A Christmas Carol ★★★★ Rose Theatre | Dec 2, 2022 - Jan 2, 2023


This updated version of Dickens' classic has the author on stage developing his story in collaboration with a group of impoverished children from what the Victorians called a Ragged School. This frame allows the members of the Rose Youth Theatre to display their talents and puts Dickens' message into the context of the social responsibility to address poverty and inequality. While individual acts of kindness and charity are important, they cannot substitute for a society's obligation to deal with these issues on a larger level. The Ragged Schools were a previous generation's inadequate response to the issue, and this production asks us to consider how much better are we doing today. The story is quite close to Dickens' original version and it is nicely paced so as not to tire the younger members of the audience. Eamonn O'Dwyer's songs like "Tock Tick" and "You Can't Take It With You" are wonderfully catchy and immediately had the audience humming along. The enthusiasm of the Rose Young Company members is absolutely infectious, and they provide terrific support for Penny Layden's outstanding interpretation of Scrooge. Penny Layden is delightfully convincing as the miserly curmudgeon haunted by her past, in denial of her present and terrified by her future. Director, Rosie Jones, and Adapter, Morgan Lloyd Malcolm have created a thoroughly entertaining experience that captures the spirit of Dickens' work and draws out its relevance for a modern audience. The final production number of the musical is "Magic!" and here's a show that lives up to that epithet.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Mark Douet.

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Waiting for Godot ★★★★★ Theatre Royal Haymarket | Sep 13 - Dec 14, 2024

The Other Place ★★★ National Theatre | Until November 9, 2024

Gay Pride and No Prejudice ★★★ The Union Theatre | Oct 8 - Nov 2, 2024

A Face in the Crowd ★★★ Young Vic | Sep 10 - Nov 9, 2024

Silk Roads ★★★★★ The British Museum | Sep 26, 2024 - Feb 23, 2025

23.5 Hours ★★★★ Park Theatre | Sep 4 - Oct 5, 2024

The Lightest Element ★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Sep 5 - Oct 12, 2024

The Fear of 13 ★★★★ Donmar Warehouse | Oct 4 - Nov 30, 2024

Mean Girls ★★★★★ Savoy Theatre | Until February 16, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings