully expressive facial expressions and fluid movement to each person he portrayed. Hannah Brown fully embodied two distinct individuals (whilst playing the violin – no mean feat. I can’t have any distractions while playing the piano)! Trevor Whittaker had phenomenal hair as well as being a canny acting chameleon. And Helen Pearson gave us sensitive companionship as well as confident flirtation as she transformed seamlessly between Mrs Linden and Mrs Poole.
  • Grimaldi ~ the character may have been a little bit of comic relief but Michael Matus also portrayed the mirror image of the Scrooge-Tim story and did it with searing insight. His drama is powered by his sorrow of not connecting with his son (a rather marvellous Tadek Chmiel, who also played clarinet). He has some great musical moments, the finest may be the act one finale What I Want.
  • Music and musicians ~ Chris Poon used the music of Andre Catrini to provide vivid instrumentals that are as essential to the narrative as the lyrics and story. With actors also playing on stage at key moments (as mentioned, but also lets not forget Tom Sterling on Trumpet – also enchanting as the shut-in Mr Archibald), the band never skips a bit and is in symbiotic partnership with those more visible on the stage.
  • Gumption ~ the ladies of the show are vibrant, fully realised characters who bring a little sass and class to their roles. Sammy Graham as Lucy is resplendent every time she is on stage; a perfect partner for her interactions with Ryan. Their dance number is truly beautiful. Meanwhile Sadie-Jean Shirley as Aria should be a role model for little girls everywhere – assured in her body and assertive in how she engages with others. Heck, she’s a new role model for me…
  • The songs ~ there are some great numbers that provide motivation for characters; there are quieter moments that shine a spotlight on the inner feelings being explored on stage. Something Is Occurring is just as essential as, say, The Wizard and I from Wicked; Better Days Ahead should be played loud and proud next to Oliver’s Oom Pah Pah; What A Woman Wants is just sheer incomparable wit that had the audience tittering along at its cheeky Carry On Christmas style vibes. The true testament to the endurability of these songs was hearing people humming and singing them during intermission and after the show.
  • Christmas! ~ As noted in the introduction, the show isn’t a seasonal holiday show but does keep Christmas well. Scrooge is still haunted by the ghosts of the past. Timothy is searching for his place so he feels more certain in his Christmas future. And the big ensemble performance number, A Joyeux Noel, is the type of Christmas present which just keeps on giving. A real show stopper before the final show stopper…
  • My World ~ what a finale. Ryan takes his big diva solo moment and gives it everything he’s got. It is the type of song you would have heard Whitney Houston sing and Mr K is just as jaw dropping. It is as empowering as This Is My Life or I Am What I Am, a rousing, inspirational number that still lingers 24 hours after I left the theatre. Absolutely stunning. Now go buy tickets and then tell everyone you’ve ever met about this radiant production…
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
at

No comments:

Post a Comment