Steven Elliott plays Scrooge in Theatr Clwyd’s immersive production of A Christmas Carol which runs from 13th December 2019 to 5th January 2020.
Set in a living, breathing Victorian street with residents to meet before being whisked away to a dream world where anything can happen and where ghosts are just around the corner… A funny immersive family show filled with music and mystery.
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You’re playing Scrooge in Theatr Clwyd’s A Christmas Carol, what makes this production of the classic story different to any others?
The main thing that is different about this production is that it is set in Mold, Theatr Clwyd’s home town. The original Dickens story is set in Victorian England and our writer, Alan Harris, has decided to keep the Victorian setting but move the location to Wales – and more specifically Mold. He has also given some dramatic license that allows a few modern references, so don’t be too surprised if things like Transport for Wales, or zero hours contracts get the odd mention.
What’s the biggest challenge in playing such a well-known character?
The biggest challenge in playing such a well known character is a preconceived perception of how Scrooge should be. The stereotypical ideas of how Scrooge should look and behave are well documented and there have been so many other portrayals on stage and screen. So, my personal challenge is to find a way to make him real, human and someone modern audiences can relate to.
Tell us more about the immersive nature of this production?
Initially the audience find themselves in a Victorian Christmas market in Mold. They are able to meet members of the local community and use tokens given to them to buy items such as sweets, gingerbread, and other goodies from the local shopkeepers in the market. After scenes have taken place in Marley and Scrooge’s money lending firm the action (and the audience) are transported to a different world – and a different venue. This means making use of two theatre spaces and involving the audience in an immersive and promenade production.
What are you most excited about for this A Christmas Carol?
We have a community cast who are acting as many of the local people and characters of the play. We also have three different young actors who play Tiny Tim so this means a lot of extra evening rehearsals to work around their availability. Everyone seems to be having fun and getting into the Christmas ‘spirit.’ ?. (Please pardon the ghostly – or should that be ghastly, pun!)
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see A Christmas Carol?
To anyone coming to see this I would say be prepared to see a fabulous adaptation of A Christmas Carol, amazingly designed sets and costumes, a cast to die for, and a production that will dazzle and delight, making you laugh and cry and leaving you well on the way to enjoying your best Christmas ever – past, present or future!
Main Image: Steven Elliott as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol Rehearsals c. Theatr Clwyd
