Showing between Thursday 11th December 2008 until Sunday 11th January 2009 @ Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol

This version of A Christmas Carol is wholly abstract and definitely original. A typically chilling Marley with his ever-rattling chains combined with the warm humour, catchy songs, clever use of simple props and dramatic lighting make this an interesting adaptation of a true classic.

Chris Bianchi’s portrayal of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is everything you could hope for - eccentric, charmingly brutal and fantastically fitted to the role. The remaining characters are played by an enthusiastic cast of only six, meaning that any one actor takes on multiple parts within the production and this ultimately makes for a highly inventive but slightly confusing performance. This, combined with the mildly distracting ‘in action’ scene changes may cause some of the younger members of the audience to feel a bit lost, but don’t panic, this is quickly forgotten when the deep rumbling chuckle of The Ghost of Christmas Present draws you back into the festive cheer.

A large part of this adaptation’s originality is down to the dedication of the mechanisms of the theatre itself and recognition and inclusion of not only the Tobacco Factory space but also Bedminster and Bristol. These references gave the performance a personal touch that was appreciated by the viewer.

By the end of the show you’ve been whisked away on a whirlwind journey. It’s a solid adaptation and the best Christmas show that will be on in Bristol this season but it’s no classic – it’s digest downfall being it lacks a few more laughs or that real Christmas sparkle – the lack of magic on stage however is more than made up for by the time you return into the theatre foyer, where, in the audience’s absence, the entire space has been completely transformed into a stunningly beautiful, classic winter wonderland with presents lining the walls, pretty glittery things hanging from luscious green stems and more nuts and cloves in oranges wrapped in ribbons than you can shake a Santa at.

www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

Daly Haans
Photos: Toby Farrow