By Charles Dickens

Directed by Christian Flintand Paul Stebbings. Music by Tom Johnson. Producer Grantly Marshall.

 

If a Christmas Carol is the most popular story ever told, then this stage version is possibly the most successful recent adaptation. From Tokyo to Malta, from Munich to Hong Kong, from Liverpool to Madrid and from Prague to Athens audiences have thrilled to this high powered musical production that moves the audience from tears to laughter. This production is true Music Theatre. The actors play and sing a score which is far more exciting than a string of carols (although carols there are).

 

Well known composer Thomas Johnson (whose credits include a Westend Hit) has  composed a score that moves and delights, at times stomping and at others heart-breaking. The cast is led by Anthony Pedley as Ebeneezer Scrooge, well known for his many years playing leading roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company, on Radio in the Archers and on Television in “Yes minister” and Poirot. The director ,Paul  Stebbings, is well known for his integration of music and theatre and has won many awards in Europe and Asia. 

A good story needs a good scriptand this adaptation is a real play rather than just a seasonal entertainment. From the moment when Bob Cratchit  shivers in Scrooge’s office until the hilarious and uplifting Finale this is a gripping and dramatic tale. Not that comedy is forgotten. The ghost of Christmas present has a weakness for pantomime. This is an evening for young and old, a Christmas feast of theatre that has delighted audiences in almost every corner of the globe.