Scrooge

Published Monday 10 December 2007 at 13:00 by Natalie Anglesey

The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ popular classic A Christmas Carol, by composer Leslie Bricusse, has certainly stood the test of time. Bill Kenwright’s glossy production, with the original director Bob Tomson at the helm, is noticeably tighter, but not at the expense of the story of one man’s journey through repentance to redemption.

In spite of speculation, Shane Richie proves that he is not too young to play the miserly skinflint. He has grown in stature as an actor and when he shambles on stage as Scrooge, deliberately denying himself a round of applause, many in the audience failed to recognise him as the stooped, balding old man. He may not have as powerful a voice as some of his predecessors but he could still afford to hold the ballad endings longer, because he is better vocally than he thinks.

The audience shrieked and applauded the beautifully executed ghostly entrances and exits, cleverly devised by illusionist Paul Kieve.

The score only has a couple of big soul-searching ballads but it is a pleasure to have a live orchestra and a huge cast performing the musical numbers with enthusiasm.

A jolly Christmas feast to start the festive season.