Rick Romero appears in A Christmas Carol – a world première adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novella, written by local born playwright Beth Flintoff – the first Christmas production in the new theatre that runs as part of the Reading Rep: Reborn season.
Artistic Director of Reading Rep Paul Stacey directs Beth Eyre, Dave Fishley, Samuel Kyi, Rose McPhilemy and Rick Romero in this family friendly production set on the cobbled streets of Reading.
The production opens at Reading Rep on 8 December, with previews from 3 December, and runs until 31 December. A 15ft tall Christmas tree is set to be erected outside the theatre to honour the festive season and the first Christmas production at Reading Rep’s new state-of-the-art theatre.
You’re appearing in Reading Rep’s A Christmas Carol, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a brand new adaptation by Beth Flintoff which has been set in the Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory in Reading, where we find the cruel, miserly Scrooge running the place following the death of founder George Palmer.
During yet another Christmas Eve of mistreatment of his biscuit factory workers, he is visited by the spirit of George Palmer and the ghosts of Christmas present, past and future, who together attempt to show him the error of his ways and set him on a new course of goodwill to his fellow humans.
What makes this production different to other productions of A Christmas Carol?
It straddles reality and fantasy as it incorporates a real setting and includes a character who was a real person. It references several other Reading landmarks and transports the characters we already know and love to places that the Reading audience will be more than familiar with.
What impressed you the most about the way Beth Flintoff has adapted the classic story?
Without giving too much away, Beth has introduced a new slant on some of the familiar characters which allows us to see them in a different light, helping to amplify the themes that are universal, and the injustices which we sadly continue to see in the modern era.
On the more cheerful side of things, the biscuit factory setting introduces an element of fun that is irresistible, and can allow the younger members of the audience to immediately relate to the inner workings of Scrooge’s business and the plight of his downtrodden workers. And everyone loves a biscuit!
How does it feel to be part of Reading Rep’s first Christmas production in the Reborn Season?
Tremendous! I have a long-standing relationship with Reading Rep, performing in five shows previously with them including their very first, The Dumb Waiter, in 2012. Back then we would have to push the dining table at Paul Stacey’s (Artistic Director and founder of Reading Rep) Mum’s house to the side of the room to rehearse, and we were paid mostly with (very tasty) bread and cheese.
A swift eleven years later and now Reading Rep have their own theatre! It’s a privilege to be back working with them again in the exquisite new space, and to be a part of this great cultural event in Reading as we continue to welcome the public to this fine season of shows.
Tell us about some of the characters you play?
I’m playing six characters in total, including the ghost of George Palmer, the industrialist and founder of Huntley and Palmers, whose spirit is roaming tortured through the world because he (in our play at least) squandered his life chasing riches instead of forging fulfilling human relationships and using his money to do good in the community. He is, in effect, the Jacob Marley character from the original story.
I also play The Ghost of Christmas Present, who is the living embodiment of everything Scrooge hates about Christmas, and Fezziwig, the incorrigibly cheerful factory foreman who apprentices Scrooge in his younger days. These are all larger than life characters that are a joy for an actor to muck about with, so I must confess I’m having rather a lot of fun in the process.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to A Christmas Carol?
Press the button, book the ticket, and come to see the beautiful new theatre in Reading. You’ll have a refreshing drink in the bar, and get whisked into your seat from where you’ll be transported to a world of Christmas whimsy as we fling your favourite characters from this Dickens classic at you with everything we’ve got.
Then you can saunter home after the show like the reformed Scrooge, with a spring in your step and warmth in your heart. (And a note in your diary to come to see all the rest of the shows in the Reborn season).
A Christmas Carol starring Rick Romero is at Reading Rep from 3rd December. Tickets are on sale here.
