Hi everyone,
We are traveling to London the 1st week of December, and would love to see A Christmas Carol. We found the show at the Old Vic, but its says the story is "updated" and we aren't really sure what that entails. We are looking for a traditional telling of the story with a full cast and period costumes. Has anyone seen this version of the play? Or is there a different version that is recommended?
Thanks!
Josh & Amy
Posted by
Singapore
589 posts
This may not be what you're looking for - it's a Christmas pantomime rather than a serious play, so there a strong element of raucous slapstick comedy, about it, with a fair bit of audience interaction. It is 'traditional' in the sense of being a Christmas tradition in the UK, but possibly not what you're expecting.
You can read last year's review here: https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/a-christmas-carol-review-old-vic
Pantos are a huge thing in England at Christmas time - I remember many growing up, and we've taken out kids to several. Most theatres have them, and it's a great family night out, and something I will always associate with Christmas, so I'd encourage you to go for the experience, I don't think find a conventional performance of A Christmas Carol during panto season.
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
Well known English actor Mark Gatiss is doing his:
https://christmascarolonstage.co.uk/
Saw it 2021. Enjoyed it. Alexandra Palace is outside London.
As I was staying in Richmond I took a train, the Underground and bus to get there.
Serendipity prevailed on the return journey following the performance.
Actor Nicholas Farrell who played Scrooge was on the same Finsbury Park Underground train platform. I chose to approach and say, “ enjoyed your performance tonight.” He was startled but smiled and said, “ Thank you.” Seems Mr Farrell lives in Richmond. That’s a bit of a trek for each performance.,
Not sure if he’s going to play Scrooge or if Gatiss will star again as Jacob Marley.
You can read the review of the production in Time Out: https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/a-christmas-carol-a-ghost-story-review
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
A recording of the Gatiss stage production was shown on the BBC last Christmas. Possibly online somewhere if you want to check if it is to your taste.
Posted by
TX, USA
4894 posts
Thanks for this question and the explanations. I was looking at this production at the Old Vic and wondering about the stage and best seats, etc. It all makes more sense. I will probably still do this for our group - but having a better idea going in is good.
Posted by
OP
Washington D.C
4 posts
Thanks for the helpful information. The show at the Old Vic sounds like a unique experience.
-Josh
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Theatre Monkey offers some on-line advice about choosing seats in various theatres.