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A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story to Make Your Heart Sing!

Rufus Hound and Matthew Cottle. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.


Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at The Birmingham Rep until 5 January 2025. Directed by Adam Penford.

Review by Ellie Blackwell


A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story will be showing throughout the festive season in the Birmingham Rep from now until 5 January. An impeccable contrast between thrilling chills and comforting nostalgia at its finest in Mark Gatiss’ stunning adaptation of the revered novel.


Marley was dead: but not to begin with. Amidst looming stacks of crooked draws that cast long shadows on stage, Scrooge’s business partner set the scene in one of the few quirky twists on the beloved classic.


Ensemble as Carollers and Matthew Cottle. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.


In the striking Birmingham Rep Theatre, A Christmas Carol had the packed auditorium immediately entranced from the first flake of snow. Some of literature’s finest characters were brought to life before us as we were charmed by Scrooge (played by Matthew Cottle) and his hilariously cantankerous ‘Bah Humbugs’; the humble Bob Cratchit huddling over a candle and his nephew’s unyielding attempts to spread Christmas cheer.


Rufus Hound and Matthew Cottle. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.


The script included much of Dickens’ original masterpiece, really making me appreciate the splendour of his language – far more than merely studying the book at school! Captions either side of the stage also meant the play can be enjoyed by everyone, provided you can cope with flashing lights and scary scenes.


But what words could not do, the exquisite lighting, sound, and effects achieved instead. At one point, I only just managed to save my delicious glass of Camden Hells from a sumptuously terrifying jump scare.


A group shot. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.


Every actor seemed destined for their roles; among them was some young talent, including Takunda Khumalo, ‘proud’ and ‘excited’ to be an integral part of one of the most versatile casts I’ve seen. He described the play as a ‘life lesson’ where he hoped the audience would feel the sadness and laughter with him throughout.


A Christmas Carol at the Birmingham Rep. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.


The emotion really was almost tangible. I couldn’t even try to repress a huge grin at the infectious joviality that emanated from the stage in Fezziwig’s party or throughout the play’s glorious ending. Equally, the cowering, nightcapped Scrooge’s fear and the bleak misfortune of Victorian London’s poorest were undoubtedly felt by all.

Everything about the night was perfect: from the friendly staff in the snowflake-adorned theatre, to the remnants of snow on the dazzling Christmas market right outside the Rep’s arching windows. By the end of the performance my heart was genuinely singing. I’ve never felt more ready for Christmas.


 

 

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