‘Tis the season to be jolly…’ So on that note we need your help in saving Scrooge from his surly ways – can we convince him of the joy and wonder of the festive period?
This musical introduction to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was performed as part of the Children’s Classic Concert season at the Usher Hall.
Joining the RSNO – playing plenty of seasonal classics – alongside actors from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the choir of their Junior Musical Theatre. The whole performance was very ably presented by Owen Gunnell.
As well as the ever beautiful music, the (very, very abridged) story of A Christmas Carol managed to combine a celebration of Christmas past, present and future, with slapstick comedy, clever gags and the always-welcome opportunity to boo the baddie, aka Scrooge, and his bah-humbug ways.
A sing-along of a cleverly bespoke ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ got everyone on their feet – and scratching their heads trying to remember what carol and action came next – and a medley that incorporated ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ and ‘The Fairytale of New York’ showed deceptively simple composition!
At just an hour long, with plenty of music, dance, fun and audience participation, it was a lovely start to Christmas festivities for families of all ages.
(Oh, and the 8 year old who accompanied me wants a special mention for the RSNO, who deeply impressed him…by managing to keep a snowball fight going throughout their whole performance!)
The Usher Hall, Sunday 9th December.