Jack Thorne’s A Christmas Carol is nothing new to London.
Yet still, on no less than its 7th run at The Old Vic, it hasn’t gone stale. Perhaps there is something magical about the festive package of music, mince pies and a famous face from the TV playing the scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner of Scrooge, with just enough levity, humour and handbells to make it rise above the endless flood of other Christmas time adaptations.
As this year’s Scrooge, Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, Our Friends in the North) gives an entirely convincing performance of the old miser. You end up feeling for Ebenezer’s vulnerabilities, and see him as not an inherently bad person, but simply moulded into being so by his troubled past. On the other hand, as a reformed and generous soul, Eccleston delights with infectious positivity and unadulterated joy. It’s hard not to smile at as he bounds about on Christmas Day with renewed festivity.
The ensemble cast is nothing less than outstanding, helping to weave together Ebenezer’s past, present and future seamlessly. From returning cast such as Rob Compton (Bob Marley) and Rose Shalloo (Little Fan) to the ever lovable set of Tiny Tims, we get a sense of stalwart goodness that perfectly reflects the atmosphere.
To add to the superb acting, Christopher Nightingale cooks up a beautiful selection of Christmas carols to underscore the action. Ending proceedings with a rendition of “Silent Night” on the handbells was one of the highs of the production whilst rousing performances of “Joy to the World” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” swelled throughout the auditorium.
And besides all the silliness involving parachuting Brussels sprouts and a giant turkey barrelling down a zip line, A Christmas Carol really is a joyous production. Every facet comes together to tell Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and generosity with compassion and flair. It’s hard to resist, even if it isn’t even December yet.
