I’ve not been writing much recently. Some of this has been to do with my own state of mind and family goings on, but it has also been because I’ve opened a door that has been locked for thirty-odd years!
Back in the summer, I took part in a play called “Stepping Out“. It was a small production, hosted by Pukka Productions, and directed by Jane Davies.
It was a lot of fun. I used muscles I’d never used before (figuratively and literally) and challenged myself to “step out of my comfort zone” and not only perform in front of an audience, but also learn to tap dance!
That was a success, and it not only inspired me to write my own play (a story for another post) but also to challenge myself further.
I jumped in with both feet and joined the cast of Pukka Productions christmas show, The Little Matchgirl.
We have been rehearsing since september, but today was the first time that I really saw what we could achieve.
Today was the first, full run through of the show. It was absolutely brilliant – I’m only a small part of a big cast (the adults are outnumbered by the kids) and seeing the story take shape through the wonderful music.
The story is still the tragic Hans Christian Anderson tale, but it has been re-imagined in 1890’s Dickensian Britain.
This is not the warm brightness of the upper middle class or the sparkling heat of food-rich nobles (although there is a glimpse of that) but, the bone-chilling cold of the lower classes. I could easily imagine the miserly figure of Scrooge stalking these streets.
It’s clear that Dickens has been a strong influence on the writers of the original adaptation (first shown in the 80’s), and the music emphasises both sides of the wealth divide wonderfully.
The lyrics tell the story, and there are very few lines that are spoken straight. Keith Strachan (music), Leslie Stewart / Jeremy Paul (Lyrics) combined their talents to bring it to life and is the birthplace of the iconic christmas song “Mistletoe and Wine”.
The vision of Pukka’s Director, Sarah Creasey, has taken their beginning and added her own unique twist, born of a long time love of the original.
The story isn’t all cold and dark though… Even for the lower classes, there are still things to celebrate. The joys of being with those they love and having fun in their communities, shine through the gloom.
From the servants of the rich having a sneaky snifter, to the market traders and working girls letting off steam in the pub, this show covers everything…
And that’s where the tragedy comes in with the titular character. It’s hard to watch and does bring tears to the eyes. However, this is the flipside to the warm, bright songs, and it is neccessary to remind the watcher that Christmas and other midwinter festivals are not a good time for everyone.
I find it particularly fitting this year, considering the current cost-of-living crisis, the record numbers of homeless and children in poverty stricken families both at home and abroad, or living in fear of the wars waged by the adults in government…
Come and see Pukka Production’s talented Cast perform!
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥:
12th-16th December 2023
The Paget Rooms, Penarth
£15 Adults | £12 Children & Seniors
Website: https://www.pukkaproductions.co.uk/little-match-girl
TICKET LINK:
https://www.pukkaproductions.co.uk/little-match-girl-tickets
And as a little taster of the show, take a look at this wonderful trailer…
The World of The Teigr Princess 