The Northern Stage production of A Christmas Carol review

by Holly Alexander (Voice Community)

I went to see Northern Stage perform the play 'A Christmas Carol' in December and this is what I thought.

The Northern Stage production of A Christmas Carol review

I went to see A Christmas Carol by Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne, and it was amazing! Everything was very clean and each scene moved smoothly into the next. The seats were set so there were seats on all four sides of the stage (making you feel immersed in the action) and the cast played to it expertly; with something happening in many places that you wouldn't expect to be occupied. Even though that idea was very clever, you would have to see it more than once because there was so much going on for you to see it all in one go! The set was amazing and well thought out (with everything on wheels for easy set changes and new angles) and the cast played their parts to perfection! The way the band was involved in the scenes was so unique and ingenious. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to see a traditional christmas-time play. In case you are interested, tickets are still on sale until the 5th of January!

Author

Holly Alexander

Holly Alexander

I've been performing since I was 5 and a half years old in amateur theatre companies. I'm now working towards my Bronze Arts Award. My dream is to become a professional actor.

2 Comments

  • Bee Snellen

    On 30 December 2018, 12:01 Bee Snellen Voice Team commented:

    Great review, Holly! Would you mind adding an image and a short biography to your profile? We would love to know more about it!

    You mentioned that the seating was on all four sides of the stage? Does that mean the stage was in the centre? Did that effect how they changed scenes as I assume they couldn't use curtains or backdrops?

  • Holly Alexander

    On 31 December 2018, 13:59 Holly Alexander commented:

    Yes, the stage was in the centre on the floor with a low railing separating the seats from the stage. However, from where I was sitting, you could stick your feet out underneath the railing and nearly trip the actors up! There wasn't a backdrop, but there were two pieces of static set (and a clock right up above some of the seats) next to some of the rows of seats. All of the rest of the set on stage was on trollies with wheels so that they could be wheeled on and off through four gaps in the railing to the offstage area which was pitch black and out of sight of the audience. Rigging on wheels was also used as set to create varying levels. All of the movable set was moved on and off stage as part of the production, quite often, while people were still on it!

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