Review: ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Comedy Theatre, Melbourne (2024)

For the third year in a row, GWB Entertainment’s A Christmas Carol is once again playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. Based on the 1843 novella by Charles Dickens, the iconic story sees curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this version of A Christmas Carol was first staged at London’s Old Vic in 2017, and has been staged at Christmas time every year since.

It was the most awarded play of 2021, taking home five Tony Awards. The production includes twelve tradition Christmas carols including O Holy Night, Silent Night and the breathtaking hymn See, Amid The Winter’s Snow.

Following acclaimed performances by David Wenham (Seachange, The Lord of the Rings, Van Helsing) and Owen Teale (Game of Thrones, Robin Hood, King Arthur) in 2022 and 2023 respectfully, one of Australia’s most loved and award-winning stars across film, television and theatre, Erik Thomson takes on the coveted role of Scrooge.

His performance is engrossing and compelling, but I got the feeling Thomson prefers playing the happier side of Scrooge than the grumpy.

Thomson was the main draw card for me seeing A Christmas Carol a second time. While most know him for his work on All Saints, Packed to the Rafters and 800 Words, I’ve always loved him as Hades in the 1990s television series’ Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: The Warrior Princess.

Tim Wright is a welcome addition as Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk and loving husband and father of three. Following memorable performances as Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day the Musical and Bill Austen in Mamma Mia!, Wright’s genuine warmth and good nature emanates from the stage. Sarah Morrison (Come From Away) also shines as Scrooge’s first love Belle.

Each giving strong performances, the ensemble cast is completed by Aisha Adara as Little Fan; Kaya Byrne as Fred; Anthony Cogin as Father/Marley; Stephanie Lambourn as Mrs Cratchit; Kaori Maeda-Judge as Jess; Samantha Morley as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Grant Piro as Fezziwig; Felix Star as Young Ebenezer; Cameron Taylor as Nicholas Ferdy; Alison Whyte as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Benjamin Colley as George; and Jack Van Staveren and Jasmine Vaughns as swings. Mira Feldman, Wynton Inman, Libby Segal and Noah Sherburn rotate playing Tiny Tim.

The charm of this production begins with its pre-show entertainment, as costumed vendors interact with the audience while handing out mince pies and mandarins. Sitting in the dress circle, one of the actors encouraged the audience to singalong as the band played carols on stage.

It’s a nice touch, and you’re instantly transported. This carries into the show itself, and it’s difficult not to feel moved (and perhaps changed) by the end as Thomson’s enthusiasm for the holiday season is contagious.

Hugh Vanstone’s use of lighting is suburb as old-fashioned lanterns litter the stage and above the audience. Along with Simon Baker’s sound design, it creates a rich atmosphere. You get the full effect from the dress circle as well as other key elements (which I won’t spoil) hidden from the stalls.

But then again, it’s easy to miss moments as it sometimes feels like two scenes are happening at once. It’s chaotic, interactive and one of the most memorable parts of the show. I’d recommend going twice then.

The only negative is possible fatigue because if you’ve seen it once, that element of surprise is gone. It’s not a huge issue as the interactive elements do mean it’s essentially a different show every time, but I do wonder about its longevity. However, there’s always something magical about snow falling from the ceiling, especially on a hot summer’s day.

A Christmas Carol is showing at the Comedy Theatre until December 29. Tickets and more info can be found at christmascarolaustralia.com.au

The producers of A Christmas Carol have partnered with Second Bite to raise funds to support families in need of food. A charity bucket collection and QR codes are available at the end of every performance which has so far raised over £1.5 million globally for local good causes.