Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL - THE MUSICAL, The Lowry
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Hope Mill Theatre’s new musical production of A Christmas Carol, starring Claire Moore, is a festive success. Directed by Joseph Houston and William Whelton, the cast leads us through the story of a down on life Scrooge forced to experience an intense night of ghostly visits in order to save herself from the fate of her business partner Marley and learn to love and give to those around her, especially at Christmas.
Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and the book by Mike Ockrent & Ahrens are strong, really bringing to life this new take on this well-known tale, with stand outs being ‘Link by Link’ and ‘Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball’. The choreography, created by both William Whelton and George Lyons, matches the energy of the music and brilliantly lifts the piece in the larger numbers. The cast are all very strong performers, with a particular shout out to James Hume’s humorous portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Set Designer Andrew Exeter immerses the audience into the world of Dickens and makes us feel like we are part of a story being told on stage, whilst paying homage to the novella that A Christmas Carol started as. The show does rely on a lot of projection, which is mostly used well throughout but at points, it does take away from the imagery created by the set.
Established West End star Claire Moore leads the cast as Evelina Scrooge and is a clearly a talented singer with a strong stage presence. She does play the well-known ‘Bah Humbug’ Scrooge well but it would have been great to see a more fearful and tense build up within the characterisation of Scrooge before she becomes friendly, light and ready to share with others.
A central aspect of this show is the ensemble and their ability to create and carry the audience through different worlds on stage. The cohesive community feel to this production makes it enjoyable to watch and is a massive part of why this take on the show works so well.
A festive must-see for those enticed by the idea of a high quality, more lighthearted take on the Dickens classic.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Amelia Griffiths