We would greatly appreciate your support of Hijinx this Christmas. Text HIJINX followed by your donation amount to 70480 to give that amount. For example, HIJINX5 to donate £5. 🍬
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A note from the writer, Hefin Robinson.
Whether it’s Alastair Sim or Michael Caine, there is no denying that Ebenezer Scrooge has had his fair share of the limelight. So when the time came to write an Odyssey take on the Dickens classic, it felt natural to gravitate towards someone new. Despite appearing very little in the original book, Tiny Tim has become an iconic, if underexplored, character. Now, we get to challenge the traditional portrayal and experience a story from his perspective.
Part sequel, part retelling, this year’s show captures more of the group’s spirit and ideas than ever. With its message of humanity and love, it also gets to the heart of what makes Odyssey such a joy to be a part of: a sense of belonging.
A note from the Director and Head of PAWB (Participation), Jon Dafydd-Kidd.
When we began exploring A Christmas Carol as a vehicle for the 2023 Odyssey production, we were all excited to be taking on the epic task of this classic. We also love ensuring we kick off your festive season with high spirit. Then, two months into development, we learnt of a possible change to the programming/scheduling. After a consultation with the members of the company, they decided the venue and story were more important than the date. So, we began exploring how we re-tell this Dickens classic outside of December! The group met the challenge, finding humour and joy in discovering something new, and focusing on the true story: human connection. At a time when the world feels lacking in compassion and openness, an ability to meet and accept someone for who they are seems ever more important. At Odyssey, we celebrate our differences, and embrace each other fully. In our own ways.
“There’s no ‘even though’. They love you. Full Stop.”
A note from Emily Poole, Telemachus Director and South Hub Coordinator .
Telemachus are super excited to be back on stage with Odyssey this year for HUMBUG! We are going to take you back in time, with the help of the Ghost of Christmas Past, to reminisce and reflect on a bittersweet memory in Tiny Tim’s school life. Telemachus have been working hard on creating their own characters’ personalities, backgrounds, and interests. We hope you enjoyed meeting them in our pre-show. For the first time, the group also featured their very own scene, created collaboratively with playwright, Hefin. It’s been a privilege yet again to work with such a wonderful bunch of young people, creatives and actors who are so passionate about what they do. We hope you enjoy the show!
Odyssey Cast.
Sami Dunn
Ghost of Communication Present
Freddie Holcombe
Tiny Tim
Lewis Tagg
Ebenezer Scrooge
Geraint Stewart-Davies
Pip
Serena Lewis
Graham the Janitor
Gareth Clark
Babs
Amalia Banteli
Nel
Gary Cook
Chef
Denise Gallop
Packer
Sian Fouladi
Belinda Cratchit
Stuart Cambell
Bob Cratchit
Jennifer Lucey
Carol Cratchit
Andrew Tadd
Peter Cratchit
Nia Morgan
Lady Headlock
Becky King
Pumble-ator
Blue Balmforth
SOZ, Supervisor
Jordan Quaite
Jef, the Driver
Kirsty Rosser
Jacob Marley
Sara Pickard
Ghost of Christmas Past
Simon Richards
Ghost of Christmas Present
Matt Cook
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Tommy Rhys Powell
Ghost of Easter Yet to Come
Matthew Mullins
Ghost of Odyssey Shows Past
Danny Mannings
Commentator
Telemachus Cast.
Amy Johnston
Sophia
Callum Murray
Young Pip
Danny Lloyd Thomas
Cool Dude Awesome
Dino Goodwin
Asha
Joel Minihane
Jason
Josh Walker
George
Leo Baker
Icer
Logan Harry-Young
Rhydian
Megan Stone
Young Tim
Olive Arlauskaitė
Liv
Olivia Thomas
Young Nell
Steven Redmore
Phillip
Creative and Production Team.
Jon Dafydd-Kidd
Director and Producer
Hefin Robinson
Writer
Serena Lewis
Assistant Director
Kitty Callister
Design
Tom Elstobb
Musical Director
Tom Ayres
Production Manager
Emily Poole
Telemachus Director
Olive Arlauskaitė
Assistant Facilitator
Bron Davies
Assistant Producer
Caitlin Rickard
Marketing
Tim Griffiths
Assistant Stage Manager
Beau Broome
Production Assistant
Sami Dunn
BSL Interpretation
Alastair Sill
Audio Description
Kelly Bannister
Design Team
Valentina Gigandet
Design Team
Ozzy Corbett
Print Artwork
Thanks To...
Gareth and the Norwegian Church, Ceri Legg and Beacon Printers, Theatr na nÓg for the use of their backdrop, Joseph Howells, The Applause Group for the Telemachus costumes, Connor, Emma, Gemma H and the WMC team, also Andrew, Jackie and the team in Bar One, for the support, and all the friends and family of Odyssey and Telemachus.
USW Collaboration.
First year Creative and Therapeutic Arts students from USW joined Odyssey again this year, exploring facilitation.
Each student was partnered with an Odyssey member, building connections and observing sessions. They each designed and made something special for the HUMBUG! set, in response to their cast member’s character.
Thank you to the CTA cohort for all their hard work and support of Odyssey this year!
Cardiff University Welsh School of Architecture.
This year, Hijinx have partnered with Cardiff University Welsh School of Architecture to explore creating accessible spaces for all. And we did it by exploring theatre, play and inclusive practice.
Accessibility, as a design requirement, is commonly pursued and interpreted in compliance with building regulations. It also primarily focuses on physical disabilities. The needs of neuro-divergent users and/or users with learning disabilities are often standardised or overlooked. As a result, inclusivity is often an afterthought for the design process.
Find the resulting exhibition, made up of 3 parts, around the Wales Millennium Centre. Keep an eye open for HUMBUG! sweets from Scrooge & Cratchit Confectionery Co. hidden around the building. Can you spot them all?!
How many humbugs are in the jar?.
Have you seen our fundraiser outside the Weston Studio? Guess how many humbugs are in the jar for £1 a guess (£1.25 if paying by card) and be in with the chance of winning 2 x tickets to our upcoming Vaguely Deviant showcase extravaganza, and the jar of humbugs!
Christmas Cards.
Help to support Hijinx PAWB by buying our Christmas cards. For just £5 for a pack of 8 (of your choice) it’s a great way to help Hijinx PAWB continue providing creative opportunities for anyone who wants to perform. Purchase from the table outside the Weston Studio.