Review: Scrooge goes folk in Tickhill

Most people have heard of Scrooge, even if they have never read A Christmas Carol or any other work of Charles Dickens, writes Adrian Hattrell.
Green Matthews and Jude Rees presented a folk rock version of A Christmas Carol in TickhillGreen Matthews and Jude Rees presented a folk rock version of A Christmas Carol in Tickhill
Green Matthews and Jude Rees presented a folk rock version of A Christmas Carol in Tickhill

What is certain is that they have never experienced the story in the form of a folk opera, which is what was presented to Tickhill Music Society by the group calling itself Green Matthews and Guest – which comprised of Chris Green, Sophie Matthews and Jude Rees.

The players set the scene with a medley of Victorian carols, music hall songs and folk songs, accompanying themselves on an astonishing range of period instruments, which were variously blown, plucked and squeezed.

This was followed in the second half by the group’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, with the lyrics written and the music composed by Chris Green, using variations on the traditional tune of God rest you merry, gentlemen.

The whole evening was enthusiastically received by the audience, especially the couple who had travelled from Rochdale for a second hearing.