A Christmas Carol video auditions beckon for Crawley youngsters

They are seeking young performers perform with them – assuming the lockdown is over by then.

On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited and miserly old man, is visited by the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley.

Shown Christmas Past, Present and Future, he is offered the chance of redemption...but will he take it?

Sarah Slator, director of This Is My Theatre, said: “This year has of course been difficult for us as a company and The Hawth as a venue.

“We have been planning this co-production since last year though and are delighted that we are currently still able to go ahead in line with government guidelines in The Studio space at the theatre (if lockdown ends in time).

“The adaptation closely follows the original Dickens novel and we are looking to create a truly magical and festive production for audiences of all ages, with traditional carols and live music arranged by resident composer Simon Stallard.

Until lockdown, the company had a touring adaptation of the novel, performing in historic buildings across the south-east: “We are very excited to create a unique adaptation designed specifically for The Hawth. We are also really aware of the impact the pandemic has had on young performers in the area too and being able to offer the opportunity for some to perform alongside our professional actors, particularly after the success of Treasure Island (produced by the same creative team, which saw young actors perform alongside professionals in this space) is something we hope will excite and inspire.”

Dave Watmore, general manager of The Hawth, said: “We are delighted to welcome back This Is My Theatre to The Hawth. The company’s productions, which this year have included Treasure Island, Macbeth and an open air production of The Three Musketeers, are always of the highest quality and have delighted audiences during what has been a very difficult year. We are pleased to be able to offer audiences the chance to enjoy a selection of live shows this festive period and we have worked hard to create a safe environment so audiences can be assured a safe and enjoyable visit.

“Measures are in place to ensure the show adheres to government guidelines and is safe for audiences to attend including reduced capacities, socially distanced seating, paperless tickets and hand sanitisation stations”.

Youth auditions:

Children aged six-16 years (up to year 11 inclusive) are invited to audition via video by midday on November 18 for the following roles:

Tiny Tim (male or female)

Lucie/Samuel Cratchit (male or female)

John/Betsey Cratchit (male or female

Carol Singer (male or female)

Children should be confident performers and able to sing as part of a group. No experience necessary. Audition information: www.thisismytheatre.com/auditions

If lockdown lifts, performances of A Christmas Carol at the Hawth in Crawely will run from December 23-31 (excluding Christmas Day) matinee and evenings (see website for details).

Tickets hawth.co.uk £20 (discounts available).