Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Arts Theatre

Was there ever an actor more suited to perform a one-man show than Simon Callow? Add in the evocative and mellifluous writings of Dickens at Christmas time and you have the recipe for a show overflowing with festive goodwill. If you leave the Arts Theatre without a tear in your eye and spring in your step, I would recommend that you check your pulse.

Since it was published in 1843, Dickens' story of the redemptive power of kindness and compassion has been performed countless times, but here Callow reminds the audience of the potency of the story. Dickens horror at the poverty on London's streets is recalled and still resonates powerfully, as we follow Scrooge's journey from a miserly old sinner to hopeful and joyous soul.

This is the fourth revival of Director Tom Cairn's stripped back version of A Christmas Carol, where Callow follows in the footsteps of Dickens himself, who gave public readings of his work. Callow acts as both narrator and all characters, moving seamlessly between from a sour, biting Scrooge to an innocent Tiny Tim.

Callow has a marvelous ability to bring such a wide range of characters so vividly to life, without making them into caricatures. A younger Scrooge is wide-eyed and eager to make his way in the world. A jovial Fezziwig is as merry and welcoming as you could wish for and Bob Crachit is humble and kind in equal measure. Callow moves around the stage, occasionally using a few sparse props to illustrate different scenes, but never distracting from the story at hand.

It is Callow's narration that sets this production apart; the audience has time and space to drink in the often haunting and beautifully phrased prose of Dickens that is often lost in other productions. The effect is like a wonderful Jackanory, with the audience as spellbound as if they were children.

The set is simple, with just a few chairs, an image of a Victorian street and an eerie projection of a clock on the backdrop, reminding the audience of the impending passage of time. This minimalism means the success of this show relies completely on Callow. Fortunately, he excels in every way. He gets wonderfully under the skin of Dickens' text, relishing the writing and performing with such precision that no word is wasted.

Adam Povey's lighting and Ben and Max Ringham's sound design are both perfectly pitched to convey the diversity of the warmth of Fezziwig's home to the stark coldness of Scrooge's room. They are all subtly used, leaving Callow room to expand on the atmosphere.

It is may be tempting to opt for a flashier and louder show this Christmas, but it will be hard to find one as touching and poignant as this.

A Christmas Carol is at the Arts Theatre until 12 January 2019

Photo Credit: Laura Marie Linck