There have been over 250 stage and film adaptations of A Christmas Carol since its publication in 1843; one might wonder why the RSC wouldn’t dedicate its winter slot to something new and contemporary. We all know how this tale ends; does it need to be told again? We start with Charles Dickens talking to his friend and editor John Forster about the perils of Victorian London, and how he wants to change the grey world they live in. John encourages him to write a story, not a pamphlet, and so a scene begins. The cast create a wonderful picture in which snow begins to fall and they sing in perfect harmony, ‘I Saw Three Ships’. Dickens chooses to scrap this, and we are introduced to the infamous Scrooge.

If ever anyone was born for this role, it’s Adrian Edmondson.  Throughout the story and through Scrooge’s redemptive arc, Edmondson demonstrates the many different layers of Scrooge’s misery, madness and of course, love.  He does this effortlessly and holds the audience in the palm of his hand.

The set is intricate and the use of lighting to represent the ghosts and their interactions is clever, and not without a touch of magic.  The real stand out is the movement in the story, particularly during Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas festivities.  The choreography by Georgina Lamb is joyous while the use of live music on stage gives the piece a true authentic feel. 

We are later presented a scene in which the cast are cloaked in darkness as voices speak to the audience.  The voices talk about their experiences in workhouses and although breathtakingly sad, they somewhat detract from the purpose of the story itself.  We learn of the Cratchit family and their troubles and so you already feel great empathy due to the wonderful connection to them through the story; when lone, unknown voices try to emphasise their struggles, it seems unnecessary and a little clumsy.  The Cratchit family, led by the wonderful Emma Pallant and Mitesh Soni, are everything you could possibly wish for.  They represent the cold hard reality of this Victorian era and yet have such warmth, spirit, and life in their tiny home.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present (played by Rebecca Lacey and Sunetra Parker respectively) have real presence throughout the piece and lead the story naturally.  The heartbreak that is Scrooge’s past is highlighted and yet doesn’t overtake the grumpy man portrayed before you. That comes later.  The most wonderful part of this story is when Scrooge finally wakes up on Christmas morning. Despite Dickens’ best efforts to leave Scrooge in the grave, his friend John rightfully says, ‘you can’t end a Christmas story with a corpse.’  Edmondson represents the slight madness and disbelief Scrooge feels as he begins to change his ways, a truly heartwarming performance.

A Christmas Carol is ultimately a story of families struggling despite their best efforts and a man finally seeing the error of his ways.  Scrooge sets up a fund to help young children in poverty, and Dickens himself supported 43 different charities in his own lifetime. 

This is a wonderfully relevant and moving piece for all the family.  We could all use a little Scrooge right now!

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

A Christmas Carol plays at the RSC until 1 January, with tickets available here.