A Christmas Carol
18 December 2024
Barons Court Theatre
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Of course I had to catch Mitch Benn’s version of A Christmas Carol, running at the Barons Court Theatre until the 21st December, on my quest to see as many Carols this December as I possibly can. In the intimate space of this small theatre, it’s a particularly beautiful experience.
Using Dickens’ original abridged text, Mitch Benn brings the story to life in style with minimal stage dressing. The lighting is on the darker side, really setting the mood for the well known ghost story. Benn pulls all the punches, expertly giving each character a distinctive accent and timbre, from timid child to booming Brian Blessed-esque spirit, there is astounding variety that illustrates the players in this tale delightfully.
While the pacing does seem a little on the fast side occasionally, racing through the more dramatic scenes at break-neck speed, this one-man performance is a gorgeous addition to the Christmas shows on offer in London. A moody, dynamic, lively performance, honouring Dickens’ beloved story exquisitely.
The expert story telling, brilliant character distinction, and energetic facial expressions envelop the audience in Scrooge’s world, bringing a richly told story to life and fully animating the rich emotional lives of every single character. A feat of story telling that is a delight to experience.
