A Candlelit performance of
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Read and performed as Charles Dickens
by Pip Utton

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a Christmas story known to millions throughout the world. However, the award-winning actor and master of the one-man show Pip Utton manages to give this well-loved classic story a distinctive and enthralling twist, which can be seen in his performances at Fowey Town Hall this Christmas.

Using the script and acting directions developed by Dickens himself of his frightening, festive fable, Pip portrays Charles Dickens and recreates the atmosphere and ambience of one of the author’s own famous public readings of A Christmas Carol, as first performed in December 1853.

In this remarkable dramatic piece, there are no modern theatrical devices, such as sound or lighting effects. The power of the writing is brought to life by the power of the performance.

Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, cold-hearted creditor, continues his stingy, greedy ways even on Christmas Eve. He rejects a Christmas dinner invitation, and all the good tidings surrounding him; he rebuffs charity workers, and he overworks his employee, Bob Cratchit. That night, Scrooge's former business partner Jacob Marley, dead for seven years, visits Scrooge in the form of a ghost.
Marley's spirit has been wandering in limbo since his death, as punishment for being consumed with business, at the expense of people, while alive. He has come to warn Scrooge and perhaps to save him from the same fate. He tells Scrooge that three spirits will appear to him over the next three nights - and so Scrooge’s terrifying ordeal begins.
Lit almost entirely by candlelight, the mood of Dickensian London and the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and his story of meanness and ultimate redemption are brought to vivid life. Ghostly visitations and human frailties are enacted in a chilling and foreboding, but ultimately uplifting and inspiring show, suitable for all adults and older children.

On the cusp of a new year which marks the bi-centenary of Charles Dickens’ birth, what better way to herald the coming of that new year than by enjoying a re-telling of this all-time favourite story, performed in a way you will have never seen before?

A Christmas Carol can be seen at Fowey Town Hall on Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th December at 8.00pm. Doors open 7.15pm and refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies will be available.

Tickets to see these fundraising performances for the new du Maurier Festival Society, cost just £12.00 / £10.00 Patrons & Friends of the Festival / £8.00 (under 18s). Tickets are available from: Fowey Tourist Information Centre (01726) 833 616 and Bookends Too, Fowey (01726) 832 595.