A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843 has been a timeless story of misery and joy.
The Old Vic Production, conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus with a new adaption by Jack Thorne is a yearly institution at the Comedy Theatre.
The audience was welcomed before curtain up by cast interacting and mingling, handing out fruit mince tarts and mandarins while at the same time a group on stage performed Christmas music on handbells.
Set in London on a bitter winter’s Christmas eve, Ebenezer Scrooge played by well-known Erik Thomson firstly drives away Carol Singers, then sends his employee Bob Cratchit played eminently by Tim Wright, on an errand just as he was going home for Christmas.
The audience is immediately reminded of Scrooge, as a cold-hearted money-making miser, the very opposite of the Christmas spirit.
However, a sudden ghostly visit from his deceased business partner Jacob Marley played by Anthony Cogin, tells him he will be visited by three ghosts, Ghost of Christmas Past played by Alison Whyte, Christmas Present played by Samantha Morley and Christmas Yet To Be played by Aisha Aidara as Little Fan, Scrooge’s sister.
Marley tells Scrooge that he will finish up like him, suffering eternal punishment if he doesn’t mend his ways.
The ghosts guide Scrooge through his journey from a merciless misanthropist to a benevolent benefactor, all aided by an array of characters, in particular performances by Sarah Morrison as Belle, Felix Star as Young Scrooge and Stephanie Lambourn as Mrs Cratchit.
The role of Tiny Tim played charmingly by a confident Wynton Inman on opening night, will be rotated between Mira Feldman, Libby Segal and Noah Sherburn.
While a very open stage, cleverly four simple door frames rose regularly to create the acting space of Scrooge’s abode all skilfully lit.
Hand held and swinging lanterns added well while ‘snow’ was abundant, being dropped and thrown.
Some twelve carols were impressively performed using handbells aided by a range of other instruments.
Acknowledgement should be made of the support of Carmel Daveson of the Handbell Society of Australasia.
A great heart-warming family performance, outstandingly produced and performed by all, a true reflection of the Christmas Spirit.
Performance Season: Until December 29
Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
Bookings: Ticketek

• Review by Graeme McCoubrie