A Christmas Carol the Musical takes a trip down memory lane, highlighting the good, the bad and the ugly of one of the nation's favourite curmudgeons.
The unscrupulous Scrooge is hitting the Quays stage with the help of Hope Mill Theatre and writer, Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens's musical reworking of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella. Allowing Claire Moore (Evelina Scrooge) to don the top hat and mumble a “bah humbug” to the delight of the Lowry audience, this faithful reimagining is a charming and timeless hit.
Directors, Joseph Houston and William Whelton’s production is guaranteed to get audiences into the Christmas spirit as the beloved story of greed and transformation has been inventively recreated for the stage. Otherworldly Victorian aesthetics are showcased alongside smoke-filled sets, eye-watering performances and enviable costumes. Tailoring Moore under shimmering paper-filled sets and striking projected surroundings.
Scrooge’s journey of redemption has been infused with a contemporary score, using lyrics that morph her bitter words into haunting songs. Performed alongside an under-stage band, composer Alan Menken, who has scored the best Disney musical to date (Beauty And The Beast) has teamed up with songwriter Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime and Seussical) to carry lush orchestrations alongside a catchy soundtrack. The songs range from the heart-warming addition of God Bless Us Everyone to the hilarious two-part performance of Nothing To Do With Me sung by the talented Moore (The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables).
Allowing Moore to take on the comically grumpy moniker in a production that offers the perfect blend of nostalgia with a modern twist, this Christmas classic remains a traditional retelling whilst playfully subverting some character expectations. With no intermission to slow down the pace of the show, the soundtrack bounces between the eerie Link By Link sung by the ghost of Jacob Marley (Barry Keenan), to the permanently uplifting ensembles, Jolly Good Time. While the poised ensemble counters Moore’s humbugging with jolly and heartfelt songs, the stage is consumed by her flair, as Moore clearly enjoys grumping it up on stage.
Hoping to correct all of Scrooge's wrongs in one night, the ghosts of Christmas Past (Mari McGinlay), Present (James Hume) and Future (Josie Benson) appear to show her the error of her selfish ways. Transforming the strikingly shadowy contracts that surround the set with gorgeous lighting that spotlights the sinful Scrooge and offers some heart-pounding reveals. The apparitions also arrive with their own unmistakable style and 5-minute choreographed routines.
Full of festive cheer, A Christmas Carol The Musical encapsulates all the joy required for the holiday. The seasonal favourite confronts the consequences of greed with a timeless reflection of community and giving. Despite being set in the cold, dark streets of Victorian London, Hope Mill Theatre’s cast shine brightly with tremendous musical performances. Alongside a host of colourful characters, Moore is masterful as Evelina Scrooge with a performance that leaves a haunting reminder of how wonderful this reworked classic really is.
Tickets are available via the TheLowry