Patrick Barlow's Adaptation of A Christmas Carol

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the theatrical structure, characters, themes, and dramaturgical elements of Patrick Barlow's stage adaptation of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

Patrick Barlow

The playwright who adapted Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol for a five-actor ensemble, also known for his stage adaptation of The 39 Steps and work with the National Theatre of Brent.

Minimal Cast Staging

The theatrical design of Barlow's adaptation where exactly five actors (three men and two women) portray all twenty-five named roles, crowd ensembles, and narrators.

Human Furniture

A theatrical convention introduced in the script where ensemble actors use their physical bodies to represent set elements such as doors, doorbells, windows, clocks, chairs, and coat hooks.

Delaware Theatre Company

The regional theatre in Wilmington, Delaware where Patrick Barlow's theatrical adaptation of A Christmas Carol received its world premiere on December 8, 2012.

Jacob Marley

Ebenezer Scrooge's deceased business partner who appears as a ghost bound in chains wrought from cash boxes, keys, padlocks, and deed boxes to warn Scrooge to repent.

Mrs. Lack

A destitute mother of seven children who visits Scrooge's counting house on Christmas Eve and is coerced into accepting a five-pound loan at $200\%$ interest, due in one week.

Lavinia and Hermione Bentham

Two women who visit Scrooge's counting house on Christmas Eve soliciting charitable donations to provide food and heating for the poor and destitute.

Surplus Population

The demographic phrase Scrooge uses to justify letting impoverished and destitute people die rather than supporting them through charity, prisons, or workhouses.

Grimes Academy

The boarding school where young Ebenezer Scrooge spent a solitary Christmas and where the cruel headmaster, Mr. Grimes, tore up his treasured storybook.

Fran

Scrooge's loving sister and the mother of Frederick, who visited young Ebenezer at school but died at an early age.

Mr. Fezziwig

Scrooge's jovial Irish apprenticeship master, owner of Fezziwig's Abundant Emporium, who hosts a lavish, joyous Christmas Eve dance and party for his workers.

Isabella

Scrooge's former fiancée who broke off their engagement on Christmas Eve after realizing his love had been replaced by an obsession with money and profit.

Ghost of Christmas Past

The first visiting spirit, appearing at midnight, who guides Scrooge through his childhood memories, schooling, apprenticeship under Fezziwig, and lost engagement.

Ghost of Christmas Present

The second visiting spirit, appearing at three o'clock with a raucous scratch band, who shows Scrooge the current celebrations at Frederick's home and the Cratchit household.

Kennington Common

The open space in London where thousands of displaced, impoverished citizens assemble peaceably to sing 'Hard Times of Old England' and demand their rights.

Tiny Tim

Bob Cratchit's sickly and lame seven-year-old son whose cheerful spirit, love for the tale of Ali Baba, and fragile health profoundly touch Scrooge.

Scrooge's Storybook Inscription

A dedication written by Scrooge's dying mother dated Christmas 1777, blessing her boy with 'a book of treasures to guide your life' before she passed away.

Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

The final spectral visitor, an ominous figure with glowing red eyes and a scythe, who shows Scrooge a future where his wealth is seized by the Treasury and he dies alone.

Total Abstinence Principle

The humorous phrase used in the epilogue to describe how Ebenezer Scrooge lived ever after having no further encounters with spirits or apparitions.