Scrooge - recent comments

Some people may have seen a write-up by Mrs. June Lancelyn Green (who ever she is) which appeared in a local magazine and featured some comments about our recent production of Scrooge the Pantomime. She noted that on the opening night, the set was unfinished with ‘white flats’. In response to this, we would never have an opening night with unfinished set on display and the set for this production was most definitely complete for the first night. Furthermore, there were no ‘white flats’ used in this production, so maybe she needs to get her facts right in the future.

Mrs. Green goes on to comment on some of the jokes as being 'not funny' with the audience. This script was supplied by NODA, a reputable organization wholly supportive of local and amateur drama groups. It would be interesting to hear their thoughts on her comments about their script. Incidentally, the first nights audience were very responsive and appeared to enjoy many of the jokes. Continuing on, she also comments on the fact that Scrooge was portrayed as a ‘baddie’ and consequently booed by the audience. Charles Dickens’ original character is written as someone to be despised and one of the component parts of a pantomime is the ‘baddie’, so what does she really expect the audience to do? This was a pantomime!! Additionally, this version of the story maintained and delivered much of the passion and plot from Dickens' original 'Christmas Carol' and in a manner which could be believed and understood today.

Reading on, her final gripe appeared to be about a small typographical error in the programme. Well at least that bit was correct, but oh dear, how petty.

It was however interesting to read her favourable comments about another pantomime production which she had also attended. But hold on could there be something she is not telling us? Indeed there is ... no surprise then to hear that she is not only a Patron for this other group, but also the President. Hardly what you would call professional and impartial writing!

To conclude on Mrs Green’s overall comments, sadly, a very poor effort with much room for improvement!