Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, The Old Vic
Manuel Harlan
A Christmas Carol has returned to the Old Vic for its ninth year, bringing back all the magic, joy, tradition and nostalgia of Dickens’ much-loved classic.
Dickens’ story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter, tight-fisted man who has recently lost his business partner. He has little affection for the world, hoards his money and offers little kindness. That is, until he is visited by the three spirits of Christmas, the Past, Present and Future, who each in turn guide him through a series of revelations that teach him about love, generosity, forgiveness and the consequences of his choices. They slowly help him to see the world differently, crack open his heart and open him up the warmth he has shunned out.
From the moment you step into the auditorium, you are entranced by the atmosphere. The production is performed in the round, and above audiences hangs a canopy of glowing lights. Musicians play live on stage in the pre-show, cast members weave around, some handing out satsumas, others carrying trays of mince pies. It is quite charming, and a little feast of festive theatre magic.
The show begins with the cast singing and dancing before launching into a beautiful bell piece that sets the tone perfectly. Paul Hilton’s Scrooge is a standout. He captures the gruff, pinched spirit of the character with sharp pointed facial expressions, with hard and cold eyes, yet he also ventures into moments of tenderness. His scene hugging his younger self is especially moving. It is raw, honest and unexpectedly emotional. Watching him shift from sour misanthrope to a giddy, childlike joy at the end is a heart warming. The cast supports this journey with heartfelt, sincere performances.
The set design is simple but wonderfully done. With the stage in the round, the audience feels immersed in the story. The hanging lights create a magic-like feel and an eerie atmosphere. There isn’t much staging, and the minimalist approach allows performances to shine. Door frames rise and fall from the ground, and actors mime opening and closing doors with accompanying sound effects, which works seamlessly. Fake snow occasionally falls onto the stalls, providing moments of enchantment. One of the most charming and fun touches is the way food for the Cratchits’ feast is passed through the audience to the stage, with some food travelling from the balcony via a fabric chute, which adds great amusement. This playful audience-inclusive moment is perfectly placed as Scrooge himself starts becoming more open to those around him.
The musical elements are a highlight. Though not a musical, the production includes gorgeous musical interludes. Cast members play haunting bell arrangements of Christmas pieces, and the ensemble delivers beautiful renditions of classics like ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘O Holy Night’. The score is warm and eerie, creating a rich and magical atmosphere.
Like Scrooge himself, A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic melts your heart, just as winter sets in. It is heartfelt, nostalgic, magical and meaningful. The theatre’s charitable work of raising money for those facing poverty in London, make the experience feel even more fitting for the season. A truly special production that is perfect for this time of year.
Wrap yourself in the warmth of this magical story, and you will leave believing, like Scrooge, in the power, kindness and magic of Christmas.
***** Five Stars
Reviewed by Alexandra Tullah
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