A wholly delightful retelling of the Dickens classic with a stunning set, excellent performances and the sublime addition of Sheffield Carols. Rating
Unmissable!
A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens‘ timeless and much adapted novella. There have been so many versions over the years, from musicals to Muppets. Can Sheffield Theatres do something new while retaining its perennial appeal?
Oh heavens, yes. This is a sumptuous retelling, keeping completely faithful to Dickens’ masterpiece yet bringing a fresh energy and excitement to the tale. Some of the dialogue is recognisably lifted directly from Dickins’ text which adds to the authenticity of the piece.
The set is beautiful; it is wooden, on two levels with two rickety staircases on each side. There are back-lit windows with small panes, a gas lit streetlamp, a fireplace, Scrooge’s office. It is versatile and used well. When ghosts appear, all the lights buzz and flash creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. The Cratchits’ dinner table silently rises from the floor, Scrooge’s grave spookily illuminates on the floor, Fezziwig’s Christmas party decorations descend from above. It’s all quite magical and delightful.
Threading throughout the production is the haunting a cappella music of the Sheffield Carols. Historically these folky Christmas songs disappeared after being banned in churches during the Victorian era. In Sheffield, they found new life in local pubs. They enhance this production greatly with cast members coming together to sing in tight harmony, blending beautifully with exceptional balance and sounding wonderful. They also provide incidental music and eerie sound effects. At one point the cast is spread throughout the auditorium and the music floods the theatre creating an ethereal atmosphere. They are beautifully lit too. The action is relocated from Dickens’ London to an unnamed Northern city creating a further connection.
The framework of this production is provided by a storyteller, Jack (Mel Lowe), who seamlessly moves in and out of the action as he narrates the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to a group of children, played by talented local youngsters who give lovely natural performances with very clear diction. They reappear periodically to move the narrative forward. It’s a simple device which works well.
The ghosts are impressively realised. A grey, Jacob Marley (Anthony Ofoegbu) in his chains partially appears through Scrooge’s front door, instantly transfers from there to the set’s first floor and then he’s somehow at the rear of the auditorium where he enters through the audience. The Ghost of Christmas Past (a charismatic Nitai Levi) suddenly appears, following a brief blackout, as a historical coalminer, another nod to the Northern background, with a headlamp which burns brightly to illuminate Scrooge’s past.
The Ghost of Christmas Present (Adam Price) has immense stage presence as a larger-than-life Victorian gentleman wearing a Christmas wreath on his head. He is clearly frustrated by Scrooge’s attitude and pointedly highlights the flaws. It is his intervention which finally provides Scrooge’s epiphany.
As Scrooge, Ian Midlane is the only actor playing a single character. He has some deft comic touches in his interactions with Ryan O’Donnell‘s Bob Cratchit and is especially strong once he has seen the error of his ways. His new lightness of spirit is very engaging, and the hesitancy as he seeks forgiveness is perfect. When he finally appears at his nephew’s house for Christmas dinner, the emotion between them is genuine and moving.
This is a highly impressive cast, playing multiple roles exceptionally well and providing wonderfully harmonious music with no instruments. A Christmas Carol is a well-known, beloved Christmas story and you won’t see a better adaptation than this. It encompasses all the magic of the season, with warmth and heart and this audience clearly loved it from the atmospheric opening to the standing ovation as snow falls on the stage.
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Aisha Khan
Directed by Elin Schofield
Associate Director: Alex Pritchett
Design by Rose Revitt and Kevin Jenkins
Movement Direction and Choreography by Aline David
Lighting Design by Richard Howell
Music Composed & Arranged by Matthew Malone
Sound Design by Gareth Fry
Music Supervised by Natalie Pound
Illusions Design by John Bulleid
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Design by Campbell Young Associates
Produced by Sheffield Theatres
A Christmas Carol plays at the Crucible Theatre until Saturday 10 January.
