“A Christmas Carol” by Derby Theatre Productions
Derby Theatre

Much as I love pantomime, you can’t beat a good classic Dickens Christmas tale, and immediately you think of “A Christmas Carol”

Neil Duffield’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story looks absolutely stunning on the Derby Theatre stage; the story is as timeless and as magical as it ever was, appealing across any age range.

The cast consist of eight actor/musicians and are Gareth Williams (Scrooge), Oliver Ashworth (Bob Cratchit), Charlotte Workman (Mrs Cratchit), Liz Jadav (Mrs Fezziwig), James McLean (Jacob Marley/Mr Fezziwig), Benedict Salter (Young Scrooge/Fred) and Aimee Kwan (Belle), Aimee makes her professional debut in this production, and Sophia Hatfield (Ghost of Christmas Past). These are their main roles but all, bar Gareth, play other roles as well.

There are also three teams of local young actors who alternate the roles of Tiny Tim, Boy Scrooge and urchins.

Directed by Oliver O Shea, he has based this production on the 2014 Sarah Brigham production, which I also remember seeing and loving just as much.

The whole feel of the production, the look, the set, the classic carols all make you feel festive, and of course the story of how this man had his outlook and opinions changed by what might have been, is a real classic. That is proven by the packed theatre.

I loved the wonderful costumes and that old style sound of the carols, played live on stage by the actors.

It has everything you want a classic piece of literature and theatre to have. Puppetry, ghosts, a brilliant story, live music, an incredible set, snow, a happy ending, a moving stage, and when you mix in a wonderful cast, who always seemed to be on the go, well it really has everything you need for a festive evening out at the theatre.

The story telling and dramaturgy really drew you in. Even though we all know the story, for me it was like the first time that I had heard the Scrooge story. You seem to forget the back story of how Scrooge became the bitter, twisted old man we see at the start of the show, even though this part fills the bulk of the Dickens story.

This is a production for all the family, and I've always thought the story a brilliant introduction for kids to live theatre. Panto at Christmas is great fun for children, but when it comes to taking in a theatrical production and to digest a story within the theatre, this has to be a perfect introduction.

I have a feeling that Derby Theatre have yet another big Christmas hit on their hands with this show, and deservedly so.

“A Christmas Carol” is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 4 January 2020.

Photos by Robert Day.