Judy Maddren marks 35th anniversary producing A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol will be brought to life in a dramatic reading at Avondale United Church. Pictured, Dickens himself reads to the public. He began public readings around 1853 in Burmingham, England.

Prepare for a fabulous evening of storytelling with a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol at Avondale United Church Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

This Christmas tradition was a resounding success last year and promises to sell out again this year. Former CBC radio host Judy Maddren first produced a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol 35 years ago in Toronto. It was supposed to be a one-off, fun project with friends from the CBC reading yet here she is, all these years later, welcoming another audience for an evening to exercise the imagination.

“We listen to podcasts, we listen to radio, but having someone read to us with gestures and facial expressions, you know, it’s a whole different ballgame. I was reading the story to the kids because (my husband) Tim had agreed to do the dishes after supper if I looked after our four kids. He kept appearing with a tea towel on his shoulder and listening and that’s when I thought, ‘We all like to be read to,’ ” said Maddren.

This year’s event will feature Peter Mansbridge as host for the evening. Assembled has been six magnificent voices for reading accompanied by Dan Stacey on fiddle with a performance by the Kinnaris Women’s Chamber Choir. Cast as readers are award-winning actors Sarah Dodd and Austin Eckert, the terrific orator, Ryan Erb, Juno nominated and award-winning singer-songwriter and musician Dayna Manning, Maddren and radio personality Jamie Cottle.

“I have probably heard this story read 300 times, read out loud, and every time a reader brings out some subtlety or some new understanding of Dickens’ prose which I find fascinating and I think that’s why people come back year after year. There’s always something new to hear or enjoy. Some readers really get the humour and know how to make it clear and that’s really fun,” she said.

As host, Mansbridge will lead the audience through the evening with an introduction and, perhaps, he will even talk a bit about his connection. The reading is a fundraiser for Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, of which he is a huge supporter.

"The strength of a community is shown through the way it responds to the needs of some of its residents,” Mansbridge wrote in an email. “The support of the annual reading of the Christmas Carol in Stratford exhibits that commitment and I'm honoured and thrilled to be a part of it again this year.”

The audience can expect to see the readers in fancy dress; people often wonder with a dramatic reading just what there is to look at. One year, there was a revolving Christmas tree on stage for some eye candy but, more often than not, the audience is so engaged in the spoken word and the images they invoke, they soon find themselves wrapped up in the story.

This adaptation is one that was shortened by Dickens himself for public readings. There really aren’t any formal rehearsals where the cast gathers and practices. This is where it is imperative to gather experienced voices as readers who are committed to practicing out loud at home.

“I send them the whole script so they know where their section fits in and I tell them to have fun with it. It appeals to each reader’s creativity to bring the story alive not with just the words but with their gestures and facial expressions and pausing. That’s one thing I tell people, make sure you leave space for laughter because it will happen,” said Maddren.

The music and lighting knit together the performances seamlessly, giving the production a sense of flow for the audience. The music sets off the script, the script sets off the next piece of music, so it all flows.

There will be an intermission where there will be hot chocolate and shortbread available courtesy of Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth volunteers. Shortbread will be available for sale and there will be a draw for a gift basket filled with treats from Albert Street merchants.

Tickets are available online at www.rotaryhospice.ca/a-christmas-carol. They cost $50 each and proceeds go to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. The Rotary Hospice provides a peaceful, comfortable home with 24-hour specialized, palliative care for those at end of life as well as support for those in their circle. It provides a needed alternative to institutional care facilities and home care.