Something very special happened at Newchurch Parish Hall in Culcheth when Culcheth Players staged a production of Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol”.
This was their most ambitious project to date and brought together groups of people from the area making it a real community event. There were just four performances with each one being almost sold out.
The story was very much loved by a lot of people and in some cases quite precious to them so when people were leaving the show, very often with a tear in their eye, Culcheth Players knew they had got it right.
There was a huge cast of 21, including four children, and many actors had to take on more than one role which resulted in some very fast costume and character changes.
The technical team faced complex scene transitions and all within the limited space available. Lighting and sound had to be timed to perfection and there were some special effects never used before including artificial snow, fog and projected ghostly images, all of which presented their own challenges. There were also dances to be learned and perfected, all choreographed by Karen Wilkinson who operates a Ballroom dancing class from the hall.
In the final scenes of the production members of Culcheth Village Choir appeared in period costume as carol singers and they were accompanied by Newchurch Hand Bell ringers all joining together singing and playing Oh Come all ye Faithfull, creating a feel good community event. And in a final comedy flourish cast members went amongst the audience handing out humbugs!
Holding everything together was the director David McManus who when everything seemed to become too daunting carried everyone through with patience and good humour and his belief in the production.
Culcheth Players would like to thank Culcheth Village Choir and Newchurch Handbell Ringers for agreeing to take part in A Christmas Carol and making it a real community event. Both organisations welcome new members.
The choir meet at Culcheth Library on Thursday evenings 7.15 to 9pm. The handbell ringers can be found by contacting Newchurch Parish Church.
Culcheth Players next production will be their popular annual pantomime which always sells out. Jack and the Beanstalk is the one chosen for 2026. Tickets are on sale now so don’t miss out.
Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/culchethp or phone 07943 517710 for further details or to join Culcheth Players. New members are always welcome.
