Dickens is brought back to life, both as the narrator of the plays and in this rich adaptation of his somewhat less familiar tales, The Chimes and The Cricket on the Hearth. Both plays revolve around postmen: Trotty Veck (Mr Donald Fathers) the ticket porter in The Chimes, and John Peerybingle (Mr Steven Bannister) the lumbering, slow but honest carrier in The Cricket on the Hearth. The underlying current in both plays is Dickens' favourite condiment: the sauce of human kindness.

Trotty Veck starts off in The Chimes with the state of mind that man must be 'born bad' for him to have to suffer the injustices that he does, but is eventually taught to appreciate Mankind's finer qualities. The Cricket on the Hearth is a much more lighthearted and warm play, and contrasts the wealthy life of the mean toy merchant Mr Tackleton (Mr Michael Curran, who one cannot help thinking would make a good Mr Scrooge too) to John's life, rich with goodwill. In the end it is no surprise that Mr Tackleton is the really poor one, with not even a cricket on his hearth. Typical Dickens, so why should you bother with this stage adaptation?

First of all, the casting and acting is excellent. It is also interesting to see the actors effectively recycle themselves in the second play. Like icing to the Christmas pudding, the Oxford Theatre Guild has done an impressive job with the stage setting, props and authentic-looking Victorian wardrobe, making for a very atmospheric interpretation. Last but not least, there is also a live trio of musicians playing original compositions on the piano, violin and flute. They play a vital role in fleshing out the tales, as in both tales sound is an important element. The chimes of bells and the chirps of crickets form important associations in the protagonists mind, and affect their actions.

All these ingredients come together to good effect. Even in the heated theatre, one can almost feel the wind bite the cold desperation of the kindly Trotty Veck, in contrast, The Cricket on the Hearth goes down like warm mulled wine and mince pies. My verdict on Dickens at Christmas: A Tale of Two Postmen-it delivers.
And leaves one suitably in tune to spread some Christmas cheer and rediscover the warmth of human relations, so easily forgotten amidst the daily bustle of life and work.

Ching Tor 4/12/01