Antic Disposition’s adaptation of Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol, has become part of the season’s traditions for many people. The Middle Temple Hall venue is where Shakespeare premiered his Twelfth Night and a place that Dickens also knows so well as he studied law there for many years. The connections to both at this time of year make it a must-see production, writes Michael Holland.
After being warmed with mulled wine and hot mince pies the play opens with people excited in anticipation of Christmas, singing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen while Ebenezer Scrooge bemoans the season of goodwill and begrudges his underpaid employee Bob Cratchit his one day off a year. He then sends away two good people collecting for the poor, telling them that the workhouse and prisons should deal with the idle who might be better off dead than being a drain on the wealthy.
Scrooge’s miserly ways bring on a visit from his long-dead business partner Jacob Marley, warning him to change or suffer an afterlife of pain and suffering. Marley is ignored.
The Ghost of Christmas Past appears and as if right on cue an audience member faints in a swoon and a doctor quickly comes forward from amongst the audience.
When we resume the spirit takes Scrooge back to his childhood days when he was an amicable young man with friends and a joie de vivre that was sucked from him over time by a father he could never please. The young Ebenezer became just like him, thinking only of money. Eventually, Scrooge exchanges happiness for the pursuit of riches while at the same time losing everything that was good in his life. Even the girl of his dreams, leaving him alone and friendless in what could have been the happiest days of his life.
More ghosts appear throughout the night, showing Scrooge the error of his tightfistedness, but it is when he sees the future that it all hits home: his staff taking the drapes from his death bed while he is still warm and business associates laughing at his meanness. His complete redemption comes when his nephew toasts his good health and the Crachitts say nice things about him. He realises that being kind is much better than the alternative and decides to make immediate changes.
David Burt wonderfully brings Ebenezer Scrooge to life under the excellent direction of Ben Horslen, and with the support of an ensemble that can sing and play music just as well as they can all act.
This is a brilliant version of A Christmas Carol, with great songs by Ben Horslen and John Risebero, and one we should all enjoy as part of our festivities.
Middle Temple Hall, Middle Temple Lane, Temple, London EC4Y 9AT until January 29th. Time: 3pm and 7.30pm. Admission: £40 – £55.
Booking: 0333 666 3366 – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ad1
Photos: Lidia Crisafulli
