Review: A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic)

Review by Daz Gale

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We all have our Christmas traditions we like to do every year. Whether it is seeing the lights on display, going to a festive market or having your annual argument over a family game of Monopoly, these are the moments that truly make you feel jolly (unless you’ve lost at Monopoly, of course). A Christmas tradition in theatre in recent years has been The Old Vic’s acclaimed production  A Christmas Carol which returns for another season. It has also become a Christmas tradition for me, with this making my third year in a row seeing the show, but let’s not dwell on the ghosts of Christmas past that were my previous two reviews of this – looking at Christmas present, would this year’s iteration bless everyone or would it prove to be a bit of a turkey?

Matthew Warchus’ production of A Christmas Carol is now in its 8th year at The Old Vic, bringing a much needed bit of familiarity in times of uncertainty (particularly in the case of this year). Written by Charles Dickens in 1843, it has stood the test of time, entertaining audiences with its many adaptations across all forms of media in the centuries since. Indeed, this is the 9th different review based on A Christmas Carol you will find on this very website – some may say that is TOO many reviews. To them I say bah humbug!

I’d imagine everyone knows the story behind A Christmas Carol by now but, for the avoidance of doubt, it tells the story of old miser Ebenezer Scrooge who isn’t exactly filled with the Christmas spirit himself - that is until he is visited by spirits of his former business partner and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come. Hoping to teach him the error of his ways, they show him the man he has become and how his actions have affected those around him and will continue to do so in the years to come. Would Scrooge be able to change his ways before it is too late? Well, we all know where the story goes but it’s the getting there that makes this production so much fun.

Jack Thorne’s version of A Christmas Carol takes all the classic elements we know and love of the story, retaining the essence of the show, while bringing something new and distinct with it. I say new – now that this production is in its 8th year, it seems to have taken on its own tradition, with a beautiful sense of familiarity that comes with seeing this show. Though each year is always slightly unique in its own right, mainly down to the star actor leading the cast, any visit to watch this production is a guaranteed recipe for comfort and joy. Thorne’s ability to keep the timeless quality to the show while throwing in some new and modern elements creates a winning formula that continues to thrill audiences year on year.

It is in Matthew Warchus’ inspired direction that makes this production truly come alive with fantastic staging allowing the audience to surround every corner of the stage, immersing themselves in the action – and becoming part of the story in one crucial sequence. The choices used to depict the narrative, particularly in the appearance of the ghosts, are all done with a style that still feels every bit as eerie and spooky as you expect, while still having a bit of fun in doing so.

The climactic scene where Scrooge decides to create a moveable feast is what really brings this production of A Christmas Carol into its own. Now iconic in its own right, it shifts the tone of the show completely, obliterating any fourth wall and almost descending into panto territory… but it works. Not only that, it is vital to the story. Reflecting Scrooge’s transformation as a character, the complete shift and tone change is a clever mirror to this aspect of the story, and more importantly, is incredibly fun. If you ever wanted to see Brussel sprouts parachuted in, sausages being passed through the audience and a zip-lining turkey, this is the production for you. And if you DIDN’T want to see any of that, perhaps you are in need of visits from some Christmas spirits! There is something so completely joyous about this sequence with the audience working as a community alongside the cast on all levels of the theatre – you really can’t help but beam at the beauty of it.

The atmosphere that is created in this production really is second to none. From the moment the doors open, you are welcomed into Charles Dickens’ world, ensuring you are in the best possible mood for when you first meet the legendary miserable character. Who doesn’t love to be greeted in a theatre by a character offering you a Mince Pie and a satsuma before wishing you merry Christmas? I didn’t even care that it’s still November and Michael Bublé hasn’t even fully defrosted yet, I was so in the moment. By the time the show nears its climax and the snow starts falling, I was completely enchanted – I truly believe this is the best use of snow you will find in the theatre (with my sincere apologies to Elsa in Frozen).

The use of music is another element that adds to the magic and wonder of this production. Marrying the story of A Christmas Carol with actual Christmas Carols is a combination that works incredibly well. With Christopher Nightingale’s composition and Alan Berry’s musical direction, timeless classics transcend the Centuries to create something effortlessly beautiful. The moment cast members appear at every corner of the theatre on all levels singing creates such a powerful and atmospheric moment, it is impossible to not be moved by it, while the use of bell ringing proves gorgeous and oddly emotional to witness.

Each year, an accomplished actor is recruited to take on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge and this year is no exception with John Simm leading the cast. To reference the character he played in Doctor Who, he really delivers a master-class performance, showcasing what a fantastic actor he is at all times. Each Scrooge puts their own mark on the role and it was in Simm’s transformation to the fun-loving person full of Christmas spirit in the closing scenes that really allowed him to play with the role. The joy that bounced off of him was infectious with a real warmth that could melt even the coldest of hearts. The versatility in his performance from the Scrooge that starts the show to the one that wishes us all a Merry Christmas was captivating all the way through, with Simm delivering a Scrooge for the ages.

John Simm isn’t the only star on that stage, however, with the entire cast all shining with their performances. Juliette Crosbie gives a commanding turn as Belle with Julie Jupp and Jenny Fitzpatrick both delivering fantastic turns as the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present respectively. Rob Compton is captivating with his emotional portrayal of Bob Cratchit with Ahmed Hamad delighting as Scrooge’s nephew Fred. Though the whole cats equally impressed, special mentions need to go Connor Wood for his small but mighty turn as young Ebenezer and a larger-than-life and joyful characterisation of Fezziwig courtesy of Alastair Parker.

Becoming a part of the Christmas season in its own right, A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic seems to get better each and every year. A truly magical production, it has the ability to make even the grumpiest of souls feel like a kid at Christmas with its sense of wonder. No matter how much of a Scrooge you are, this utterly joyous Christmas Carol wis guaranteed to leave you in the Christmas spirit, leaving the theatre wishing a merry Christmas to all… and to all a good night. And who couldn’t have a good night at a show full of this much spirit? God bless us, everyone!

A Christmas Carol plays at the Old Vic until 4th January. Tickets from www.oldvictheatre.com

Photos by Manuel Harlan