A Christmas Carol

Review by Sam

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Old Vic is magically transformed once again for their annual staging of Matthew Warchus’ and Jack Thorne’s interpretation of this Christmas classic.

The much-acclaimed production makes a welcome return to the venue, with the entire auditorium being reconfigured with immersive, in-the-round seating, allowing the festivities to pour off the stage and engulf audiences into this truly spellbinding world. Unlike previous years the stage has been lowered to floor level, which whilst more immersive for audiences in the lower tiers, could prove harder to see for anyone with a ticket in the Baylis Circle. But fear not, as the immersion (as always) reaches out to every level of the theatre, with festive pre-show orchestrations, free mince pies and satsumas on entry, and ensemble mingling amongst the crowd, the show continues to cement itself as one of the most joyful family-friendly nights out of the Christmas season!

Taking on the mantle of the mean old Ebenezer Scrooge this year, is the highly talented Paul Hilton. Showcasing the characters gradual transformation throughout, Hilton plays the role to perfection. He displays a wide-range of emotions with passion throughout, changing his demeanour from anger to joy seamlessly. As ever, not enough praise can also be said about the supporting cast and ensemble, who go over and above to make the production as magic as it is. Carol singing, dancing, bell ringing, multi-rolling - they do it all and work tirelessly to deliver a beautiful production which continues to impress year after year.

If you have ever seen this version of the classic story, then prepare to be impressed once more, and if you have never seen this production, then look no further for a show that will inject the holiday spirit straight into your veins! Long may the Old Vic continue to bring one of the most joyous adaptations to life, and a very Merry Christmas... EVERYONE!