Engaging and uplifting - A Christmas Carol at the Library Theatre (From Messenger Newspapers)

Engaging and uplifting - A Christmas Carol at the Library Theatre

9:48am Tuesday 7th December 2010 in Theatre Reviews By Rick Bowen

AT Christmas time there are certain secular rituals you simply must perform.

Like food shopping to feed a small army, trying to run up the national debt on your credit card or playing that ever popular seasonal game, hunt the parking space.

Not forgetting, of course, A Christmas Carol. You must watch this, either on stage or screen.

Given the choice, the Library Theatre’s current production should be top of your priority list, as they’ve managed to turn an over performed piece into an engaging, invigorating and uplifting night out.

I’ve probably seen 15 or more stage versions of Dickens’ timeless classic and yet, sitting in The Lowry, I felt like I was watching it through fresh eyes. This is also an ideal opportunity to get children interested in the theatre as most of them were totally transfixed by what they saw on press night.

David Beames is an ideal choice as Ebenezer Scrooge, English literature’s most infamous miser. Initially as hard as the candle lit desk over which he stoops, his transformation from money grabbing skinflint to a decent human being is supremely convincing. Jack Lord is very watchable as Scrooge’s put upon but unbelievably loyal clerk, Bob Cratchit.

I loved the way Director Rachel O’Riordan uses music in a production that’s sure to leave you with a festive glow. Great set, too.

* Until January 8. The box office is on 0843 208 6000. Star rating - ****