Who was Ebeneezer Goddard the Good Samaritan of Ipswich?

Last weekend was the opening night for Ipswich-based theatre company Eastern Angles’ new spin on that story so many of us know and love, A Christmas Carol.

We all have versions which are close to our hearts, from the 1992 film version featuring Muppets Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as Bob and Emily Cratchit, to the 2009 movie starring Jim Carrey as the voice of the infamous penny-pinching, hard-hearted businessman Ebeneezer Scrooge.

With so many different retellings already out there, you might think that it would be impossible to reinvent the tale again – but this is exactly what Eastern Angles has done, under the direction of Callum Berridge.

“We’ve written our own version, and we’re so excited to be presenting a real classic in keeping with an East Anglian tradition,” said artistic director Jake Smith.

In their version, the inspiration for the figure of Scrooge is taken from Ipswich philanthropist and gas merchant, Ebeneezer Goddard. 

Ebeneezer Goddard was born in Ipswich in 1816. (Image: Wikipedia Commons) The role of Scrooge is played by Ian Crowe. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) Actor Charlie Venables plays various roles, including that of the Blacksmith. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) In the story, Scrooge is made to realise that he needs to change his ways. (Image: Mike Kwasniak)

Born Ipswich in 1816, Mr Goddard was educated in Halesworth before being apprenticed to the iconic Ransomes agricultural engineers.

After completing his apprenticeship, the young Mr Goddard went to London to learn more about mechanical engineering, working in a few different roles with various companies.

Mr Goddard returned to Ipswich in 1842 when his father fell ill. When he died later that year, Mr Goddard took over the family business Ipswich Gas Company as its secretary and engineer. 

The business flourished in his capable hands. However, Mr Goddard also cemented his reputation as a doer of good deeds. In his time, the price of gas was lowered from 12 shillings and sixpence per 1,000 feet to three shillings. 

He would also hold the office as mayor of Ipswich for three terms, as well as being elected an alderman and Justice of the Peace.

An obituary published after his death in 1882 reads: “In the height of his prosperity he always had in view the welfare of those under his orders, and the working-class generally, and frequently with the object of elevating their minds, and inculcating the necessity for sobriety and industry, he delivered lectures at the Ipswich Mechanics’ Institute, and with considerable success. 

“Mr Goddard was one of the most prominent and highly respected members of the gas interest; his fine open countenance, his ever-courteous manner and affable nature, commanded the regard of all.”

Callum Berridge, director, and movement mirector James Berkery. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) Charlie Venables and Felicity Sparkes throw themselves into rehearsals. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) David Monteith plays the role of the lamplighter. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) The play brings to life a classic Christmas ghost tale with a local twist. Pictured, actor David Monteith. (Image: Mike Kwasniak) This kindly and well-thought of Ebeneezer is the inspiration behind Dickens’ Ebeneezer Scrooge’s transformation at the play’s climax, explained Mr Smith.

“Scrooge at the end gets to become the good man that Ebenezer was,” he explained.

The play will also include various homages to Suffolk, including the legend of Black Shuck and opportunities for audience participation, albeit in a relaxed way, he said.

The magic of puppetry will also be used for the spirits of Christmas Past and Christmas Yet To Come, and carols will be sprinkled throughout the show.

“We cater to audience members from all the family, from grandchildren to grandma and grandpa,” said Mr Smith.

The play will be running at the Eastern Angles Centre in Gatacre Road in Ipswich until January 5, and at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge from January 8 to January 11.