Stepping into the Comedy Theatre for A Christmas Carol feels like being wrapped in a warm, festive glow. The classic story is brought to life with charm and theatrical magic, bringing in the holiday season with a resounding ‘Bah, Humbug’!
From the moment the lights dim, the atmosphere is rich in Victorian textures, candlelit shadows, and a musical score that sweeps you straight into Dickens’ London.
Directed by Matthew Warchus, Old Vic’s production of A Christmas Carol feels familiar and newly alive, like revisiting a cherished Christmas ornament that gleams brighter than you remember.
At the heart of the show is Ebenezer Scrooge, played by acclaimed actor Lachy Hulme. He describes Scrooge as “a dried apricot seed…rotting inside” that grows into a “new apricot tree full of beautiful fruit for everyone to share.”
Hulme carries his journey from bitter isolation to rediscovered joy with emotional depth, making his final transformation feel truly earned. The supporting ensemble layers the story with warmth and a sense of community that makes the theatre feel as though we’re all huddled together around a shared hearth.
The ghosts are a standout, each crafted with their own theatrical flair and signature. Tony Cogin is absolutely chilling and morose as the ghost of Jacob Marley (and equally scary as Scrooge’s father).
Natasha Herbert, as the Ghost of Christmas Past, has a knack for carrying the eerie nostalgia and bright youthfulness of her character. Samantha Morley, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, leans into some of the tongue-in-cheek moments shared with Scrooge as he fights to keep his eyes shut to the injustices he has caused.
Little Fan, played by Emily Robinson, is sweet and hopeful as Scrooge’s sister, guiding Scrooge through the implications of his decisions. The transitions between past, present, and future are executed with a fluidity that keeps the momentum and curiosity alive.
The rest of the cast continues to create a tapestry of humanity that contrasts Scrooge’s isolation and misanthropy. Andrew Coshan as Fred / Nephew brings folly and lightness to the stage as he attempts to uplift his uncle’s cynicism. Clare Warrillow brings quick wit and a wisdom beyond her years to her role as Belle.
The Cratchit family, in particular, bring a tenderness and authenticity that lift some of the story’s quieter moments. Their scenes are beautifully grounded, offering a reminder of the resilience and love that sit at the soul of Dickens’s work.
The staging by Rob Howell is striking and versatile. Candlelit hues warm the stage, basking the story in a soft, nostalgic glow. This is juxtaposed with cold chains draped across the backdrop of the stage, reminding us that this tale is not all Christmas cheer.
I enjoyed Howell’s use of hollow doors and walls to symbolise how Scrooge was captive in his own home, by his own doing. The lighting by Hugh Vanstone only emphasised the state of Scrooge’s mind throughout the play, with a special mention to the gorgeous hanging lanterns swirling through the stage.
Old Vic’s production lets Dickens’ original text shine through, yet still contains surprises. There are bursts of audience engagement and completely over-the-top gags that make the show fresh and fun. It captures the spirit of the season through a genuineness that inspires audiences to reconsider their 21st-century apathy and turn towards helping one another.
A Christmas Carol is the kind of show that reminds you why this story has lasted centuries. It leaves you walking back out onto Exhibition Street feeling lighter and just a touch more generous.
A Christmas Carol runs to 24 December at the Comedy Theatre. 240 Exhibition Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
Tickets available here.
Website: https://christmascarolaustralia.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/christmascarolau/
Photo credits: Michelle Hunder
