I’ll say it now: I love a good Christmas Show. I don’t consider myself over-the-top when it comes to festive feelings, but I do like the spirit of Christmas – the warmth, good tidings and all that razz the season brings. And so it was with much excitement I got myself down to Soho Theatre for ‘A Christmas Carol-ish’ by Mr Swallow (aka Nick Mohammed). I was not disappointed.
‘A Christmas Carol-ish’ is loosely based on a musical retelling of Dicken’s festive classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. And when I say loosely, I mean basically think of the story outline: three ghosts turn up to change a man to be a better person, and that’s as close to Dicken’s as this show gets. And it’s all the better for it.
The writing on this show in insanely clever, funny, relevant and on the pulse of current events. I only know Nick Mohammed from his role on Ted Lasso (loved him in that) so it was with delight to learn he is a little powder keg of comic-turns and not a half bad singer!
While Mohammed is clearly the star of the show, his co-stars Mr Goldsworth (David Elms), Jonathan (Kieran Hodgson) and Rochelle Kelly (Sarah Hadland) more than earn their space on stage with their banter, wit and musical prowess. But this isn’t just slapstick antics (although there are a few), the self-referential writing of the play puts this on a different level – it’s intelligent humour for those who want something a bit cleverer than a bog-standard panto.
My favourite moment of the show was Rochelle’s song ‘I love my Turkey’. I have no idea why this hasn’t been launched as a Christmas single as I’m sure it would hit the top spot, plus her moves are worthy of a TikTok bafta. I can only hope they’ll release the soundtrack to this show soon, because the songs are comedy gold.
I know this time of year it can feel a bit overwhelming with forced Christmas cheer, but if you want entertainment that’s thoroughly funny and with a festive theme get yourself down to ‘A Christmas Carol-ish.’
A Christmas Carol-ish runs until 23rd December 2022. https://sohotheatre.com/shows/a-christmas-carol-ish-by-mr-swallow/
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 8th December 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★