The Armidale Town Hall will be transformed on Friday and Saturday nights, July 20 and 21, as the Armidale Dumaresq Civic Precinct committee holds its first major fundraising event and celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens.
Christopher Ross-Smith will be the narrator in an enthralling stage production of Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol. The story has been adapted for the stage by the lively young directors of Felt Tip Theatre Company, Chris Curcuruto and Alex Robson, who are both honours graduates of UNE Theatre Studies. Chris directs the production while Alex plays the part of the miserly Scrooge, and is joined by well-known Armidale performers such as Gordon Cope as Bob Cratchitt, Anne Keoghan as Mrs Cratchitt, and Neil Horton as the Ghost of Christmas Present. The role of Tiny Tim is played by budding young actor Torsten von Strokirch.
In keeping with the theme of the evening, the Town Hall will be decorated under the skillful supervision of Crystal Brunyee to represent an English Christmas of the 19th century. With this backdrop, guests will be treated on arrival to a selection of nibbles, including roast chestnuts and mulled wine or fruit punch as they enjoy a live performance of carols by Sing Australia. “Considerable thought has gone into researching and choosing carols and Christmas music from the Victorian era,” said Margaret Duncan, leader of the Armidale branch of Sing Australia. On this occasion the choir is joined by several members from the Walcha branch as well as a number of community singers, and they are ably accompanied by musicians Ben Thorn, Cecile Michel and Jess and David Tan.
A highlight of the evening will be the supper, including Roast Fowl (Lime chicken wings), “Bread and Dripping” (Beef brisket and Yorkshire Pud) at interval and a selection of Mince Pies, Christmas Cake, Candied Fruit and Almond Confit at the conclusion of the performance. Master chef Phil Oxley is taking great delight in preparing the food for this event and guests are assured of a stunning array of culinary delights.
Tickets are still available at $45 per head and can be obtained from the library, online at armidalecivic.org.au or felttiptheatrecompany.com, or by phoning 6772 9604. Tickets in the raffle for the giant Christmas, valued at over $400, are also available for $2 each or three for $5 and can be purchased at the door.
