It’s that time of year again, where anyone in search of an alternative for pantomime is looking for something that all the family can enjoy. Well, look no further. Birmingham Rep is home to A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story for the next 6 weeks and it is certainly worth the trip.
Adapted by Mark Gatiss and Directed by Adam Penford, this is a more ghostly performance than your standard production (as the title would suggest). With a few jump moments as well as funny moments and touching sentiments.
For anyone who isn’t aware (and frankly, there is no excuse), A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, who after an unexpected visit from his long dead business partner Jacob Marley, is shown the error of his ways by three ghostly figures. The only way for Scrooge to escape the fate of being bound in chains for all eternity, as Marley has been, is to cease being the miserly figure he is and become the charitable man a younger Scrooge once was.
The piece still maintains a Dickensian feel to it, with Set and Costume Design by Paul Wills and Lighting Direction by Philip Gladwell providing those eerie moments. The set changes are smooth and timed perfectly with the action continuing around them, creating a flow to the story.
Matthew Cottle is Ebeneezer Scrooge and plays a superb balance of penny-pinching miserable with the gleefully contagious ‘new man.’ A great storyteller and joyous to watch, one of the best performances we have seen of this infamous character.
A mention must also go to Lance West as Fred and Kalifa Taylor as Belle, both very natural performers. Overall, the cast are an exceptionally talented ensemble and there are perfect moments throughout from all.
We can highly recommend adding this production to your Christmas calendar!
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story was reviewed on 20th November 2024 at The Birmingham Rep where it will play until 5th January 2025. Tickets and more info can be found here: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-story/
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photography: Ellie Kurttz
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