Auditions: A Christmas Carol

by Michael Paller, brings to life the magic of Charles Dickens’ famous story.
directed by Andrew Gordon

It’s 1843, and friends and family gathered at Charles Dickens's home ask him to tell a story, but he refuses to work on Christmas Eve. If there is going to be a story, each must take a part in its telling. And so the story unfolds in this fresh approach to Dickens’s classic tale.

Dickens acts the role of Scrooge as he writes the story. His guests, friends and family help him develop his ideas by putting on an impromptu play as he writes it. This is a play within a play that takes place in the writing attic used by Dickens, so his efforts for a Christmas tale are in progress, where he is visited by his own spirit muse. Much like Scrooge, Dickens is having difficulties. As his guests join him, he writes. They disguise themselves to become various characters of the emerging story by donning different clothes and props from around the attic, and the magic unfolds. Dickens as Scrooge clomps around the attic, which transforms to become his money business, his bedroom, Cratchit’s house and the graveyard, while his friends in turn play all the other characters, including Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Fezziwig and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. A heartwarming classic tale that’s ideal for the whole family.

Roles
Charles Dickens (30s-40s): Tall, slim; a dynamo of energy with a mesmerising voice. In his early 30s, he is already near the height of his powers. Also plays Scrooge.

Catherine Dickens (20 to 30): Wife of Charles Dickens. Also plays Mrs Fezziwig, Mrs Cratchit, Mrs Fred, Mrs Dilber.

Mark Lemon (40s-50s): Editor of Punch magazine, the humorous weekly. He is advancing towards middle age and corpulence. Also plays First Portly Gentleman, Fezziwig, Fat Man, Man on the Bed.

Frederick Dickens (20-30): Charles’ younger brother. Something of a charming ne’er-do-well. Also plays Fred, Young Scrooge, Peter Cratchit, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (1), Old Joe.

Clarkson Stanfield (30s): The painter. There is a quality about him that is, at once mischievous yet gentle. Also plays Bob Cratchit, The Ghost of Christmas past, Topper, The Thin Man, The Undertaker.

Mrs Stanfield (30s): Small and delicately featured, with dancing eyes. Also plays Belle, Martha Cratchit, Mrs Fred’s Sister, The Charwoman.

John Forster (30-40): Dickens’ closest friend and advisor. In many ways the opposite of Dickens. Though given to occasional fits of joviality, he is more gruff and taciturn. Also plays Second Portly Gentleman, Ghost of Jacob Marley, Dick Wilkins, Ghost of Christmas Present, Man with the Handkerchief, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (2)

Helen Hogarth (10-14): Dickens’ niece. Also plays A Caroller, Fan, A Little Fezziwig, Belinda Cratchit.

Charley Dickens (10-12): Dickens’ son. Also plays A Caroller, Young Ebenezer, A Little Fezziwig, Tiny Tim and The Boy.

The Child (10-12): Dressed in shades of grey and black.

Director Andrew Gordon has been involved with theatre for almost 20 years, having acted, written, and directed for the stage. He has been involved with Howick Little Theatre since 2010 and made his directorial debut with the premiere of The Operative in 2016 for HLT Studio. He then went on to direct The House by the Lake in 2018 and The Game’s Afoot in 2019. Outside HLT, he was assistant director on the Acting Collective’s Persuasion in 2017, as well as writer and director for Dilworth School’s 2015 commemorative play: Legacy: The Story of James and Isabella Dilworth. He also made his NZ Opera directorial debut earlier this year directing their Opera in Schools production of Simon Butteriss’ The Magic Flute and the Broomstick, which toured nationally.

Rehearsals: Sunday, 20 Sept, to Thursday 12 Nov.
Season: Nov 14 November to Dec 5

For a copy of the script, email info@hlt.org.nz.
To book a timeslot or for further info, please email andrew.ian.gordon@gmail.com.