Tis the season to be nitpicky

Some random thoughts about Carols by Candlelight, a Christmas Eve tradition in Melbourne, Australia, that dates from 1938. It was originally the brainchild of radio broadcaster, Norman Banks, who was walking home on Christmas Eve, 1937, and saw an elderly woman sitting in her window, holding a candle, and singing Christmas carols alone. What began as a community carols singalong has grown into a nationally televised event, with a viewing audience of millions. 

The performers donate their services in support of the event, which is an important fundraiser for Vision Australia, a charity that assists vision impaired children. One would have to be cold hearted to object to that. Its being on television definitely has a downside. It bears little resemblance to a community carols event that towns all over Australia hold near Christmas, usually organised by churches and other community groups. Some of these artists are musical theatre actors, and use the event to promote their upcoming stage productions. This means singing show tunes that have nothing to do with Christmas. Surely there is scope to cut these back slightly. 

At least one artist needs to be taken aside by the producers, and politely reminded that he is performing in an ensemble production, rein himself in slightly, and choose a more conservative wardrobe. It detracts from the occassion. A cursory search of some performing arts websites makes it clear that in ensemble productions, it is rude to upstage other artists, or to be perceived to be doing so. It's not all about you. 

Another problem is that the children's segment, usually scheduled early in the night so that parents can put the littlies to bed at a convenient time, was at least 10 minutes too long. It was also cringeworthy and pantomimical. Before the pandemic, Christmas pantomimes were a cherished tradition in the UK. They have never caught on in Australia.

The production needs a refresh. Get in a new musical director, and encourage the performers to sing different songs, with new arrangements. Two singers do the same song every year, without fail, and always with the same arrangement. For me, the event seemed flat and uninspiring, and definitely an anticlimax after a challenging year.