Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Nottingham Playhouse
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
The story is a famous one, every generation has a tie to A Christmas Carol, be it the original book by Charles Dickens or the blockbuster movie starring the Muppets. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future is one of familiarity, warmth and festive cheer. Mark Gatiss' reimagining of the story continues this legacy beautifully.
For those who are unfamiliar with the story, Ebenezer Scrooge is a Scrooge by name and nature. A rich and bitter man, he believes the poor are just lazy and sees charity as a waste of time and resources. His former partner, the equally miserable Marley, visits Scrooge from beyond the grave to advise Scrooge to change his ways. Failing to accept he needed to change, Scrooge is then visited by three spirits: the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future. These spirits remind Scrooge of who he once was, allow him to see things from another's perspective and show Scrooge that giving can do as much for the giver as it does for the receiver.
Paul Will's stunning set design plunges you into the world of A Christmas Carol, complete with soaring skyscrapers of precariously stacked filing cabinets which move and turn to reveal new areas and creative set pieces. Ebenezer Scrooge, cleverly portrayed by Keith Allen, is found sitting on the tallest stool at the tallest table. Allen is an ambivalent Scrooge, one who is full of misery and cruelty and yet, is also funny and full of a quirky lightness. Though very much the anchor of the production, this is an ensemble piece and Director Adam Penford ensures that every performer gets to display a wide array of skills including gorgeous, heartwarming vocal harmonies and clever puppetry.
The technical elements involved only add to the immersive experience. A small tip from us, if you can, get tickets in the stalls. We don't want to spoil any of the spooks or scares but must applaud Phillip Gladwell for the intense lighting designs making use of shadow as much as light, Ella Wahlström for the immersive soundscape and eery punctuation, Nina Dunn's chilling video design and John Bulleid for the welcome and thrilling addition of illusions - or as we firmly believe - magic.
The spooky season has ended, andthis reviewer left the theatre full of Christmas cheer. Tickets are selling well with more availability at the beginning of the run. Get yourself a ticket, you won't be disappointed!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden
A Christmas Carol plays at Nottingham Playhouse until 18 November before transferring to Alexandra Palace Theatre from 24 November.