No mean show for young Brigg actors

Talented students at The Vale Academy in Brigg were far from haunted by the past at their latest production .
Stars of Scrooge, the annual production at The Vale Academy: from the left (rear)-Millie Tucker as Mrs Cratchit, Daniel Smith as Scrooge, Aric Tompkinson as Bob Cratchit, Katie Bolton-Smith as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Front-Jessica Piers as Tiny Tim. EMN-160119-161339001Stars of Scrooge, the annual production at The Vale Academy: from the left (rear)-Millie Tucker as Mrs Cratchit, Daniel Smith as Scrooge, Aric Tompkinson as Bob Cratchit, Katie Bolton-Smith as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Front-Jessica Piers as Tiny Tim. EMN-160119-161339001
Stars of Scrooge, the annual production at The Vale Academy: from the left (rear)-Millie Tucker as Mrs Cratchit, Daniel Smith as Scrooge, Aric Tompkinson as Bob Cratchit, Katie Bolton-Smith as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Front-Jessica Piers as Tiny Tim. EMN-160119-161339001

Actors, singers and musicians, in the form of the Academy Show Band under conductor Jayne Keeler, joined forces as they performed Scrooge, the academy’s 2016 production.

The cast had been busy rehearsing for weeks before giving three public performances and an additional show for feeder primary schools.

The stage show is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol written in 1843.

The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001
The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001

Scrooge is the star role and was played by Daniel Smith, with the young Scrooge played by Joshua Taylor

Daniel, from Year 10, said: “I was nervous before the start but really looked forward to the show.

“This was my first major role as a lead since I left primary school.

“Scrooge is miserable though, I suppose I can identify with him. I could feel sorry for him as well when he gets picked on.

The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001
The colourful Toyshop scene in The Vale Academy's production of Scrooge. EMN-160119-161349001

“It’s been a great experience and a production we are all proud of.”

Other lead roles were played by Nathan Price as Marley, Millie Tucker as Mrs Cratchit, Aric Tompkinson as Bob Cratchit and Milly Glover as Charlotte Cratchit.

Appreciative audiences of parents and friends made the performances evenings to remember for those on the stage and in the audience.

Deputy head Graham West said: “So much hard work has gone into this production by students and staff, it’s been a great success.”

Production was by Jo Weatherall and Rebecca Carmichael, with set and lighting designed by John Ramsden and costumes by Debbie McLaren.