Drama in Doric: Bringing Scrooge to the Granite City
Each December, NESCol’s Performing Arts students take to the stage to close out the year in style – and we’re taking you behind-the-scenes of 2024’s production of A Christmas Carol, reimagined with an Aberdonian twist, where our students retell a timeless tale of kindness and redemption.
We caught up with student Conor Mcgarry, who took on the role of vocal coach and cast member, to hear about the rehearsal chaos, candlelit chills, and character-building moments that brought the show to life.
Can you tell us a bit about the show – what is it about?
“A Christmas Carol” is about redemption and kindness. I think we can all relate to some aspect of Scrooge’s journey, which is why it has remained so popular since Victorian times. This version being set in Aberdeen makes it extra special also.
What’s your role in this year’s production, and what responsibilities come with it?
I was a vocal coach with my fellow cast member Demmi Ewan. We had to teach everyone the songs in the show and make sure we sounded lovely.
What does a typical day of rehearsals look like? Can you share some memorable or funny moments from rehearsals?
A typical day would look like a busy (and messy) backstage where the set and prop teams would be working away. On stage we would be rehearsing nonstop.
What are some unexpected challenges the cast and crew have faced, and how did you overcome them?
We aren’t a typical acting class (in my opinion!), so it took a while for everyone to find their strengths in this production. Personally, trying to do the Doric accent justice was a challenge.
Are there any creative or technical elements that particularly stand out in this production for you?
This show has been done too many times to count, and we were well aware of that, so I think we all made sure that the characters we played showed our own unique strengths as actors.
Do you have a favourite moment or scene from the show?
I think Carol of the Bells is the best song in the show. It gave me chills when we enter the stage and surround Scrooge only lit by candlelight.
What have you learned or discovered about yourself through this experience?
I’ve learned how to switch between accents and characters mid-scene which has improved my skills as an actor.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying performing arts at NESCol?
Learn your lines, study the text and show up with a smile!
From backstage laughs to candlelit harmonies, A Christmas Carol was more than just a festive production – it was a hands-on, confidence-building experience that showcased the creativity and talent of our performing arts students.
If you’re passionate about the stage and want to take your skills to the next level, the HND Acting & Performance course at NESCol could be your next big move. You’ll develop your skills, gain real-world experience, and be part of a creative community that’s all about supporting your journey – whether that’s centre stage or behind the curtain. You can tour the facilities and meet your future lecturers at our next Open Day, or follow us on social media (@nescollege) where we’ll announce this year’s student production!
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