THEATRE
A version written by Jack Thorne, conceived by Matthew Warchus
An Old Vic production
At Comedy Theatre Melbourne until 29 Dec 2022
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: *****
This review is published only on this blog with a radio review on Sat 19 Nov 2022. KH
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| David Wenham and Ensemble_pic Jeff Busby |
Matthew Warchus’s exhilarating, multi-award-winning production of A Christmas Carol, adapted from Dickens’ ripping yarn by Jack Thorne, is a very Christmassy feast of carols, choral harmonies, mass bell ringing, snow, faith, hope and charity and even a veritable feast of fruits, vegetables, meat platters, puddings and breads all sliding down from the balcony along draped sheets to the stage and into wicker baskets. Yes, real food – mostly.
The pre-show musical entertainment also includes actors walking around with mince pies and tossing mandarins to audience members who wave furiously at the actors to get their hands on the mandies.
Thorne’s version of Dickens’ story extracts crucial moments, takes licence with some dialogue, and omits some characters and scenes because, let’s face it, Dickens’ book would take many hours to perform in full.
Ebenezer Scrooge, played with relish by the virtuosic David Wenham, is a miserly old moneylender who thinks Christmas is ‘humbug’ (Wenham says the word only once in this show) and who underpays and makes unreasonable demands on his dutiful, hard-working office clerk, Bob Cratchit, who lives in poverty with his wife and many children including Tiny Tim (Theo Watson-Bonnice on opening night).
Scrooge also reviles the carol singers at his door and sends his kind nephew away. He fears everyone wants his money.
Wenham is magnetic and credible as the wizened, growling, unpleasant Scrooge. He seems almost to be folded in upon himself to avoid all human contact. His transformation from this stone-hearted old grump into the skipping dancing benefactor is swift but credible and his 180-degree change triggers the truly joyous Christmas celebration that follows.
The supporting cast is superb with Debra Lawrence as the wry, pert, elderly Christmas Past, and Samantha Morley as the critical, chivvying Christmas Present. The entire cast takes the role of Christmas Future – a group of black-clad veiled ghostly figures – then Scrooge’s late sister, little Fann, (Emily Nkomo) takes Scrooge to view his own, lonely funeral at which he learns his lesson of love and kinship.
Anthony Harkin is compelling as Jacob Marley and his warm, velvety baritone is welcome in the final song, Nicholas Kong is playful and engaging as Fezziwig and Sarah Morrison is warm and composed as Belle, Scrooge’s past love.
We marvel like children at the gloriously atmospheric set design (Rob Howell) of tumbled lanterns and drop lights, falling snow, Scrooge’s money boxes and secret compartments in the stage floor, and the evocative, often spooky, sometimes festive lighting.
There’s live music, song, dancing, snacks, tears and laughter. A Christmas Carol is a wonderful a Christmas tonic that reminds us of those who struggle to make ends meet. In London and here, moneys are collected and donated by the show to charities for the poor. Wenham spoke with warmth about donation to Foodbank. Collection boxes were at each door.
by Kate Herbert
David Wenham Ebenezer Scrooge
Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward -Young Ebenezer Music cello bass
Melanie Bird Jess
Benjamin Colley George
Andrew Coshan Fred
Bernard Curry Bob Cratchit
Anthony Harkin Father / Marley
Nicholas Kong Fezzwig
Stephanie Lambourn Mrs Cratchit Mandolin
Debra Lawrance Ghost of Christmas Pasty
Samantha Morley Ghost of Christmas Present
Sarah Morrion Belle
Emily Nkomo Little Fan
Cameron Taylor Nicholas
Alexis Abela, Sasha Hampson, Evie Rose Hennessy, Theo Wason-Bonnice Tiny Tim
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| David Wenham, Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Emily Nkomo_pic Jeff Busby |
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| Ensemble_pic eff Busby |
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