A Christmas Carol

Published Monday 10 December 2007 at 17:00 by Catherine Usher

Rather than letting Ebenezer Scrooge dominate proceedings from the off, it is Charles Dickens (Rufus Graham) who opens the play by reading from the opening pages of his novel.

Dressed in traditional Victorian costume, he resembles Richard O’Brien in appearance, but that’s where the quirkiness ends in this faithful retelling of the Christmas classic.

From start to finish, it is an enthralling, atmospheric and moving production, brimming with talent and enthusiasm. Other than Eddie McNamee’s tall, threatening-looking Scrooge, the cast portray a variety of characters, from the hard-working and hesitant Bob Cratchit, performed with great sensitivity by Will Tosh, to Scrooge’s beautiful lost love Belle, played as sweet but not saccharine by Rebecca Stoddart.

Of course the play has its shortcomings. With so much responsibility to steer the ship, Graham stumbled over the narration once or twice, and in a small, stark set in very close proximity to the audience, there is an occasional avalanche of stomping feet, but this doesn’t detract from the brilliance of the show.

It’s only a shame the playhouse is so tucked away from the main sights of Greenwich that not everyone will even be aware the play is on.

Among the seemingly endless barrage of brash pantomimes and pretentious Christmas shows, this production of A Christmas Carol stands out as something truly worth seeing.

Don’t let the inclusion of actor-operated puppets to represent Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future put you off - the concept works perfectly. And Puppet Tim in particular is so convincing, you may even find yourself weeping at the prospect of him not making it to adulthood.

Book your ticket today. It really is worth it.