A Christmas Carol
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: The Old Vic, London
Cast: John Simm, Rob Compton, Raffaella Covino, Juliette Crosbie, Jamie Doncaster, Geraint Downing, Kimmy Edwards, Jenny Fitzpatrick, Mark Goldthorp, Ahmed Hamad, Julie Jupp, Baker Mikasa, Alastair Parker, Georgina Sadler, Lillie-Pearl Wildman, Connor Wood and Vinnie Stone

Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic returns to The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by  Jack Thorne and starring John Simm. A Christmas Carol  fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

Since 2017, Jack Thorne's adaptation of A Christmas Carol has taken residence at the stunning Old Vic theatre. With the Old Vic being one of the most historical theatres in London's West End, it feels only fitting to house one of the most iconic plays of all times. When you enter the theatre, you're greeted with complimentary mince pies and satsumas, as well as the space adorned with lanterns hung from the ceiling which captures the essence of A Christmas Carol entirely. 

Based on the 1843 classic by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge; a story you're probably all too familiar with. A money-hungry man who doesn't quite grasp the essence of Christmas is visited by four ghosts; his deceased partner and ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. The ghosts visit in the hope of Scrooge realising the error of his ways and enabling him to capture the true magic of the festive season. 

John Simm portrays Scrooge in such a way that allows the audience to feel sympathy towards a character that is often difficult to feel any connection with. With an abusive, greedy-for-money father, this adaptation explores Scrooge's past in far more detail, which allows for a far deeper connection. 

Simm is perhaps the best Scrooge I've ever seen in any adaptation of A Christmas Carol. He is the perfect blend of quick-witted and sharp, but also allows small glimpses of the vulnerability that enables Scrooge to have a change of heart at the end of the show. His grumpy, harsh exterior is well hidden but we are often given glimpses of his softer, more sensitive interior. 

The set design from Rob Howell captures the essence of A Christmas Carol with ease. Paired with the costumes from Howell, the audience are transported back to the 1800s and remain there until exiting the theatre two hours later. The stage is almost like a catwalk, with a wider section at the centre which is where most of the action takes place. However, the long walkway makes particular scenes incredibly effective, like Jacob Marley's never-ending chain as he makes his first appearance to Scrooge.

While Simm is undoubtedly the standout performance, there's not a weak link within the cast. Juliette Crosbie as Scrooge's former love interest, Belle, provides a boisterous but touching portrayal. And Alastair Parker's Fezziwig is both welcoming and joyous; just as the character should be. Vinnie Stone as Tiny Tim is a scene-stealer and earned the most laughter of the evening, which was well deserved.

From sprouts parachuted from the ceiling, to foam snow falling multiple times throughout, not an aspect of this production needs adjusting. There's not often a show that presents itself as pure perfection, but this adaptation of A Christmas Carol is the epitome of what theatre should strive to be.

It's at the moment that John Simm took my hand and wished me a "Merry Christmas madam" that I knew the festive season had truly taken hold and while it may have been hitting freezing temperatures outside, Scrooge's cold heart, along with mine, had well and truly thawed in the theatre. Infused with gorgeous music, and all too familiar carols, this is a heartwarming Christmas classic that can't be beaten. 

A special mention must also go to John Simm who at the end of the performance encouraged the audience to donate to Waterloo food bank, which is needed more than ever at this time of year.

You can book tickets to A Christmas Carol, here.

**photo credit: Manuel Harlan**