Review: A Christmas Carol (Barn Theatre)

Review by Claire Baker 

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It was 1853 when Charles Dickens wrote the timeless classic we now know as ‘A Christmas Carol’, with the tale becoming a festive staple in the Decades and Centuries since. Though there are multiple offerings of the story on stage this Christmas, I was interested to head to The Barn Theatre in Cirencester to see their take on the story. Would it be a production full of riches, or simply a humbug?

Adapted by Alan Pollock, A Christmas Carol depicts Dickensian London, exploring themes of redemption, generosity and compassion, alongside the impacts of greed and social injustice in Victorian England. We follow Scrooge as he embarks on an enlightening journey of discovery through his past, present and future, delving into his origin story a little deeper and providing some enlightenment as to where his dislike for Christmas might stem from, and how this has become detrimental to his own happiness and emotional wealth. Scrooge’s journey enables him to see the consequences of his actions and realise the importance of generosity and compassion alongside the true spirit and magic of Christmas.  

The cast is led by Jack Lord as Ebenezer Scrooge in a performance that feels authentic, threaded with well-placed humour, and an emotional depth. Lord easily holds the attention of the audience from the opening moments, with the traditional line ‘Humbug’ featuring more than once.

Though this production only boasts a relatively small cast of only six performers, there is certainly no shortage of skill. Three members of the cast deliver dual roles, with subtle differences to identify their characters. It was nice to see some skilful actor-musicianship, with some of the cast playing live instruments on stage. Although the element of singing is not something that heavily features in this production, music is used throughout and creates a Dickensian atmosphere. The songs that do feature lend themselves to a folk-style feel with some beautiful vocal harmonies. 

Paul Kemble brings to the table energy, warmth and generosity as the animated Mr Fezziwig, contrasted with the working poor, dedicated but positive (despite the odds) underpaid clerk. The rest of the cast is completed by Louise Faulkner as Mrs Cratchit & Mrs Fezziwig, Claire Lee Shenfield as Fan & Leigh Lothian as Belle - all delivering captivating performances, particularly when portraying the visiting spirits.

I have to commend Anna Kelsey for the superb set design. The use of the stage is impeccable; set and props are seen rising from trap doors, dropping from the fly loft and a toolbox of tricks is impressively used, in the most part to create smooth and seamless scene transitions that really make an impact. However, such is the nature of live theatre; during this performance, there was the occasional prop slip, but the actors covered this well. It was also necessary during Act 2 to take a short show stop due to a technical issue. Actor Sam Lightfoot-Loftus, who plays the parts of both Young Scrooge and Fred, had the audience in the palm of his hand as the show reconvened. The attention to detail, research and technical ambition here can clearly be appreciated. The Barn theatre is a wonderfully quirky and intimate venue in the Cotswolds, and this production certainly aims to use this space to its full potential.  

The representation of the three ghosts is impressive, using varying theatrical techniques, including smoke, haze and interpretive dance in their movement. This interpretation delivers humour alongside its more serious messages, ending on the reminder that it is never too late to change and make a difference. 

A particularly memorable quote from the piece “We are all but fellow passengers on the same journey” suggests that, despite our differences and different circumstances, we are all living a shared human experience, navigating the journey of life in all its challenges, joys and uncertainties. 

The Barn Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is a beautiful and technically intricate piece of theatre, brilliantly performed and staged. Threaded with thought-provoking messages, literal Christmas spirits and a lot of powerful Christmas magic.

A Christmas Carol plays at The Barn theatre until January 4th. Tickets from www.barntheatre.org.uk 

Photos by Sonny Layton