An Edinburgh Christmas Carol – Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

Last performed here in 2019, the Lyceums’ Artistic Director David Greig gives this Edinburgh take on the Dickens classic a well-deserved re-run. And why not, it is an absolute joy to the eyes and ears and will surely be a big hit with audiences old and young alike.

The well drilled and very talented cast play out the well-known tale of Scrooge on the cobbles of the old town against one of the undoubted stars of the show, the set; a series of finely painted backdrops of side screens from Edinburgh’s old town, featuring great stone quoins and air scraping tenements, with the castle looming like a constant dark presence overall.

The set cleverly mirrors Mr Scrooge’s oppressive domination over the lower elements of Edinburgh, the underpaid clerks, like Bob Cratchit, or poor evicted tenants whose final destination is inevitably the poor house then the graveyard, in quick succession.

The Edinburgh references are well worked into the story of Scrooge as he is transformed one Christmas Eve from skinflint to philanthropist with a bit of persuasion from three ghostly figures. Crawford Logan is perfectly believable as the miserly curmudgeon, rarely off stage and with a screed of lines to deliver.  Meanwhile the rather miserly supporting cast whirl around, taking on three, four or five characters each. Steven McNicol shines as Fezziwig and Nouadays, the second ghost, who’s kilted entrance down the chimney is a particular highlight. Charlie West as the Policeman (amongst other roles) gives us a big-hearted bumbling comic turn that the audience lapped up. However, the undoubted star of the show is Edinburgh’s own four-legged friend Greyfriars Bobby, who weaves in and out of the storyline, beautifully controlled by Stacey Mitchell.

Special mention should go to Christina Bain, actress and musician, who provides accordion and vocal accompaniment to a local choir at various points in the show with a troubadour’s swagger.

Attention to detail is what makes theatre come to life. It is not just brilliant script and direction from Tony Cownie, not just the superlative acting but also the slickness of the set changes, the quality of the set painting, the wonderfully historic and at times over-the-top costumes (of the ghosts). One particular highlight was a Wood-burning stove and stove pipe flying straight upwards into the fly tower. Special mention should also go to sound and lighting techs here, who hit every sound effect and every lighting cue to perfection. And as for the snow scene… well. Which all made this add up to a just about perfect Christmas gift of a show.

Running time – 2hrs including 15min interval. Playing until 31st December, https://lyceum.org.uk/whats-on/production/an-edinburgh-christmas-carol-1

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 25th November 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★