London

A Christmas Carol (Ish) – Soho Place

A new Christmas themed show is in town! Written by and starring Nick Mohammed alongside Martha Howe Douglas, Kieran Hodgson and David Elms.

Come for the stars, stay for the foot tapping music, earnest performances and imaginative set and expertise of the ensemble. Ten years in the making, Nick Mohammed in the avatar of Mr. Swallow/ Mr. Scrooge/ Santa Claus is a talented actor subverting all our understandings, memories and assumptions around Christmas.

One need not be familiar with the character Mr Swallow to enjoy his quirks. They are able to incorporate Pantomime elements of repetition with crowd work, choreography and musical extravaganza. Complete with their shiny costumes, references to present events it is a laugh riot.

Nick Mohammed, most popular for his portrayal of Nate Shelly in American sitcom Ted Lasso. The character Mr Swallow lovingly fashioned around a teacher from Leeds with a high pitched nasal voice and familiar mannerisms grows on you through the show. He is also joined by acclaimed actor & comedian Martha Howe-Douglas from Ghosts, Horrible Histories fame with her comedic timing and straight face that makes anyone burst in peals of laughter.

Kieran Hodgson’s angelic voice as a young prisoner missing home food touches a chord. David Elms transformation from elf to ghost has the audience in splits each time.

The play in the play is very enjoyable and that is rambunctious and unpredictable is what makes it so funny. It is an ode to the Charles Dickens Classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’ with new songs, routines and satire relevant to our times.

Reviewer: Anisha Pucadyil

Reviewed: 23rd November 2024

North West End UK Rating: