Despite the strong male domination of the story many of the women in the play are powerful characters. To frame the performance designer Ray Lett has succeeded in creating a set that adds interest and depth to the positioning of the actors. Some of the stage is occupied by a revolving area, which enabled rapid transition from scene to scene. The quick changes were essential. Each act consisted of many short scenes, some overlapping so that the actors began speaking whilst the revolve was still turning or before they became illuminated.
Stairs leading to an upper level add an extra dimension as well as an alternative acting area.
Rising from this upper level is a large clock face and visible below the oversized cogs of its mechanism. But the overall requirement of representing many different locations means that it gives the play a haphazard and timeless appearance rather than reinforcing the 1840s period. Atmospheric lighting added to the effect and helped differentiate between locations, but the emphasis on effect sometimes resulted in the actors' faces not being lit adequately. Dickens' story is worthy of a television drama mini-series, but this play is a splendid effort at conveying a taste of the period and a sense of the emotions brought about by a combination of avarice and paternal favouritism. All rights are strictly reserved.