If I thought there were too many productions of The Nutcracker, where do I begin to count the number of A Christmas Carols in London?
If there were as many Christmas Eve ghosts as there are productions of the Dickens classic, Ebenezer Scrooge might not have made it to Christmas dinner.
So, of all the gifts under the tree, which do you choose to unwrap?
For me, the Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol is my favourite.
Matthew Warchus’ and Jack Thorne’s beloved production of A Christmas Carol is equal parts traditional storytelling and innovative theatre. Here you will step into the world of Victorian London Charles Dickens…
And then there’s magic. Jack Thorne is perhaps best known for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a feat of innovative staging and lighting. Here, you’ll find Thorne’s theatrical signature with stage mechanics that twist reality in front of our eyes and lighting that both confuses and illuminates. Don’t expect any spells or flying broomsticks, but do expect a few tricks.
Though, most importantly, at the centre is the story itself based on Charles Dickens’ novel. At the Old Vic, A Christmas Carol maintains the heart of the story, while dazzling with modern theatre magic. Expect traditions, but expect something new, as well.
Curious what’s underneath the wrapping paper? Read on to count down 3 reasons why I’ve chosen Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol as my festive pick.
What makes this special? Let’s have a look!
4. The balance between darkness and hope
Where some productions can lean too deep into the macabre while others present glib optimism, this version of A Christmas Carol manages to successfully balance the plot’s darker themes with the story’s overarching optimism.
Here, the characters lead. And I think that’s the key.
This is the full Dickens experience, complete with Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball and lost love. Although other minor characters and subplots also step forward. Family members and friends bring layers of nuance to the story. This ultimately makes the redemption arc more rewarding.
3. The music & magic of timeless Christmas
While this A Christmas Carol isn’t a musical, you’ll still walk away singing. Christmas carols weave in and out of this story. Carols welcome you when you walk in; they hold the transitions between scenes; and carols lead the celebration on Christmas Day.
And it’s not just voices! A string quarter welcomes you to the theatre and a bell choir chimes in throughout the evening. While the melodies are familiar, moving between strings, voices, and bells creates a richness and a texture to the sound.
And then there’s the finale…There is something uniquely emotional about singing Christmas Carols together. Even the Scroogiest Scrooge can’t resist softening at the familiar tunes. In its finale, the bell choir and the audience-as-chorus warms the heart and makes me believe in Christmas again.
2. Jack Thorne’s production & stage wizardry
Like the best magic, it’s the slight of hand that makes a trick come to life. With a detail so small, our minds easily skip over the slight of hand to be awed and impressed by the end result.
Thorne’s production is full of small turns that create onstage illusions. Set pieces easily transform. Light refracts and distracts. Set pieces appear. Ghosts appear and disappear. The whole experience feels like it’s floating in the middle of the theatre.
The brilliance of Thorne’s production is its simplicity. These aren’t sweeping set pieces and pyrotechnics. Instead, these tricks are confident enough to step back and let the story take centre stage.
And that’s what makes this show so easy to watch. It’s as smooth as watching a movie.
1.A Magical Christmas Morning
If you’ve seen A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, the memory will most certainly come to mind. And, if you haven’t, let me not spoil it.
Instead, let me say, the atmosphere of the finale is all-consuming. You’ll feel it in your body and in your heart. It’s joyful. It’s celebratory.
Scrooge’s redemption is hopeful and heartwarming in such a genuine way. This isn’t a glib, cookie-cutter happy ending. All the real human emotions and character nuances build to this moment and it is utterly satisfying.
Have you seen Thorne’s Christmas Carol at the Old Vic? What did you think? Or, have you seen A Christmas Carol near you?
As my last post before the festive weekend, let me take this moment to wish you a very happy Christmas. And may your Christmas Eve be more peaceful than Scrooge. …. deep breath… God Bless us, every one!
Fancy another Christmas review? Try English National Opera’s It’s a Wonderful Life, the opera! or the Grinch-themed drag show Who’s Holiday starring Miz Cracker from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
All promotional images are by Manuel Harlan and the Old Vic.
London Show Cap 
Leave a comment