You surely have heard of Ebenzer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol? Well even if you haven’t, this play is on at the Birmingham Rep until 5th January 2025. Reading the brochure and some audience reviews gave me an inkling as what to expect which was more emphasis on the ghosts within the play. Adam Penford- director commented he wanted this version to be less a chocolate box version and allude more to the Victorian struggles which was the reality of life at that time.
The staging by Paul Willis deserves a huge round of applause whereby filing cabinets are used to demonstrate the debtors who owe money to Scrooge. The staging felt like a mini world on stage whereby all the elements worked seamlessly together. The lighting was not noticeable and I mean that in a good way, it blended so well within the story and at the right cue points it felt just part of the story. Special effects were used as well during the production which added to the story being told.
I saw people asking on Facebook was the show suitable for children? Well school classes have booked in to see the production, there are scary elements which very young children would find frightening. So I would recommend 11+.
In terms of the acting, across the cast this was good and Jacob Marley and Ebenzer Scrooge’s synergy together was very good. I felt though I was not being performed to, I felt I was seeing a story in front of me, this is the skill of the actors and the effects brought alive on stage. My personal favourite actor was Kalifa Taylor playing Belle, showing mannerisms appropriate for the role. Her stage presence was very good. I loved Grace Hogg-Robinson’s portrayal ghost of Christmas past, menacing and assertive. Mark Theodore gave a very good performance of ghost of Christmas present..
The only part I did not think was right in the production was the casting of Tiny Tim, this is probably down to the films I have seen whereby Tiny Tim, is literally tiny. Whereas the actor was much older in this production and I felt did not have the cheekiness that is endearing on the film version.
This production is on over the festive period and certainty deserves your attention to go and see it. This vision of the professionals involved for this production has come off beautifully and is a truly spectacular production that needs to be seen.
https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-story/#event-booking