Now a celebrated annual tradition, A Christmas Carol returns to bring festive joy to all but the hardest “Bah, humbug!” hearts.
Enjoying its third Melbourne season, A Christmas Carol delivers warming comfort in a magical, family friendly theatrical experience.
Expertly crafted by peak theatre makers, this production of A Christmas Carol premiered at the Old Vic in London, where it has played every year since 2017 (with the 2020 season presented online). The Broadway season was rewarded with a whopping five Tony awards, the very rare play to win for Best Original Score.
Already seen around the world in innumerable adaptations, playwright Jack Thorne skilfully adapts the Charles Dickens classic in briskly entertaining fashion. Thorne economically sets the scene with a brief prologue of the miserly Scrooge in action before delving straight into the visits of the three spirits.
Prolific groundbreaking director Matthew Warchus collaborates with regular design colleague Rob Howell to conjure a visually appealing, mystical world that blends heartfelt humanity with intriguing illusions. Warchus presents the cast as a troupe of theatrical players, each taking their turn in featured roles and then as part of a narrative ensemble, with each also making musical contributions to the Christmas carols.
Howell’s scenic design is inextricably linked with the stunning lighting design of Hugh Vanstone, with dozens of magical flickering lanterns floating overhead up into the auditorium, more lanterns piled up on stage, and ominous glowing light seeping up below the floorboards of Scrooge’s office. Lighting aids the magical appearance and disappearance of spirits, also serving to create a warm Victorian glow.
Composer and arranger Christopher Nightingale has incorporated a dozen traditional Christmas carols into his original score, which adds significantly to the festive atmosphere. Musical director Vicky Jacobs, on keyboard, conducts a further three dedicated musicians as well as helming full company musical performances from the cast. The Christmas carols played on handheld bells are a stunning highlight.
Lovingly overseen by Australian associate director David Spencer, the neatly balanced Melbourne company features some OG cast members blended with some welcome newcomers.
New headliner Erik Thomson gives a suitably commanding and, ultimately, moving performance as cantankerous misanthrope Ebenezer Scrooge. Thomson brings the ill-natured character to instant life, convincingly blustering against seasonal goodwill and fearing the arrival of the ominous visiting spirits. As the transformative arc is completed, Thomson radiates an infectious goodwill that warms the heart just as much as the beautiful music and miraculous snowfall.
Sarah Morrison plays her third season as dear Belle, the young woman who is loved and lost by Scrooge is his determinedly avaricious phase. Playing a key role in the through-line of the story, Morrison gives a gently endearing performance that leads to a moving aspect of the story’s resolution.
Samantha Morley continues to own the role of the cooly detached Ghost of Christmas Present, neatly underpinning a touch of compassion beneath the Ghost’s imperious manner.
Company members Stephanie Lambourn (Mrs Cratchit) and Benjamin Colley (George) mark their third year with A Christmas Carol, both also contributing invaluably to the live music.
Warmly comedic actor Grant Piro enjoys his second year as good natured undertaker Fezziwig. Aisha Aidara continues to bring wide-eyed tenderness to Scrooge’s beloved sister Little Fan, who also serves as the Ghost of Christmas Future.
New cast member Alison Whyte brings characteristic flair to the Ghost of Christmas Past. Tim Wright readily engages audience affection as beleaguered Bob Cratchit.
Kaya Byrne deservedly moves up to the role of Fred, devoted nephew of Scrooge, warmly displaying big hearted passion. With a subtle twinkle in his eye, Anthony Cogin deftly takes the edge off Scrooge’s unloved father, also bringing a sense of humanity to the suffering spectral spirit of Marley.
At this performance, plucky young performer Mira Feldman brought adorable sweetness and vulnerability to Bob Cratchit’s beloved son Tiny Tim. Feldman shares the key role with Wynton Inman, Libby Segal, and Noah Sheridan.
Perfect holiday viewing, audience members should prepare to set extra places at their tables as they generously throw open their homes after experiencing the joy of A Christmas Carol.
A Christmas Carol plays at Comedy Theatre, Melbourne until 29 December 2024. For tickets, click here.
The producers of A Christmas Carol have partnered with Second Bite to raise funds to support families in need of food at this time.
Photos: Eugene Hyland