A Christmas Carol – Comedy Theatre (VIC)
Presented by GWB Entertainment. Written by Jack Thorne, Conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus.
The seasonal festive delight returns to remind audiences of redemption and giving in a timeless tale
Reviewed by Hope Challis
Comedy Theatre Melbourne
Season 22nd of November 2024- 7th of January 2025
Link to partner, Second Bite Charity: https://secondbite-a-christmas-carol.raiselysite.com/
A Christmas Carol, a much beloved famous ghost story, centres around the themes of redemption, enlightenment and the transformation of being a reformed citizen set to the Yuletime time of Christmas. Based Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella by the same name, the play celebrates its third annual Australian season here in Melbourne after running internationally to critical acclaim, winning five Tony Awards in the process. This current adaptation was conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) and was adapted to the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child) for The Old Vic in London where it premiered in 2017 and has returned annually due to popular demand.
The play, set in Victorian Era London, during the Christmas season follows the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly man scorned by his society and family due to the choices he makes throughout his life where he puts profit ahead of those who care for him. His journey of inner exploration guided by three mysterious otherworldly ghosts open his eyes to the true meaning of life, and therefore the meaning of Christmas. The story is told with the help of a brilliant ensemble, beautiful soaring vocals, a delightful score, intricate staging and exciting moments of immersive audience participation.
A Christmas Carol, Comedy Theatre (2024). Images by Eugene Hyland
The story is filled with true Christmas spirit, humour, and an uplifting arrangement of carols with wonderful performances throughout. It’s a fantastic night at the theatre giving audiences a thought-provoking exploration of the merits of changing for the better, how our experiences shape people’s view of us alongside a vital social commentary on mortality, materialism and supporting the needs of others especially those less fortunate.
Erik Thomson (Ebenezer Scrooge) had the audience in awe with his grounded and spectacular performance, showcasing Ebenezer’s transformation and character development with ease. Mira Feldman (Tiny Tim) was a true scene stealing highlight every time she entered the stage, especially when she had the opportunity to play off the older characters or say Tiny Tim's iconic lines. Alison Whyte (Ghost of Christmas Past) and Samantha Morley (Ghost of Christmas Present) were excellent in their unique storytelling and character choices, while Aisha Aidara (Little Fan) was showcased through Fan’s sisterly warmth.
Other notable performances included Stephanie Lambourn (Mrs Cratchit/mandolin), Benjamin Colley (George/accordion and tin whistle) and Felix Star (Young Ebenezer/cello) who all alternated between their roles and preforming their musical instruments. The Band rounded out the cast featuring Natasha Fearnside, Lisa Reynolds and Laura Jennings were backed by the ensemble’s soaring vocals.
...a must see for its unique staging, brilliant cast and its commitment to the craft of storytelling
The lighting (Hugh Vanstone) was a true highlight especially during pivotal moments like heartfelt emotional scenes or empathizing the supernatural quality of Scrooge’s visitors. Inclusive of this, the simple set design (Rob Howell) was effectively a sweeping spectacle that drew viewers into the simpler time of Victorian Era England, complete with its main lantern used in it’s most pivotal scenes as well as many smaller lanterns which hung like dazzling stars from the ceiling and out into the auditorium. Sharon William’s costume design helped to instantly transport theatre goers into the era before the show even commenced, where select actors and actresses roamed the isles donning top hats and coats and tails cheering ‘Merry Christmas’ and passing out oranges and traditional mince pies.
The show’s uplifting message of spreading Christmas cheer through spending time with loved ones and giving back to those less fortunate is at the core of the show and this spread to the show’s cast, crew and creative team especially during an uplifting interactive segment in the show. They shared their message of giving online and in person through collecting donations for Second Bite, an Australian based charity which helps provide food relief to vulnerable Australians. They currently have raised $10,656 dollars raised through their partnership. At the theatre Erik Thomson took a moment to remind audiences of this cause before they delighted the audience with another final Christmas Carol with handbells.
It was wonderful to see the message of the show continuing both on and off the stage for audiences. This show is a must see for its unique staging, brilliant cast and its commitment to the craft of storytelling.
CREATIVES
A Version by Jack Thorne
Conceived and Directed by Matthew Warchus
Set & Costume Rob Howell
Composer & Arranger Christopher Nightingale
Lighting Hugh Vanstone
Sound Simon Baker
Movement Lizzi Gee
Hair, Wigs & Make Up Campbell Young Associate
International Associate DirectorJamie Manton
Musical Supervisor Laurie Perkins
Australian Musical Supervisor Peter Rutherford
Musical Director Vicky Jacobs
Australian Associate Director David Spencer
Australian Design Associate Sophie Woodward
Associate Lighting Designer Hugh Hamilton
Associate Sound Designer David Greasley
Associate Costume Designer Sharon Williams
Casting Director Natalie Gilhome
Resident Choreographer Jan Di Pietro
CAST
Erik Thomson
Aisha_Aidara
Kaya Byrne
Anthony Cogin
Benjamin Colley
Stephanie Lambourn
Kaori Maeda-Judge
Samantha Morley
Sarah Morrison
Grant Piro
Felix Star
Cameron Taylor
Alison Whyte
Tim-Wright
Jack Van Staveren
Jasmine Vaughns
Mira Feldman
Wynton Inman
Libby Segal
Noah Sherburn
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