Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Crucible Theatre
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Annually at this time of year, numerous versions of A Christmas Carol pop up across the country but in 2025, there seems to be more than ever. As it’s performed so frequently, each production has to find something unique. This version’s unique selling point is that it features the Sheffield Carols, unique carols that are sung in pubs across the city throughout the festive period. Whilst we’re sure knowing the songs would add to the fun, the production is still wonderfully enjoyable and festive without knowing them.
The Crucible’s production of A Christmas Carol is adapted by Aisha Khan. Khan finds the perfect balance between giving us the iconic moments we all know and love, whilst also introducing new elements and story beats that keep the play feeling fresh. The new moments of Scrooge’s journey all feel vital, really enhancing the development of Scrooge as a character. However, the group of young people, led by Mel Lowe as Jack, who act as a framing device, with Lowe often taking on the role of narrator, doesn’t add much to the production – we’re just left waiting for the chat to finish and to get back into the main story.
Director Elin Schofield ensures the play moves at a great pace. At just over two hours long, the show is fast paced whilst never feeling rushed. It would have been good if Schofield had made a decision on which accents to use – so many different ones are used throughout and we’re never really sure if we’re in London, Sheffield or somewhere else entirely. The set, designed by Kevin Jenkins and Rose Revitt, is used effectively to portray the vast array of locations we visit, and Jenkins and Revitt’s costumes are wonderful – capturing the essence of the Victorian era and really showing the difference between each social class.
Musical supervisor Natalie Pound, alongside composer and arranger Matthew Malone, deserve a huge amount of praise for how sublime each and every song and piece of underscoring sounds. The show doesn’t feature any instruments – instead, all of the music is performed acapella by the cast. The harmonies are tight, the diction is impeccable and the music is effectively used to elevate the action, whether it’s a joyful carol in a party scene or an underscore adding tension where needed.
Casting director Juliet Horsley CDG has assembled a wonderful company to bring this festive tale to life. Ian Midlane takes on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge and may be one of the best Scrooge’s we’ve seen. Whilst being cold and mean spirited at the beginning, he still manages to demonstrate impeccable comic timing. His Scrooge feels entirely human, never once verging towards being a panto villain. Somehow, he makes us like Scrooge from the off, rather than just hate or fear him, meaning we can really root for seeing his change of heart. He portrays the gradual change of Scrooge’s heart beautifully.
Nitai Levi is lovely as the Ghost of Christmas Past and quite a departure from the traditional portrayal of the character. He’s grounded and human rather than ethereal and magical, which adds weight to what Scrooge is seeing. Adam Price is great fun as the Ghost of Christmas Present, with a powerful stage presence and enjoys leaning into the slightly more sinister side of the character.
The rest of the supporting cast is packed full of perfect performances. Anthony Ofoegbu’s performance as the Ghost of Jacob Marley is moving, capturing the pain he is now facing after the poor decisions he made in life. Aaron Anthony captures the joy of Fred beautifully, whilst Ryan O’Donnell gives a beautiful performance as Bob Cratchit, the broken father who is trying his best to keep the joy of Christmas alive. Kimberly Blake’s Mrs Cratchit is a particular stand out in the show, bringing to life pure anger against Scrooge.
The Crucible’s production of A Christmas Carol is a lovely treat for the festive season. It is very much the story we all know and love, whilst keeping it fresh, both in how it develops these iconic characters and its inclusion of music that is beloved by many across the city of Sheffield.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush
A Christmas Carol plays at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre until 10 January, with further info here.