An Interview with Director and Writer Emma Louise Tinniswood

We had a chat with the director and writer of A Christmas Carol to tell us a little bit about the show, her ideas and her work as a director.

When did you start working on the show?

It was back in the Spring, on a sunny day on the Isle of Wight that I decided to do A Christmas Carol. Although we do a big Christmas Cocnert each year, its been a while since we did a traditional Christmas show and so I thought it was about time that we did!

How much planning goes into a show like this?

A lot is the answer. I have to book our theatre slot at least a year in advance as well as people like the technical crew who get booked up if I don’t secure them. I also then have to start planning rehearsal schedules, venues and key production team members about 8 months in advance. To about this time that I also start planning my set and costume designs, and how I want the show to look. As I was also adapting this novella into a new play, I had to work on this in the summer holidays so it was ready for the auditions in September.

Why did you choose A Christmas Carol?

It’s an iconic Christmas story ins’t it? I think we’ve all probably grown up seeing one version or another of the story. I think Ive now actually watched every film and TV version that there is!

Do you have a favourite movie version of the story?

I think Muppet Christmas Carol is really special to me. Mainly because I grew up watching The Muppets and I just loved them. As a mum, I now watch it with my little boy so its even more special. Although he quite likes the animated version as he says its scarier!