The Stage

A Christmas Carol

Published Thursday 3 December 2009 at 13:55 by Pat Ashworth

The Rep’s spectacular production draws on every element of the Victorian ghost story and its attendant morality. Hell is smoking and fearsome, Ignorance and Want have obscenely bare bones, Scrooge is venomous enough to punch a caroller in the eye, and the Grey Ghosts of society in the shape of soldier, nurse, priest and punk demand retribution on behalf of all of us.

Nothing has been spared to create the atmosphere. Settings glide in out of the fog, from the chaotic counting house to the toppling squat where scavengers dispose of Scrooge’s possession. It’s beautifully choreographed and lit, especially the Cratchit scenes, with spoons banged on tables and silent children sewing, and the Fezziwig episodes, all rosy warmth and wobbling blancmange.

Jason Carr’s music and lyrics are strong and memorable. The sharp focus and uncluttered nature of the whole thing precludes over-sentimentality and avoids cliches, even with the little puppet that is Tiny Tim.

Scrooge in his grubby nightgown is a nasty piece of work, his slow redemption finely portrayed by Peter Polycarpou. It feels like a cast of thousands sometimes but there are just 13 of them in this versatile ensemble and that’s probably the greatest triumph of all.