Well the big question after years of Christmas hit shows was always going to be, could they do it again? It’s one of the perils of the profession – every success means you have to go one better.
And I’m pleased to report the answer is yes, with nobs on. Because the Garrick’s Christmas Carol turns out to be one of the most thought-provoking and satisfying evenings I’ve spent in the theatre for a long time. This is not just a panto but a fully-fledged musical which took a year to bring to the stage, and the hard work shows.
It’s a challenge to stage this Dickens classic with its unfashionable moral that money ain’t everything, especially in a medium governed by production costs. But Ian Adams has managed to do something incredibly clever in adapting this dense old-fashioned tale with its rather dark first half into a modern all-singing, all-dancing spectacular that still retains the idea that kindness and generosity to others is the true spirit of Christmas.
Yet Mr. Adams doesn’t get bogged down in sentiment. Instead his book and direction cleverly provide something for everyone. So there are songs and plenty of them, original music by Musical Supervisor Adrian Jackson, lots of dancing with really good dancers including one particular tap-dancing episode that’s really the biz.
He adds some awe-inspiring special effects including giant puppets and hologramic illusions, an ice-skating sequence, throws in humour, bags of it, he’s found fab costumes and some very convincing snow, and snow gets me every time. He underpins the whole with some very clever sets by designer John Brooking and voila! or as Ian would say, vada! – he’s created a please-em-all hit package, a big show in a charmingly intimate theatre. It could tour Britain for years.
Ian Adams himself confirms what a truly marvellous all-round entertainer he is from his chillingly tormented Jacob Marley to what must be the campest Christmas Ghost on record with a La Rue-style frock and a wig that lights up. Bet Lynch must be spinning in her grave. Well, it is Christmas.
Alex Wadham has charm and real authority as Bob Cratchit while Rachael Pennell does a good line in wry comedy as his missus. Bill star Graham Cole turns in a very satisfying Scrooge the all-time Christmas baddy whose change of heart provides a charming conclusion to the plot.
The final lively Christmas medley of all your favourite Xmas tunes ended the evening on a tide of generosity from both sides of the footlights. I left the theatre certain I’d had a pretty good night out.
If you fancy an all-singing, all-dancing show with heart, pathos and comedy combined you really can’t do better this Yule. As Tiny Tim says, Merry Christmas everyone.
A Christmas Carol runs at the Lichfield Garrick, including morning and afternoon performances until January 2, 2012. For tickets phone the box office on 01543 412121 or book online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
