REVIEW | A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic

Reviews

23 Nov

Written by Roni

Disclaimer: We were gifted a ticket in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own

Nestled in the heart of Waterloo, beneath some very festive lights, the Old Vic is enjoying the opening of its now annual production of A Christmas Carol. Featuring a stellar cast and making use of the wonderful space the Old Vic offers, the stage is set for a jubilant expression of holiday magic to quash even the harshest of ‘bah, humbug’s!

Retelling Charles Dickens’ classic tale, the story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser money lender who has spent his life eschewing everyone close to him in his pursuit of money following a childhood spent in debt. When he spends Christmas Eve being similarly miserable, he has a vision of his late business partner, warning him to change his ways. That night, Scrooge is visited by three spirits; ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. In turn, they show him the mistakes of his past and present, and the future implications for both himself and those around him, including his long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit. Can Ebenezer realise the error of his ways and make amends before it is too late?

The space at the Old Vic provides an incredible opportunity for theatre in the round, and it is utilised beautifully for this production. The ensemble takes the initiative to venture out into the audience at various points, mingling and chatting during the pre-show. What feels like a hundred tiny lanterns hang from the ceiling, providing a warm atmosphere to accompany the bell ringing, carol singing and violin playing from the cast. Without spoilers, the layout also allows for some unique audience participation, bringing you closer to the joyous heart of the show. Be prepared for the epitome of Christmas – sprouts and snow!

The supporting cast provides the warmth Scrooge lacks, embodying the Christmas spirit with gorgeously pure vocals and beautiful moments of movement that feel folksy and authentic. Rose Shalloo, Julie Jupp and Gemma Knight Jones give captivating performances as the spirits, striking the balance between harsh and hilarious perfectly. Rob Compton is a lovely Cratchit, heart-wrenchingly vulnerable as a devoted employee and family man. Special mention must of course go to Tiny Tim, played in this performance by Freddie Merritt. The ability to hold an entire audience and bring them to tears in a few lines is something many adults struggle to master, so to achieve it at such a young age is an achievement indeed. However, the real jewel in the crown here is inevitably the main man himself. Christopher Eccleston storms around the stage glowering and scowling, every inch the miserly and petulant proprietor of Scrooge and Marley. Breathing prickly new life into Dickens’ well-known tale, with impeccable comedic timing, proves effortless for Ecclestone who is a triumph in his iconic role.

The Old Vic has unquestionably mastered the art of the Christmas season, leaving audiences full of merriment as they step out of its sightly door. The entire production is simply heart-warming, truly capturing what Christmas is all about. Suitable for the entire family and with a very agreeable run time, this is the must-see show of the festive season.