Dickens’ classic tale of redemption, empathy and love remains a powerful and timely reminder of the gross discrepancies between rich and poor. Seeing the intense deprivation many Londoners were experiencing, Dickens took up his pen and created Scrooge, a character whose name has become synonymous with miserliness. First published in 1843, the message of A Christmas Carol sadly remains just as valid in 2023.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a man alone whose only love is money who literally receives a wake-up call on where his life will end up if he doesn’t change his ways. Berated by a harsh father who showed no love to his son, but inculcated in him a need to pursue wealth, Scrooge leaves Belle, the love of his life and a secure position with Belle’s father to take up an opportunity as Marley’s business partner. So, Scrooge was on the path to become a heartless, loveless man, until the ghost of his deceased partner sends the spirits of Christmas past, present and future to show him the truth of his life. Scrooge lives alone and is destined to die alone – though to his amazement, he is also shown that there are still people who love him. There’s also some empathy for Scrooge, who rails against what the spirit is showing him, only to be told “These are the bricks that built you.” His past informs his future but need not define it. So, the ghostly intervention brings about Scrooge’s reform into a kinder, gentler man who goes from “Bah-humbug” about the festive season to “Merry Christmas” and becomes someone who is willing to help those struggling and in poverty.
Written by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, everything about this production of A Christmas Carol is phenomenal. Set in an almost-round with a long walkway, this is a sparkling, innovative and beautifully performed version of a well-known story. Christopher Eccleston makes a wonderfully grouchy Scrooge, all dark looks and arrogance. The multitalented cast sing, dance, play handbells, all perfectly on point. With a soundscape of well-known carols, played by members of the cast and a band led by Musical Director, Alan Berry, this production is a masterclass of how to meld drama, music, dance, song, special effects and lighting into one perfect whole, full of heart. This show also makes full use of the entire auditorium, creating a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. This may be a well-known story but this production is full of surprises, provoking a number of spine-tingling moments. And Tiny Tim is adorable.
Dickens reminds every one of the need to look inside themselves and see where they can help those less fortunate and, in doing so, they will not only help others but will also gain love. The ending veers slightly from Dickens’ original but that doesn’t matter. The audience will leave singing carols, uplifted and full of joyous festive spirit. This, one of the first shows of the festive season, is likely also to be the best. Magnificent.
A Christmas Carol is playing at the Old Vic until 6th January 2024. Tickets are available from: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 20th November 2023
North West End UK Rating: