A Christmas Carol: The Old Vic in Camera Review

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/oldvictheatre/

Thinking about it, just like reviewing panto was a first for me this year, so too is doing one for this story. One that has been adapted again and again... and again.... Well, I take that back, I did Mischief's version of it, but come on, that's one big spoof of this classic. 

You cannot get more Christmassy than A Christmas Carol!

Everyone has seen at least one version of it: from Alastair Sim to Albert Finney, to the musical version, Scrooge - or even the Muppet's version, which is my favourite Christmas film of all time!

This version was written by Jack Thorne (who also wrote Harry Potter and the Cursed Child along with JK Rowling), and is the Old Vic's Christmas contribution this year, reprising that of the past few years. 

Why put this on again and again: not just at the Old Vic, but also many another theatre up and down the country. I mean take a look at the Dominion Theatre for example playing a big concert production of Alan Menken's version! Why is it that we sit through the same story every year again and again - in fact, the only story at Christmas that we hear more often than A Christmas Carol is perhaps the Nativity itself. But I think the reason why is the same as that of the Nativity. Just the same as the story of God sending his son in the form of the Christ-child being born in a stable, the story of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge is ultimately one of hope. 

And oh boy do we need hope now after the year that we've had. 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/oldvictheatre/

As Scrooge stepping up to the task is Andrew Lincoln, who is best known for beating up zombies in The Walking Dead, or as Mark in another Christmas classic, Love Actually. At 47, he's probably one of the youngest to play the part (correct me if I'm wrong). 

He made Scrooge his own, seeming more stubborn and driven to "succeed" in getting away from poverty to the point where the word "pity" seems a sour word to him. But his stubbornness and refusal to see what his actions are doing to those around him even during the Future Ghost's apperance make his transformation into Mr Christmas even more remarkable. And his meeting with Tiny Tim at the end of the show even more moving. 

There's plenty more people in the cast to enjoy from John Dagleish's meek Bob Crachit, to Gloria Obianyo's Belle, to Clive Rowe as jolly Mr Fezziwig. 

But I think another reason why this is deserves the praise it has been receiving is the atmosphere it gives. I've already said  Christmas Carol is one of the most Christmas-sy stories you can find, but director Matthew Warchus cranks it up to 11 with the lighting and music. 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/oldvictheatre/

The whole stage is mainly lit by traditional-looking Victorian lamps, just as you would expect from Dickensian London. And the music is made up of traditional Christmas Carols such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear and Oh Holy Night. Music team David Gallagher, Jerome van den Berghe and  and Phij Adams have done a marvellous job with these. 

I mean, it is A Christmas CAROL, so it makes perfect sense - but the ambience the production gave me was of a traditional carols by candlelight; and it was gorgeous. 

It's no wonder that this has been running at the Old Vic for four years now, and I am frankly amazed this has managed to get past me all this time until now. 

If you are looking for a classic Christmas story, this is it. Wear your Christmas jumper; make some mulled wine; and have a mince pie and satsuma on hand (I believe the theatre handed these out to the audience last year!). It's a wonderful cosy night in coming up to Christmas. 

The Old Vic's final In Camera (oh yes it is!) is running until Christmas Eve. If you're able to, I would highly recommend this one. A Christmas Carol | The Old Vic (oldvictheatre.com)