PREECEVILLE - Preeceville and District residents were invited to celebrate this festive season with Dickens’ Night reading of the dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol hosted at Trinity United Church, Preeceville, on December 16.
Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in response to the notorious poverty in Manchester, England in the 1840’s; He personally offered public readings to audiences in upwards of 3,000 people, directing proceeds from his readings toward charities. In true Dickens’ fashion all proceeds from this Preeceville event (free will offering at the door) will benefit The Family Resource Centre.
“We first presented the CBC endorsed dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ classic in our community in 2016,” said Sheila Ivanochko, organizer. “Since then, Reading Night has become an annual event, offering audiences a relaxing evening of stories and music. In subsequent years we have presented The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Christmas stories from around the world, and in the midst of COVID restrictions last year, a live-streamed presentation of Vinyl Café Christmas favourites.
“Dickens’ classic Christmas tale really gets everyone into the Christmas spirit and makes a significant difference for a local charity during this special time of the year.”
The 2021 production of A Christmas Carol featured local readers (in period costume) and musical interludes, followed by COVID- compliant refreshment time. As per public Health Regulations, masks were required upon entering the building.
The evening kicked off with Barb Koziuk providing music that set the mood for the evening. Miles Russell gave the opening welcome followed by Jeff and Laura Davis performing Silent Night.
Participants in the reading were: Mavis Morken, Miles Russell, Sheila Ivanochko and Lynnel Person,
Musical interludes were provided by Therese and Robert Sandager, Laura and Jeff Davis and Hein Bertram.
Refreshments and background settings all were geared towards the era that A Christmas Carol was featured around.
