The Playhouse Theatre’s very own end-of-year smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, Scrooge, comes alive at the Somerset West theatre this December.
Joyously adapted for the stage with panto flare by Darryl Spijkers and Matt Kingwell, the 16-show run stars a 50-cast troupe of local performers of all ages.
Starring Jarred Pitout (Grease, The Wizard of Oz and Show Me How You Burlesque) as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, the story gives audiences a look at class divisions in Victorian society that somehow remain very recognisable. By the end of a journey – complete with disco dancers, snowflakes, time machines and ghosts – there is a time honoured message of doing good at Christmas time.
The role of Ethel Crachit is played by Kelly Holmes (The Sound of Music and Hairspray) with her hardworking husband played by Tristan Slater (Allo Allo and Fiddler on the Roof). Scrooge’s late business partner is the quirky and surprising Marley, who is taken on by seasoned actor Travis Pitout (Of Mice and Men, Grease and The Crucible).
The Playhouse is also proud to introduce young Emma Montgomery and Lumay Jansen van Vuuren as Tiny Tim and Kathy Krachit.
True to pantomime tricks there is a sing-a-long, some “he’s behind you” jokes, lots of “oh yes, it is”, and, of course, a resident pantomime dame that provides the moral reasoning and silliness played by Kingwell.
Director Spijkers is known for large-scale and top-quality productions with over 20 years of service to the Playhouse. His latest productions include the South African drama Curl Up and Dye, the national champion school production for Parel Vallei High School Wegwêreld Slegwêreld and Happy Days Are Here Again Again! presented by Helderberg Academy of Theatre.
The action of the panto plot is filled in by dancers under the leadership of longtime and award-winning Playhouse choreographer Sumé Lotter. They bring to life foot-tapping numbers from MJ The Musical, Back to the Future, Cabaret, Mary Poppins, Spirited and more.
With performances by Gill Jones, Gretel le Roux, Cath Goldie, Zane Habig, Leigh Japhet and more, it’s sure to be a fun outing as Scrooge fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. Beautiful costume and staging immerses the audience into a memorable panto-land visit with something old, something new, and something festive!
Suitable for the entire family six years and older, early booking through Webtickets is recommended to avoid disappointment.
The show runs from Tuesday 2 to Tuesday 16 December. A special sensory and relaxed performance will take place on 16 December.
