Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – until 10th January 2026
Reviewed by Alison Beaumont
4****
A Christmas Carol is a classic book by Charles Dickens and comes to the stage in this adaptation by Aisha Khan, directed by Elin Schofield combining Sheffield carols into this much-loved tale. It starts on Christmas Eve when the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge avoids all festive cheer and kindness. He is visited by the Ghost of Jacob Marley (his deceased business partner) who tries to warn him of his fate. Scrooge is then transported on a journey of his life through the ghosts of past present and future.
This was a very different type of production, and the play was told through the narrative of a story by Jack who was played by Mel Lowe. Mel took on this role extremely well captivating the audience.
The Ghost of Marley played by Anthony Ofoegbu came to Scrooge, the highlight from this character was the door scene which was good trickery. I would have liked him to have been a little louder in his speech which would have added to a more powerful performance.
Ian Midlane took on the part of Scrooge and was absolutely amazing, he really did the character of Scrooge justice and was fitting of the role.
The singers were all outstanding with very good harmonies. At one point they came down the stairs in the audience to sing making you feel a real part of the play and making full use of the entire theatre. Some of the carols had been adapted to add a bit of Sheffield relevance into the songs. There are parts when the actors are talking, and the singers are singing. Although very effective and shows the talent of everyone involved, I sometimes didn’t know whether to listen to the actors or listen to the singers.
The parts of the children are all played by three different actors. On this occasion we had the pleasure of seeing William Turnbull as Tiny Tim/Young Ebenezer, Daniel Rhodes as Bader/Peter/Bertie, Renee Elliott-Latif as Mary/Clara and Bonnie Hill as Tilly/Lottie. All four of the children played their roles well and I am sure they have got exciting futures ahead of them. It was a pleasure to be sat next to some of the other children playing these roles who had come along to watch their friends.
The scenery was simple but effective, and most props were moved by actors, a table came up through the floor, and decorations down from the ceiling.
And of course, no Christmas production is complete without the snow falling at the end. This truly is well worth going to see and will get you in the Christmas spirit.