If there was an award for the greatest Christmas story of all time (apart from that one about the baby and the stable that started the trend) it has to be Charles Dickens' eternal favourite A Christmas Carol. First published in 1843 and over the decades a favourite in literature, the big and small screens and radio since that very first edition was debuted. Everybody has a favourite version. Stretching from the classic 1951 movie with Alistair Sim, through versions by the Carry On team to that family favourite The Muppets Christmas Carol. As we no longer do pantomime (after watching hundreds, its lost its magic for us - bah humbug!) it is with great delight we savour this festive season touring version by the Crime and Comedy Theatre Company.
This production puts the focal point on Dickens' original prose, by setting the telling in a vintage radio recording studio and having the actors read their parts. Its sounds a bit odd on paper, but it really works as the world of Scrooge, Crachitt, Jacob Marley and the rest are conjured up in the performances of the cast on stage. This version is adapted (and directed) by Martin Parsons, authentically using the original book as its source material. Just as Charles himself did during those famous performances in the Victorian era. All the while the stage manager (Victoria Richards) is creating all manner of sound effects for us in the corner, a taste of radio plays of yesteryear giving the whole enterprise a wonderfully nostalgic glow.
Many people would remember Peter Purves as a presenter from his long stints presenting Blue Peter and Crufts for the BBC to name but two, but Purves started out as an actor (indeed he was one of the original Doctor Who's companions in 46 episodes during the 1960s) and here returns to his calling as Charles Dickens himself, recalling the strange events of Christmas Eve. Purves' relaxed but authorative delivery sets the scene perfectly for the events which follow.
The evening is held together by the charismatic presence of Colin Baker, former Time Lord and vastly experienced stage actor as he ably demonstrates. His Scrooge is a loud curmudgeon, barking at his clerk Bob Crachit whilst spurning any mentions of charity. But Baker's skill isn't just in the stereotypical 'humbug' Scrooge, he portrays the deeply troubled Ebeneezer as the effects of his behaviour are unravelled with great sensitivity and finally the unbridled joy as Scrooge realises he can redeem himself, and make good all the bad deeds he has been guilty of. It's a mesmerising performance, as Baker savours Dickens rich dialogue.
A story which wallows in time travel has attracted a second time traveller, the legendary Tom Baker materialises on a screen at the back of the set. His instantly recognisable fruity tones lend themselves easily to Jacob Marley, the ghost of Scrooge's business partner and the portent of doom with the arrival of ghostly spectres. Baker is clearly reading the material as the producers are filming, but he adds his own unique take on Marley and both Baker's manage to play opposite each other thanks to the wonders of technology.
The rest of the cast (Sarah Gain, Gwithian Evans, Francesca Anderson and Owen Frost) divide up the spoils of Dickens roll call of Ghosts, nephews and Crachits. They are each wonderful to watch and listen to, rounding out the supporting cast through their expansive vocal skills.
Going into the theatre we were not sure how effective this format would be, but were immediately won over. The evening seemed to pass very quickly, so engrossed were we in the unfolding narrative. A little bit of story telling magic has been delivered by all those on stage.
The Crime and Comedy Theatre Company have hit on a winning formula to tell this most famous of tales, and the evening rightly belongs to Colin Baker who holds court and keeps the sold-out audience spellbound throughout.
Rob & Ian
Check out future productions of THE CRIME AND COMEDY THEATRE COMPANY
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