A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is a gorgeous festive treat, taking place in the round and tweaked, just a bit, as it returns for yet another Christmas run.
The auditorium is dressed to thrill even before the show starts. Bedecked as it is by lanterns with carolling musicians and promenading actors dressed in sweeping Victorian top coats and top hats.
Directed by Matthew Warchus the tone for this year’s show is set by the very likeable John Simm playing Ebenezer Scrooge. Even when first shown to us as a hardened money lender and cruel employer this particular Scrooge seems a likely candidate for redemption. This means the audience can settle down to enjoy what is after all a festive show, a significant part of which celebrates that transformation rather than one dwelling for long on the agonising elements of the Dickens story. This production rather deals with how a sensitive, loving boy changed due to the devastating effects of family debt. Shadowing Charles Dickens’ boyhood.
This is not to say the morality tale is lost. Instead despite all that’s lovely and joyous about this production the device of the three Christmas’s revealed to Scrooge by the ghosts who visit him remains powerful. Members of the audience may reflect they can change their present too.
The large cast of 26 performers is first-rate. Of special mention is Juliette Crosbie as Belle, the girl Scrooge loved and lost who, unlike him, has no regrets about the way she has lived. This is a powerful scene. Also affecting is Scrooge’s relationship as it once was with his sister, played with affection by Georgina Sadler. The choreographed ensemble who dance, sing and even play carols on handbells brings wit, energy and delight.
Alan Berry is the musical director of the music which is such a feature of this show, composed and arranged by Christopher Nightingale. It’s played in the theatre by five musicians.
Highly recommended. Those who have seen this show in previous years will enjoy seeing it again, those who haven’t are in for a treat. The only caveat: A Christmas Carol is unlikely to be suitable for very young children. It is worth noting there is the option of selecting seating on the stage which gives a spectacular view of The Old Vic, one of the loveliest of London theatres.
Review by Marian Kennedy
Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, His Dark Materials) and starring John Simm (Life on Mars, Grace) as Ebenezer Scrooge.
A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.
CAST
John Simm – Ebenezer Scrooge
Rob Compton – Bob Cratchit
Raffaella Covino – Swing/Dance Captain
Juliette Crosbie – Belle
Jamie Doncaster – Swing
Geraint Downing – Ferdy/George
Kimmy Edwards – Mrs Cratchit
Jenny Fitzpatrick – Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs Fezziwig
Mark Goldthorp – Father/Marley
Ahmed Hamad – Fred
Julie Jupp – Ghost of Christmas Past
Baker Mukasa – Nicholas/Schoolmaster
Alastair Parker – Fezziwig
Georgina Sadler – Little Fan
Lillie-Pearl Wildman – Jess
Connor Wood – Young Ebenezer
The role of Tiny Tim is shared between Casey-Indigo Blackwood-Lashley, Freddie Marshall-Ellis, Freddie Merritt and Vinnie Stone
CREATIVE
Jack Thorne – Adaptation
Matthew Warchus – Director
Rob Howell – Set and Costume
Christopher Nightingale – Composer and Arranger
Hugh Vanstone – Lighting
Simon Baker – Sound
Jessica Ronane CDG – Casting
Lizzi Gee – Movement
Alan Berry – Musical Director
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Old Vic
9 November 2024 to 4 January 2025
