The festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace it than with a visit to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre? This year, The Rep presents A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, a thrilling adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale of old tightwad Ebenezer Scrooge, reimagined by the brilliant Mark Gatiss.
Directed by Adam Penford, whose recent work includes the Nottingham Playhouse’s productions, this version of A Christmas Carol masterfully balances equal measures of festive spirit and supernatural chills. Matthew Cottle’s Scrooge takes audiences on a heart-wrenching journey
] from miserly ways to redemption, set against the evocative sound and clever design of Paul Wills’ stage.
Ghosts and Grey Dickensian Scenes
Set on a cold Christmas Eve, the story begins in Scrooge’s grey old place of business, complete with towers of filing cabinets that symbolize his lifetime of greed. Scrooge receives an unexpected visit from the unearthly figure of Jacob Marley, played by Rufus Hound, whose ghostly apparitions and chain-bound torment immediately set the stage for what’s to come.
The clever puppetry and sweetly creepy Ghost of Christmas Past guides Scrooge through his past mistakes, while a charismatic performance of the Ghost of Christmas Present starts to bring a more festive vibe to the production. The dining scene with the Cratchit family provided a touching portrayal of family life despite hardship with some really fabulous choreography bringing rhythm and pace to the story line.
The Ghost of Christmas Future, towering and foreboding, elicited serious gaps from the audience, reminding us all of the consequences of miserly ways just as we started to get comfrotable joining in with teh gatehring of Scrooges family which he had chosen to avoid.
A Faithful Yet Fresh Adaptation
Mark Gatiss’ adaptation stays true to the spirit of Dickens’ original book, yet brings a fresh perspective that resonates with modern audiences. The production embraces the ghost story elements, creating cold Dickensian scenes that contrast beautifully with moments of Christmas cheer.
The Rep stage came alive with enough hints of subtle humour, cleverly offsetting the show’s darker moments. Scrooge’s interactions with his nephew Fred and Mrs. Cratchit showcased great performances from the rest of the cast.
A Show Full of Special Connections
Special mention must go to the use of evocative sound and flashing lights, which heightened the drama without overshadowing the performances. The child actors brought warmth and energy, while the cleverly-designed stage transformed seamlessly between Scrooge’s business, the Cratchit family home, and the cold grey night outside.
The curtain call was met with resounding applause as the people of Birmingham showed their appreciation for this outstanding production. It’s not often you see a familiar story like this brought to life with such emotional depth and theatrical creativity.
Meeting the Man Behind the Magic
After the show, I had the privilege of meeting Mark Gatiss. Without revealing too much, we discussed the twist in his adaptation, which left the audience sighing with happiness as the tale resolved itself on Christmas Day. Gatiss shared that he considers this twist “the best idea he’s ever had,” and I couldn’t agree more—it added a new dimension to the familiar narrative.
Why You Should See It
Whether it’s your first time experiencing A Christmas Carol or you’re revisiting the story as an old favorite, this production has something for everyone. From the grumpy old miser turned warm-hearted wretch to the charismatic Ghost of Christmas Present, each performance captures the essence of Dickens’ characters.
Currently on in Birmingham city centre at The Rep, this show is a perfect treat for families, Dickens enthusiasts, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. Gatiss’ adaptation brings just the right mix of nostalgia, festive cheer, and ghostly thrills—making it a must-see this festive season.
