Lynne O’Neill (of critically-acclaimed Derry Girls fame) is responsible for the script of the new festive show at The MAC, and as a big fan of Derry Girls I couldn’t wait to see how she would tell the classic Dickens’ tale of A Christmas Carol and what surprises might unfold…
The curtain opens to reveal an old theatre, dating back to the 1900’s. Diana Ennis transports us into a Dickenson era with her set, while Paul Keogan’s rainbow-coloured lighting creates an illusion of wonder in which the story unfolds.
Backstage, the tale of delicate Tiny Tim and his browbeaten parents unfolds at the Marley and Scrooge Theatre where long-suffering Bobbie Cratchit (Molly Logan) tries to balance the books and Ebenezer Scrooge (Richard Croxford) rules with a tough iron fist, ignoring all those around him (including deceased old staff members who linger in the old, worn-out theatre) - a chorus of ghosts, if you will.
Telling a classic tale that is a firm Christmas favourite and loved by so many isn’t always an easy feat, but director Sean Kearns reworks it in such a clever way ensuring that original fans will love it while simultaneously appealing to a brand new younger audience.
Kearns uses the talented seven actors to tell the beloved classic tale beautifully, they jump between roles effortlessly with each having an important role in moving the story along. Even though I have read the book & watched the film SO many times, the twists and turns gave it a brand new perspective and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!
Croxford makes an excellent grumpy Mr. Scrooge. His powerful tyrannical character captures the narrative which he makes his own and has us jumping and shouting in equal measure! The nostalgic flashback to happier childhood memories was especially poignant.
Gareth McConaghie’s lively score is the perfect accompaniment to his journey – especially during the ghostly figures’ visits, which were some of my favourite parts of the play (the cabaret was fab!).
Their elbowing and shoving to grab the spotlight, paired with their witty remarks made for some LOL moments for the grownups and just the right amount of slapstick for the kids.
Croxford’s Scrooge was nicer than usual and as the audience you couldn’t help but root for him to change his ways. This was a great idea and especially appealing to younger audiences who don’t want to be too scared or sad!
In short, expect lots of tunes that will have you singing and bopping along to, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in between. The shorter running time of 1hr 40 mins (including the interval) means it is perfect for the whole family and a great festive treat.
A Christmas Carol runs at The MAC until the 5th January and all the details and tickets can be found here.