The Bridge Theatre Ensemble
Presents
Charles Dickens’
A Christmas Carol
“This production brought much needed
festive cheer and hope to Menai Bridge, Beaumaris, and Nant Peris at a challenging time for the town, individuals and families.
A huge congratulations to you and colleagues
for pulling it off – excellent work.”
Iwan Williams, Bangor University Civic Mission
In December 2022, A Christmas Carol played to over 400 people at 4 different venues, in 3 different towns over 5 days.
Thanks to support from the Tyrer Charitable Trust and the Menai Bridge Town Council
- every single audience member was able to come to see the show free of charge
- everyone was offered a free cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate, and a mince pie or chocolate brownie – all sourced from and supported by independent Menai Bridge businesses
- 8 professional artists (4 Welsh, 2 national, 2 international) – were given a professional grade fee for their time and expertise, and their travel expenses were covered too
“Congratulations to you and all involved.
It is testament to your hard work and dedication that the Christmas Carol show was both well received
and a great success.
The proposed events for the future look ambitious and exciting.”
Dylan Williams
Chief Executive, Anglesey County Council
(Gwen Thomson as Marley’s Ghost)
A Christmas Carol was performed in Welsh and English.
It ran 65 minutes, featured song, live improvised underscore with piano and cello, 5 extra-ordinary puppets, and 20 incredible characterisations.
(Nathan Williams providing live musical underscore, Gwen Thomson as Marley’s Ghost, and Andrew Codispoti as Scrooge, at St Tysilio)
There were great laughs, some scares, and some were brought to tears – before we bounded to the joy of Scrooge’s Christmas morn.
Audience feedback:
“This was just what I needed.”
“I wasn’t feeling very merry this year but this has changed me.”
“I lost my brother last week, and this has really lifted my spirits.”
(Sean Garratt & Helen Foan help Scrooge’s door knocker become Marley’s face)
Audience members were astounded by the magic, the puppetry, and storytelling.
The show was rehearsed and performed in 3 days, following the rehearsal process of Shakespeare’s actors.
(The Ghost of Christmas Past)
For everyone who came and for everyone involved, it was said to be a nourishing, joyful experience of congregation, merriment, reflection, and festive spirit.
(The Ghost of Christmas Future points at Scrooge’s grave)
At the end of every show audiences were played Christmas carols as they left by the Menai Bridge Brass band, and Bangor University’s MuSoc Brass Ensemble.
(Andrew Codispoti as Scrooge)
We’re excitedly planning the theatre events we will offer in service to our local North Wales communities in the coming months and years.
(A full house at the Canolfan Telford Heritage Centre)