ITOPA presents Inspecting Carol - an un-traditional Christmas story

(Left to right) Peter “Prince” Johnson, Richard Klein, Isaac Teige Atfield, Pursod Ramachandran, and Althia McFarland, along with the rest of the cast, bring lots of laughs and holiday cheer in ITOPA’s Inspecting Carol. (Emily Stewart Photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

The Classic Charles Dickens tale A Christmas Carol in some variation or another is usually part of Christmas. Inspecting Carol is a farce comedy take on the story, and a community theatre group performing it.

Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) will present Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan between Dec. 12 and 21 at their theatre on 88 Thames St. S. Inspecting Carol is a comedy surrounding a community theatre group at risk of shutting down as they prepare for their annual A Christmas Carol production. An eager wannabe actor, who is mistaken as an informer for the National Endowment of the Arts, is now part of the production.

Co-directors Rebecca McNall and Vix Ledgley said they wanted to bring something non-traditional but can still bring you into the holiday spirit with lots of humour.

"Rather than doing a traditional Christmas play at Christmastime, it brings a little bit more enlightenment and it's a lot more humorous especially with a lot of stress now a days, it's something to just sit back, relax, and have a good laugh about,” Ledgley said.

“The holidays can be hectic, why not treat yourself to a couple of hours of pure laughter before heading back out to the chaos,” explained McNall.

Ledgley is directing for the first time and is enjoying the experience so far.

“I've been having a great time and definitely here at ITOPA, it's been a great learning experience and it's amazing to just work with everybody,” they said.

McNall is also enjoying collaborating with Ledgley.

“Vix is a dream to work with, so creative and so full of life and laughter. Vix will be directing the next production at ITOPA, BINGO! and I'm sure it will be a huge success.”

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and afternoon matinee performances begin at 2 p.m., with doors opening 45 minutes prior. Tickets are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, $22 for students over 12-years-old and $20 for students under 12-years-old.

To purchase tickets, either call the box office at 519-485-3070 or visit online via https://www.itopa.ca/.