Review: SCROOGE - A ONE MAN CHRISTMAS CAROL, Scrooge Theatre - Online
Scrooge Theatre’s new show sees the iconic character of Ebenezer Scrooge imagined as a modern day businessman. Living alone in a shabby flat (although with a grand piano in the front room), Joe Facer’s Scrooge is as unlikeable as the original Dickens penny pincher but with some modern twists. It is implied that he is something of a womaniser with an iPad and a crystal spirit decanter. As in the original story of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as foretold by his late business partner.
Jacob Marley is represented by a stone bust style figurehead on the piano, which interacts with Scrooge by means of voiceover which, at times, does not line up with Facer’s timing and delivery so falls a little flat. Facer himself becomes the ghost of Christmas past with the addition of a white wig, and the ghost of Christmas present with a fur trimmed cape.
Scrooge’s journey into the past brings him into contact with an ex-girlfriend who can’t accept his career driven life choices, then sees the passing of his business partner and the subsequent rise of his career. When Scrooge is shown a future that sees him ousted from his own company for his behaviour and leads him to the point of no return, he realises that he must change his ways.
Thankfully, Scrooge’s redemption is as drastic as that written by Dickens, making amends with his nearest and dearest with some comical lines and a handheld confetti cannon!
Joe Facer gives a compelling performance through the 80-minute piece, interacting with the audience and taking on a range of characters with simple costume and vocal changes, never dipping in energy. The simple set provides a versatile backdrop for the production, and effective lighting choices are used to mirror the tone of the piece.
The concept of a modern day Scrooge is interesting, but the decision to make it a one-man show has made the story a little clumsy, and diluted some of the characters. The interweaving of some of Dickens original text is a lovely touch, and knits the plot of this adaptation together. Scrooge Theatre’s version also touches on themes of mental health and suicide, bringing the story firmly into the present day.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown