It’s Christmas Eve and Ebenezer Scrooge is miserable and unhappy, can you help him find his Christmas spirit? This latest adaption of Charles Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol is showing at Theatr Clwyd from 13 December – 5 January 2020.
Theatr Clwyd presents an immersive experience for the audience with a promenade, through multiple rooms / venues). The audience are invited to explore a living, breathing Victorian street with residents to meet before being whisked away to a dream world where anything can happen and ghosts are just around the corner… in this funny family show filled with music and mystery.
Steven Elliott as Scrooge. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019 (c) Brian Roberts 
Steven Elliott as Scrooge and Matthew Bulgo as Bob Cratchit. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019. (c) Brian Roberts 
Steven Elliott as Scrooge and Kerry Peers as The Ghost of Christmas Past. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019 (c) Brian Roberts 
Steven Elliott as Scrooge and Dylan Roberts as Tiny Tim. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019. (c) Brian Roberts 
Steven Elliott as Scrooge and Amy Drake as The Ghost of Christmas Present. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019. (c) Brian Roberts 
Dylan Roberts as Tiny Tim and Steven Elliott as Scrooge. A Christmas Carol. Theatr Clwyd 2019. (c) Brian Roberts
Matthew Bulgo returns to Theatr Clwyd to play Bob/Fezziwig – he previously appeared in All My Sons and Lord of the Flies (also Sherman Theatre).
What attracted Bulgo to the script?
He tells us “A Christmas Carol is easily my favourite Christmas (closely followed by It’s A Wonderful Life) so I didn’t need much convinced when I was offered the job!”
“I love the story and the characters and the journey of redemption that Scrooge goes on, “says Bulgo. “I’m a big fan of Alan Harris’ writing too (who did the stage adaptation for this production). He brings a real warmth and heart to the the retelling of the story…along with own distinctive brand of humour.”
Bulgo plays a number of characters in the production. “The main one being Bob Cratchit”, he tells us. “Bob’s not having a great festive season – his son isn’t very well and when he’s sacked on Christmas Eve by Scrooge things look a little bleak. Bob’s a really warm-spirited and generous person and always tries to see the best in everyone.”
We asked Bulgo how he prepared for the role?
“It’s been a challenge playing four different characters in the show” he tells us “so a lot of the preparation has been focused on finding out how those different characters move and walk. Other than that it’s been about working out what the characters want in each and scene and finding the most believable way of conveying that to an audience.”
What is Bulgo most looking forward to about performing?
“I’m really excited to see how the show works with an audience. The audience are always an integral part of the show but with this production they’ll be even more involved”, he tells us. “From the beginning, they’ll be our fellow inhabitants of Victorian Mold. I think it’ll be a really thrilling experience for them.”
Finally, what does Bulgo think an audience will take away from the play?
“I’m hoping that it’ll remind everyone who sees it about those good old- fashioned Christmas values – that it’s a time for good will, for generosity, for spending time with family and loved ones and for looking out for those who might be more vulnerable or less fortunate than you” says Bulgo.
A Christmas Carol is showing at Theatr Clwyd from 13 December – 5 January 2020.
