The Old Vic’s annual production of the festive classic returns once more, this time with John Simm playing Scrooge.
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Simm cuts through plenty of the bleakness with dry humour. When the ghost of Scrooge’s deceased business partner Jacob Marley enters, wrapped in sinister, binding chains that trail the length of Howell’s traverse stage, he is told that three spirits will haunt him, and replies casually “I would rather not be.” Later, when a casket is rolled on to the stage, he says deadpan: “This is not such an unusual future.””
The Standard: **** “Underlying all the razzmatazz is Thorne’s intensely humane communion with Dickens’s moral agenda. I suspect he tweaks the script, but maybe it just hits differently each year. This time, the closure of small businesses looms large, and the idea that “those with can afford to support those without”. “
London Unattached: “Simm makes his Scrooge recognisably human through the stages of his transformation, never resorting to caricature. His rediscovery of childish joy is particularly touching to watch.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “It is in Matthew Warchus’ inspired direction that makes this production truly come alive with fantastic staging allowing the audience to surround every corner of the stage, immersing themselves in the action – and becoming part of the story in one crucial sequence. The choices used to depict the narrative, particularly in the appearance of the ghosts, are all done with a style that still feels every bit as eerie and spooky as you expect, while still having a bit of fun in doing so.”
The Telegraph: *** “Jack Thorne’s festive adaptation is a terrific spectacle – yet the show’s customary stabbing potency doesn’t hit home soon enough.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “This immersive in-the-round staging gives us all a chance to see this acting masterclass up close and enjoy the transformation from the miser who derides his employee Bob Cracthitt, his nephew and visiting carollers to a man eager, almost desperate, to make up for his misanthropic ways.”
Broadway World: ***** “Simm also brings a sardonic and acerbic level of humour not seen in the role before and this gives more levity to the show overall.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “You couldn’t possibly feel any more Christmassy than when watching this play, it’ll leave you feeling warm, inspired and most of all, filled with hope.”
A Christmas Carol continues to play at the Old Vic Theatre until the 4th January 2025.