A Christmas Carol, Sherman Theatre Review
A Christmas Carol at Sherman Theatre. Photo by Mark Douet
Written by Kay for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
There is little else that is more festive than A Christmas Carol and with its delightful humour, and modern twist, the Sherman’s latest offering is a real treat that offers something for everyone.
Set on Christmas Eve 1843, in what is Victorian Wales, A Christmas Carol tells the story that we all know but this time it is with a thoroughly modern Welsh twist. It’s set in Cardiff, with Welsh accents a plenty and it also seamlessly incorporates the Welsh language. The infamous Mari Llwyd even makes an appearance, before you then hear the beautiful sound of a Welsh harp.
The production itself remains true to the classic with our main character, Ebbie Scrooge, forced to face the ghosts of her past, present and future. Obsessed with the growth and maintenance of her wealth – and as the richest woman in the world – money is the one thing that Ebbie has. However, our trio of ghosts maintain a hope that Ebbie can be changed and it’s to that end that they visit her on that fateful evening.
Having first been produced in the Sherman in 2021 it’s immediately apparent why this production has made a comeback because this production is one for all the family. It’s a cocktail of the best that stage has to offer, with moments of emotive humanity, scenes of hilarity and layers of characterisation with each member of the cast truly bringing the scenes to life.
The script is intelligent, with Scrooge’s seeming coldness easily and well explained by the details that are eventually revealed to the audience.
The main character, Ebbie Scrooge, is played by the talented Hannah McPake with her interpretation offering a delightful performance. Able to represent the best and worst of the character, she presents a Scrooge that is more human than many of the other representations. Her journey throughout the story has innumerable events that many of us can relate to.
Then there’s the uber-talented, Keiron Self, an actor who I have now had the pleasure of watching twice this year. He also featured in the Theatre Clwyd’s production of Rope earlier in 2024. His performance as Jacob Marley, Mr Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Future is outstanding.
The first half ends with one of the biggest reveals in Welsh theatre, when the ghost of Christmas Present arrives in glittering fashion. Gone is the traditional presentation of this story and here is a brightly coloured, bubbly pop sensation with the addition of two dancing baubles.
Owen Alun, the “ginger from North Wales” as he describes himself at one point in the show – offered a fun and energetic addition to the story. The kids around us were in hysterics as he made his entrance, but also as he continued to play his part. It was truly memorable and nothing like I have ever seen before.
This production can’t be reviewed without a mention being given to the overall cast, particularly the way that music is handled throughout. The audience can see the band clearly, as they sit at the front of the stage in full visibility. It’s for that reason that the audience watches in awe as members of the cast seamlessly move from one instrument to another. This is just one of the reasons why the cast of this production feels combinedly more talented than any other.
It's also for that reason that the director and cartographers deserve a huge amount of credit, because this could not have been an easy production to manage. It’s intricate and the timing must be precise. The use of puppets surely only adds to the complexity of this entire production.
The Sherman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is a brilliant modern spin on a classic and is truly one that the entire family can enjoy.
At Sherman Theatre until 4 January 2025
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
