A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Birmingham Rep Review
Rufus Hound in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story. Photo by Ellie Kurttz
Written by Katie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Christmas has officially been launched in Birmingham with Dickens' classic tale hitting the REP stage in full force this month. In this haunting yet hopeful tale of redemption, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his miserly ways when he is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, and three eerie spirits. Through visions of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Scrooge journeys through time, facing the pain of his lost innocence, the harshness of his selfish present, and the grim future awaiting him. What unfolds is a powerful transformation, as Scrooge embraces compassion and generosity, breathing fresh life into the festive spirit.
Adapted by Mark Gatiss, this production delivers a truly classic retelling of a timeless story, staying faithful to its Victorian roots while infusing it with moments of theatrical flair.
Matthew Cottle’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge is nothing short of perfection. He captures Scrooge’s journey with remarkable nuance, transitioning seamlessly from stingy and stone-faced to deeply vulnerable and, by the end, utterly giddy- a schoolboy reborn with the joy of redemption. It’s the transformation audiences long for, and Cottle delivers it with charm and authenticity.
Playing opposite, Rufus Hound delivers a powerful and commanding performance as Jacob Marley, bringing an undeniable presence to every moment he was on stage. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of those additional scenes and nuggets not typically found in the text, which provided Hound with more opportunities to develop Marley’s character while offering deeper insights into the complex relationship between Scrooge and his former partner.
Among the standout ensemble performances, Rebecca Trehearn shines. Fresh off the back of the success of ‘Becoming Nancy’, she proves herself a star once again, bringing warmth and depth to her roles. Lance West is delightfully chipper and endearing as Fred, quickly winning over the audience with his likeable demeanour. Oscar Batterham’s Bob Cratchit strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and quiet resilience, with just enough fire to give the character real dimension.
However, not all choices landed successfully. Some casting decisions, such as Ryan Weston’s dual roles as a young Jacob Marley and Tiny Tim, felt jarring, with insufficient differentiation between characters to make the transitions believable. And there is something to be said about Tiny Tim needing to be tiny, I’m afraid.
Visually, the production is a triumph. Paul Wills’ set design, dominated by towering piles of books and cabinets, evokes a sense of smallness in the characters, amplifying the story’s themes of isolation and redemption. Its gothic, Tim Burton-esque style transcends time and place, creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop that allows for seamless transitions between scenes.
I loved the extra effects that elevated the show from a traditional play to a more dynamic performance. Subtle (and at times not so subtle) projections effectively built an eerie, supernatural tension, while clever puppetry added striking visual moments that brought the ghostly elements to life. However, I couldn’t help but feel these effects could have been taken further. Their sporadic appearance left me craving more consistency and a stronger sense of “wow” to fully immerse the audience in the otherworldly atmosphere.
That said, the production maintains a steady undercurrent of tension throughout, keeping the audience invested. And in its final moments, with snow falling and the cast singing O Come, All Ye Faithful, the warmth and joy of Christmas enveloped the room, leaving the audience ready to embrace the festive spirit.
This is a timeless story brought to Birmingham with grit and heart. While it may not have reached the REP’s usual heights of innovation, it remains a haunting and heartfelt rendition of Dickens’ beloved tale. A perfect way to start the holiday season.
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story is on at The Birmingham REP until 5th Jan 2025.
★★★★
