By the Service Players

Erin Art Centre

Dec 2025

Review by Mike Trout

‘In the bleak mid winter’ , familiar words as we begin singing Carols in the build up to Christmas and the Festive Season. Mid Dec 25 and it certainly was bleak, dark and dank and not conducive to thinking of an evening out. However, I was keen to look for some entertainment and it was clear that there were one or two pantomimes being performed – Oh yes there were!!!

I noticed that the Service Players were putting on a three night run of ‘Christmas Carol’ . This familiar story, originally written by Charles Dickens, has been presented in all aspects of entertainment, theatre, film, cartoon and radio plays. However I noticed that the Service Players  were doing something rather different in as much it was to be a radio play but presented on stage as a play.

I thought that it it could be an interesting presentation of the familiar story and I have to say that I was not disappointed. The stage was set in the recording area of a radio studio. The cast were in the studio creating activity in the background such as having a nip of whiskey or looking through their scripts. Each character coming forward to the microphones  as required , to take their part.

The venue was the Erin Arts Centre and the auditorium was a sell out on each of the three evenings. Those of you that know the venue will realise that their is no actual stage as such. The seating is tiered with the front row being at the same level, and very close to  the actors. Perfect for the intimate atmosphere created by this rendition. One could very much feel being involved with Scrooge and his visiting ghosts.

Presented as a radio play meant that it could be performed in a very fast and slick manor ( in the best meaning of the word slick). This was because there were no costume changes and many of the actors took on several character parts. This meant very quick exchanges, adding the the excitement of the occasion.

The presentation was enhanced because the setting was in an American Commercial Radio Station and all the usual jingles and adverts kicked in from time to time. There was no interval but, as good as a break, the main advert was for a Fruit Cake. The whole cast joined in a humorous song promoting this cake and some of the wording was saucy and fruity, adding to the fun. A brilliant addition was that during the song some of the cast came round the audience offering pieces of fruit cake – it was delicious and a wonderful additional touch to the atmosphere of the evening.

The whole cast should be praised for their performance and they pulled off a very different, brilliantly entertaining evening which was enjoyed by a very appreciative audience. The leading characters were admirably played by Toby Smith, Geoff Collier, Gemma Varnom, Kim Quine, Tom Cain and Marc Tyley. Each giving excellent performances and portraying several characters.

The supporting roles were also magnificently portrayed by Rae Carine, Sarah Radcliffe, Linda Mann, Lindsay Quayle and Bob Whitcher. Sadly Kelly Firth, a regular member of the Service Players cast,  was unable to perform at the last moment and many thanks to Bob for standing in for her at very short notice.

Bob also deserves a mention for his role providing sound effects from doors slamming, bells ringing and all sorts of ghostly noises. Julie Brew gave a wonderful accompaniment on the piano and Mike Lean looked after the lighting of the production.

Well done to all concerned, a brilliant performance , very entertaining and finally, a big thank you to Lisa Smith for Directing another very success Service Players presentation.