Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Middle Temple Hall

This Christmas there seem to be more productions of Dickens' festive tale than ever. This is the fourth revival of Antic Disposition's musical production of A Christmas Carol. Its return to the spectacular setting of the impressive Middle Temple Hall, with its breathtaking hammer-beam roof, could not be more celebratory or Dickensian. Dickens himself studied there and walking to the hall through the cobbled streets lit by gaslight is a distinctly atmospheric experience.

Tradition is often what you crave at this time of year and this production will not dissapoint, with Directors Ben Horslen and John Risebero very much focusing on a classical interpretation of the story, with a score of original songs inspired by well known Victorian carols.

The story follows miserly Scrooge as he is visited on Christmas night by three ghosts and goes on to change his miserable ways. A multi-talented cast sings, dances and plays musical instruments in a delightful production, which is an effective vehicle for a morality tale to remind the audience to look at how we treat others and what value we place on family and friends.

With many of the cast reprising roles from previous productions, it is led by a standout performance from Olivier-nominated actor David Bert, who returns to play Scrooge. He spitefully rasps with angry and almost sinister energy. Despite the venom, it is a subtle and sensitive performance in many ways, especially his reaction to seeing himself let Belle walk away from their engagement. He is totally convincing in the role; it is a brilliant performance, as it totally avoids easy caricature.

Richard Holt makes a thoughtful and touching Bob Cratchit, with Charlie McLellan as the cutest Tiny Tim. David Anthony is suitably ebullient as The Ghost of Christmas Present and Mabel Clements is an innocent and sweet Belle.

Nick Barstow's music is festive and atmospheric; based on traditional Victorian carols, it often uses the lyrics to narrate parts of the story, with lovely use of violin, cello and various instruments played with aplomb by the cast. The sounds effects are well designed and often very haunting, particularly when Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Future.

It is, therefore, a tragedy worthy of Dickens himself that the audio is often frustratingly poor. Despite the best efforts of the cast, the cavernous ceiling height absorbs sound like a blanket. As the production is on a thrust stage, with the cast playing to an audience seated on three sides, whenever a performer turns his back, it is sometimes almost impossible to hear what is being said. This is compounded by music that often seems to drown out the voices of the players.

It is testament to the energy and talent of the cast that, despite this flaw, this is still a hugely enjoyable and evocative production in a truly unique setting. A festive treat.

A Christmas Carol is at Middle Temple Hall until 30 December

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