A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There something so very special about A Christmas Carol, with its timeless story and perfect message for the festive season, this classic Dickens tale is a firm audience favourite. 

This Christmas, Hope Mill Theatre bring Scrooge’s redemption to magical life at The Lowry with the added twist of the Ebenezer Scrooge we all know and love becoming Evelina Scrooge, played superbly by Claire Moore. 

Seeing Scrooge as a woman offers an incredible opportunity to revisit a story we think we know so well and see it through fresh eyes as the tale takes on new meaning. We see an increased depth to Scrooge and gain a deeper understanding of what led to her life of stingy frugality. 

Set amidst the inky pages of a book this stunning musical adaptation is everything you want from a Christmas production. This traditional take oozes quality with its stunning set, impressive projections, wigs and costumes while the cast are truly phenomenal.

From Claire Moore as Scrooge right down to Team Holly’s Marnie Fletcher as an 8 year old Eveline, this cast is second to none. Their vocals are sublime while the ensemble deliver George Lyons choreography to perfection. 

Director Joseph Houston alongside co-director William Whelton have created a production that would be at home on any West End stage, how lucky we are to have it right here in Salford.

Scrooge’s night of reckoning begins with a visit from a ghostly Jacob Marley, played superbly by Barry Keenan. His words ring true as the clock strikes one and the Ghost of Christmas Past (Mari McGinlay) appears. McGinlay is wonderful, full of memories and merriment as she reminds Scrooge of monumental moments from past which seem long buried by the Scrooge of present. Both painful and perfect memories emerge culminating in a celebratory scene at the Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.

This big company number is tremendous, showcasing George Lyons’ choreography while allowing Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens stunning music the ideal opportunity to shine. Alexander Evans and Josie Benson play the perfect hosts as Mr and Mrs Fezziwig, comedic and commanding.

Next we meet James Hume as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Hume is an absolute joy while the staging of his scenes is a total triumph and a real highlight in an already wonderful show. His witty approach combined with a stunning company number will live long in the memory.

As Josie Benson returns to the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Future we see Evelina Scrooge repent as she lightens and brighten before us. Claire Moore shows such incredible versatility in her characterisation, from the cantankerous early Scrooge to the jovial Scrooge of the finale she takes us with her, every step of the way on this heartwarming journey. 

The entire company all deserve high praise, their vocals are breathtaking while their skilful set changes become beautifully crafted choreography. Special mention must go to Matthew Jeans and Team Holly’s Joel Tennant whose pairing as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim is a joy.

From Andrew Exeter’s stunning set design to Alex Musgrave’s rich lighting magic has been made. The band led by Joseph Clayton solidify the sheer quality of this production.

After 9 award-winning years producing their own in-house productions, this is the first Hope Mill Theatre have created and produced for another venue and to say the bar has been set high would be a wild understatement. A Christmas Carol : The Musical is sublime. It will lift your spirits, warm your heart and remind you just how magical live theatre can be, sensational!

A Christmas Carol : The Musical is on at The Lowry until Sunday 5th January tickets available here.

A Christmas Carol

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Review by Matthew Forrest

Panto season is in full swing at this time of year, but fairytales and jolly japes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if you’re looking for something a little different to get your festive juices flowing, then the MAP Repertory Company’s take on A Christmas Carol offers the perfect alternative.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has made captivating reading for young and old alike for just short of 175 years when the novel was first published in 1843. There have been countless film adaptations of this classic tale,  all offering something a little unique and this version is no different.

Told with various cast members acting as narrator, we are introduced to Mr Ebenezer Scrooge and his dutiful, down trodden  employee Bob Cratchit as they are busy working on Christmas Eve. We get a look into the blackheart of Scrooge as he berates his employee for want Christmas Day off, as well as mocking his nephew Fred, for his merriment and positive outlook  over the festive season. What follows is Scrooge’s road to redemption as he encounters four spirits who look to save the old misers soul before it’s too late.

This is a highly original attempt at this old classic that doesn’t always hit its mark but is a great deal of fun regardless. The cast all work their socks off playing muliple roles and are clearing having a ball, the show is a blend of music and comedy, with a great deal of joy coming from the introduction of the puppet Tiny Tim. What sets this apart from other productions is the way they used the space at 53Two venue, all aspects are covered with various cast members popping up in the theatre. The soundscope is brilliant especially during the scenes with the ghosts, made all the more immpressive by the limited budget of the play.

With a running time of just under hour, Map rep company have tried to cram as much story in as possible, which doesn’t quite work in parts: the biggest problem being the introduction of the tension between Scrooge and his nephew is left unresolved. In addition Scrooge’s scaving encounter with the charity workers isn’t mentioned until after he has his epiphany: so when Scrooge shows his charitable side it has very little impact as it was seen without context.

This is a fun, smart  show, suitable for all the family that will provide a spring in the step as we march towards Christmas,packed with fine performances, comedy, Christmas  carols and lashings of good cheer it’s well worth watching.

On at 53Two until Saturday 23rd Dec, tickets available here.