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The director Emma Rucastle decided to put on A Christmas Carol because it is one of her “favourite Christmas tales which is hugely relevant today”.
Also Rucastle “liked the challenge” as she had never adapted Dickens before.
A Christmas Carol, still “hugely relevant today”.
The Toll House Inn, where the dress rehearsal takes place, feels very festive with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, safe from the bitterly cold night outside. It is a privilege to have such access to the actors and see them all in costume, well-prepared for their three sell-out performances at Lancaster Castle this coming weekend.
The only limitation for the ELART Company is the size of the rehearsal room. The Counting Room is certainly large enough for a meeting or a party, but Lancaster Castle’s Shire Hall, where the play will be performed, is on a much larger scale.
The cast of 10 actors – including Rucastle herself - started rehearsing about six weeks ago. Rucastle likes to have a tight time frame as she is a great believer in “things are ready when they’re ready.” She likes to capture the energy in a short space of time. Paul (no surname), who plays Bob Cratchet and one of the storytellers, confirms this; “Emma is very organised with time. She is able to get a lot done very efficiently.”
Paul Slater who plays Scrooge and has worked with Rucastle on a number of other productions – he was the love interest in Love on the Dole in 2001 - is an accountant in his day job. Something he has had to go back to in order to pay the mortgage. In fact most of the actors have full time jobs and many have worked with Rucastle before.
Music is an integral part of the play. Rucastle has arranged and adapted 10 traditional Christmas Carols, including: The Boar’s Head Carol, Away in a Manger and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The use of props such as candles, bells and even a Tibetan Singing Bowl, is purposeful and striking.
Rucastle appreciates the opportunity to stage a play in the castle this Christmas; “it is lovely to bring this classic tale to this incredible, historic place.” The Shire Hall has “gorgeous acoustics for singing”, yet is “challenging for speakers”.
The play is a perfect prelude to Christmas. Not only does it feature a great story, convincing actors and familiar songs, in what Emma Rucastle describes as an “amazing setting”, but also a powerful, timeless message about remembering the spirit of Christmas.
Engraving of the interior of the Shire Hall, Lancaster, dated 1814.
Published by Emma Whitlock
11/12/17