Interview: Director Elin Schofield on A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Sheffield Crucible

Tis the season, Besties…or very nearly! This year’s festive production at the Crucible Theatre is a brand new version of the beloved A Christmas Carol. We spoke to director Elin Schofield about this new production, which roots the action firmly in Sheffield.

Every year, there are numerous productions of A Christmas Carol that appear across  the country. What makes this one unique? 

This version of A Christmas Carol is unique for a few reasons. Firstly, Aisha Khan has  written a brand new version for the Crucible Main Stage and for the audiences of Sheffield.  It is glorious - full of heart, accessible to all ages and relevant to today. Secondly, we are  integrating the local Sheffield Carols into the well-loved Dickensian classic. Thirdly, the tale is narrated by a young boy who conjures the world of the play, guiding us through the past, present and future.  

For people not from Sheffield, what are the Sheffield Carols and how do they fit into this story? 

The Sheffield Carols are an incredible folkloric tradition going back hundreds of years.  People nationwide used to sing carols in churches but when Queen Victoria came to power, these songs were banished from them. Mostly, these carols fell out of use throughout the UK, but the Sheffield residents weren’t having any of that. They moved these  carols from the churches to the pubs - a great idea! There’s a community within this city  who are fiercely proud of these carols and they congregate in pubs every winter to sing  these songs and keep the tradition alive. People come from all over the world to experience  the carols. 

We have incorporated them into the piece in two ways. Firstly, joyous communal singing as you’d find in a pub on a cold November or December evening, pint in hand. Secondly, our composer, Matthew Malone, has broken down the carols and reconfigured them into this wonderful choral music which will sit under the play like an aural bedrock. All of the music throughout the show will be acapella - only voices without the accompaniment of other instruments. We are firmly putting the carol in A Christmas Carol! It sounds absolutely stunning. 

What made you interested in putting your own spin on the festive classic? 

As a director, I am interested in making classic texts feel accessible to as many audience members as possible. To do that for audiences at this time of year, with a story that is so close to people’s hearts is a wonderful opportunity - I leapt at the chance. Lots of facets of  the project excited me, like integrating the Sheffield Carols within the piece and using the voice, instead of other instruments, to create the whole soundscape. Being able to work with local performers as part of our young company also interested me. There are brilliant parts for young performers in this adaptation and not just the ones audiences have come to expect. 

Why do you think A Christmas Carol has become so beloved in British (and global!) culture despite it being set in the Victorian era? 

Despite it being written nearly 200 years ago, A Christmas Carol still resonates today. A  journey to redemption helped by kindness and forgiveness feels so important in a world where polarisation is widespread. Humans have the capacity to change and that really is  worth celebrating. There is also something in this story for everyone. It is heartbreaking and  heartwarming, full of surprises and wickedly funny: all the best ingredients for a good story.

What was your first encounter with A Christmas Carol? 

I came to it as an adult at university - so relatively late. Whilst I studied English and Theatre at the University of Sheffield, I was introduced to Dickens and was instantly taken with his deftness at capturing his vivid characters and the politics of the era. 

As someone who made your start at Sheffield Theatres, how does it feel to be entrusted with this year's big Crucible Christmas production? 

I have worked at Sheffield Theatres for the last decade on over twelve productions,  including Standing at the Sky’s Edge when it returned to Sheffield for its Christmas run, so I  know what a pleasure and privilege it is to be entrusted with the festive production. It is magical to be holding the reins this year and bringing to life a story with such wide appeal.  Honestly, being back with the brilliant team who work here feels like Chritsmas has come early. 

Why should people come to see this production of A Christmas Carol at the Crucible? 

It is going to be a festive feast for the eyes and ears! Expect glorious choral music, a wonderful company of actors and epic set and costumes. There will be surprises, tons of  heart and holiday spirit. We can’t wait to share it with you!

A Christmas Carol plays at Sheffield Crucible from 29 November - 10 January, with further info here.