Step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, joyously reimagined for the stage by the award-winning and much-beloved playwright, Marie Jones.
Sure what could be better and more Christmassy than seeing the Charles Dickens classic ‘ A Christmas Carol’ live on stage in December? How about an adaptation by award-winning playwright Marie Jones that sets it in Belfast? You’d think that would be hard to go wrong, and you’d be right!
Presenting the classic tale as a ‘play-in-a-play’ set in Belfast’s iconic Lyric theatre adds an extra dimension that brings it, and its message home all that more. The cast boasts a plethora of well-known faces, from Dan Gordon’s bombastic Ebeneezer Scrooge to Jayne Wisener’s motherly Mrs. Cratchit. Many players take on a few roles as well as helping move the scenery around at a fair rate. You can catch many Belfast-isms scattered throughout, even drawing on Ted Hastings to sneak in a wee “Jesus, Mary and the wee Donkey!”
With live music played onstage, songs, dances and a few spooky ghosts we are transported back to Belfast’s Entries in Dickensian times, as well as taking a quick jaunt to Rathlin Island! Whilst parts are thrilling, and sometimes a little chilling I think this would be suitable for any age. My 10-year-old son Max said it was the best night out he’s had this Christmas and the play itself brought him tears of joy! Which I think speaks to the effectiveness and the emotion with which the whole play is done as we root for this seemingly lost character, even though we know how it ends we’re lost in the moments.
I take my ‘top’ hat off to this audacious production and for anyone wanting something less pantomime then I couldn’t recommend it enough.
A Christmas Carol is on at The Lyric Theatre, Belfast until Saturday 11 January 2025. For more info and tickets see here
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