Bah Humbug!
Theatre-goers
in Halifax are likely more than familiar with Jeremy Webb. The
multi-disciplinary thespian has been a mainstay on local and regional stages
for more than a decade. Each holiday season, Webb performs a one-man take on
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Starting
this weekend, he brings Scrooge & Co. to a variety of venues across the Atlantic
region, Recently AE spoke with Webb about his annual role.
AE: How long have you lived
in Halifax?
JW: I moved to Halifax back
in 1998 from the UK. I was cast in two summer shows at Neptune Theatre (Blood
Brothers and Rumors) and was lucky enough to step off the plane, into work and
into a great new life in Atlantic Canada. Haven't really wanted to leave since!
AE: What do you like best
about living and working here?
JW: I find the city to be
exactly the right size for me, the pace of life is great, the ocean is close by
and the arts community is so supportive and creative. I love being part of the
professional theatre scene here. My career and, now my personal life, have
thrived in this place and I am so grateful for that.
AE: How long have you been
performing your A Christmas Carol?
JW: I first created the
show back in 2003 and have been doing it ever since. We have toured it (2008,
2009, 2010, 2011 and this year), we have rented the Neptune Studio for the month of
December (back in 2005) and I never get tired of doing it.
AE: What are the challenges
of the role?
JW: Mainly it's the size of
the show. I am alone on stage for 85 minutes, performing multiple characters.
It's a cardio workout and an acting mountain to climb. I am a sweaty heap by
the end!
AE: What are the rewards?
JW: Like any mountain that
someone climbs it's mainly being able to look back and say 'I did that!' The
audience reaction has been so rewarding. To have repeat customers that look for
it every year is a big compliment. We have performed the show now for over
200,000 people.
AE: Why do you think that
the production has been so popular?
JW: It's a no-brainer to a
lot of people because they know what they are coming to see: the story of
Scrooge. It's just how it's told that is a little unusual. The production is
very traditional, with period sets, costumes and props but it's also very
irreverent with lots of crazy shennanigans. People like that stuff!
AE: How has the show
evolved since last year?
JW: Every year we have done
the show we try and add new material, new gags and a new section. Last year we
had the privilege of the Symphony Nova Scotia music, composed by Scott
MacMillan. This year we are adding in projections...something a little high
tech to enhance a most traditional story.
AE: What can audiences
expect this year?
JW: As always, audiences
can expect the traditional, family-friendly show - full of wonder - with lots
of gags for the adults. We are always trying to best ourselves.
AE: Is it still fun to
perform?
JW: I am amazed that I have
now been doing this show since 2003 and still find it a fun piece to do. That's
nearly ten years!! We'd better find some way of celebrating next year...it'll
be ten years since I first put on those Scrooge specs!
AE: What is your favourite
part of the performance?
JW: As an actor, it's when
Scrooge goes back into his tragic past - that's a challenge and very rewarding.
As a comedian, it's the audience participation element - such fun to break that
'fourth wall' and include the crowd.
AE: Will you continue to
perform the role each Christmas season?
JW: I am hoping so. I
figure I can keep going until I am too old. Scrooge is an old fella, so I
figure I've got another 20 years! I may not bore people every year, but maybe
try and take it to other centres and new audiences.
AE: How is fatherhood
treating you?
JW: It's great. As long as
my knees hold out! Baby Samuel is amazing and this year will be his first
Christmas. It'll be a couple of years before he can watch the show, but that
will be a wondrous time.
