A Christmas Carol
Northern Stage
Associate Sound Designer and Sound No.1
Creative Team
Director - Mark Calvert
Assistant Director - Karen Traynor
Writer - Neil Bartlett
Set & Costume Designer - Rhys Jarman
Lighting Designer - Sam Vivash
Sound Designer - Nick John Williams
Composer & Musical Director - Hannabiell Sanders
Movement Director - Martin Hylton
Creative Associate - JG Tansley
Associate Sound Designer - Matthew Tuckey
I worked closely with Nick John Williams as the Associate Sound Designer throughout pre-production, rehearsals and technical rehearsals. Owing to the scale of the production I was largely responsible for creating original field recordings, contributing designed sound effects, as well as designing the system for live processing performers vocals to create the illusion of phantom voices for the famous ghosts of Marley, Christmas Past, and Christmas Present.
This production was one of the most ambitious Christmas musicals directed by Northern Stage's Mark Calvert, with actor musicians moving around the 360° stage singing, playing instruments, and acting throughout.
"What really sets this version of A Christmas Carol apart however, is the music. A brand new musical take on the story, this performance has been scored (and performed) by musical director Dr Hannabiell Sanders (of Ladies of Midnight Blue, among others), and it’s her contribution that is most likely to stick in the mind. Expertly weaving traditional English Christmas carols with elements of New Orleans-style jazz, blues and soul, Sanders’ score not only brings foot-stomping boogie to the well-worn festive elements, but also a real sense of menace and the unknown that echoes the unsettling nature of Scrooge’s visitations. What’s more, the score is used and reflected by the cast on the floor, with office equipment such as hand stampers adding to the percussion, while the Ghost of Christmas Present takes on the visage of a stereotypical N’awlins big shot; fur-lined coat, cane, swagger and all." - NARC
