Every year, when Christmas rolls around, people look for a traditional event that will put them in the holiday spirit. There is nothing better then the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. On Monday, December 13th, there will be an amazing version of this show being presented at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay.
There have been countless versions of this story told in every different way possible. What makes this production so unique is that all 30 characters from the timeless classic are performed by one man. That man is Jeremy Webb. Webb moved to Canada, from his native UK, in 1998 and currently lives in Halifax. He grew up in Cambridge and trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Webb does it all from Scrooge himself to Tiny Tim. It is a challenge for any actor to take on. Webb first mounted the idea back in 2003. He recalls that, “I wanted to make sure that the audience didn’t get bored. When you stage a one man show, you have to use every idea possible to keep them at the edge of their seats.” This was something that Webb needed to do to make this show work.
“When the show first started, it was on a much smaller scale. As the years went on, we have added a lot more production value to it. From the set to the costumes and the puppets used, it’s all very big and theatrical. We want to make sure people get their money’s worth.”
This is not the first time that Webb has brought the show to Glace Bay. Last year, he did a production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Savoy. “Last year was my first time ever at The Savoy.” When he walked into the theatre for the first time last year he thought, “This is the perfect space for this show. It’s beautiful and so historic.”
Webb feels that this is the perfect show to bring back every year. With people making this show a part of their Christmas traditions, he has seen the same families coming back every year and watching their children get bigger each time they do. He laughs that, “It makes me feel old when I meet them after a show when they are so young and then see them at the show again after a few years and they have grown up so much. It’s nice though to be a part of their holiday every year.”
People really love to see this story even though they may have seen it or read it before. Webb feels that people can really relate to the characters. “We all have a little Scrooge in us and we all have a little Tiny Tim in us. People love seeing Scrooge change from a bitter old man to who he becomes in the end. It makes them feel good.” Webb finds that to be the reason that playing Scrooge is so rewarding.
When Webb first sat down to create his version of the tale, he wanted to stay close to the original while adding his own twist. “I wanted the audience to be scared one minute and then laughing out loud the next. I love bringing out more of the comedy in the story.” When Webb thinks about is favorite versions of the Dickens classic, he always remembers The Muppets’ take on the story. “They really made the show funny and that was something I thought was important to bring to it. I want people to have fun.”
You can purchase tickets at The Savoy Theatre box office or by calling 842-1577. Showtime is at 7pm. Tickets are $23 each and there is a buy 3 get 1 free early bird special running until December 10th. It’s perfect for the whole family!