‘A Christmas Carol’ Tale…

A few years ago I created a one actor version of A Christmas Carol partly based on an original script Charles Dickens had started for himself.

I’d been obsessed with the story since I was a small boy in Birmingham. I had a young persons version of the book from school. I would read it every Christmas, making sure I read the last chapter on Christmas Eve. (Strange child!?!)

Years later – and after watching Kenneth Branagh’s film – I wrote a one person version of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Called Henry V – Lion of England, www.HenryVPlay.com it was critically received and toured the world. Then I wrote a few more plays, a couple of which won awards, including a version of Hamlet, https://www.hamletsplay.com featuring the voice of the brilliant Sir Derek Jacobi. I then wrote and produced a four person version of A Christmas Carol with emerging director Katie Merritt. I felt I was qualified to create a solo version of Dickens’ mystical magical tale – emphasising in particular Dickens’ moral aspects. I asked the brilliant Guy Masterson to read a production in the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London. He’d no real knowledge of the story but he saw its potential as a touring show. http://www.TheChristmasCarol.co.uk

I then asked my long-time music collaborator Robb Williams to compose a sound track. Robb is brilliant at interpreting my often obtuse comments (“Can you make it like Land of Hope and Glory – but with more mud!” Or for this “We need to musically time-travel…!”) And it has done quite well!

Working with the hugely talented Guy as performer, the show has been seen around the world, including Off-Broadway in New York. An added bonus for me is that the tour is managed by Theatre Tours International, so I’m not tied up with admin! You know what we bohemians are like..!

Here is Guy‘s latest report from on the road. It’s going well, and although Guy is a talented physical performer – he is obviously a bit tired. Although that may be my fault. As well as writing the script, I directed the show. Perhaps I made him move and dance a bit too much! But he does it VERY well!

A Christmas Carol tour update by Guy Masterson

We’re en Route to the Kirk Theatre, Pickering N Yorks tonight. All but sold out – bit.ly/CCPickering24

Then up to my old stomping ground EDINBURGH for two shows at Assembly Roxy – bit.ly/CCRoxy24 on Frid 13 and Sat 14. TICKETS AVAILABLE.

Thence flying to Bath via Bristol for two more shows on Monday 16th in the GLORIOUS Theatre Royal Bath – NEARLY SOLD OUT – bit.ly/CCBath24.

On the 19th I am at Borough Theatre-Abergavenny bi.ly/CCAbergavenny24. NEARLY SOLD OUT.

Thence back down to Bath for two more performances. NEARLY SOLD OUT.

FINALLY – and if you are in or near Hertfordshire, grab your tickets for my last show of the year – CANDLELIT PERFORMANCE IN NORTHAW VILLAGE HALL (near Potters Bar at 4 to 5:45pm followed by drinks The Two Brewers Northaw). To book. please email: theatretoursint@gmail.com

Thanks Guy!

Bless us all… every one! x