What better way to start Christmas than a visit to the theatre to watch the Victorian festive treat, a Christmas Carol? Written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Aisha Khanhis, Charles Dickens classic is the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption from unpopular penny-pinching miser to celebrated local philanthropist. It was first published in 1843 and is credited with popularising the terms ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Bag humbug’ among the Victorian public and is a behemoth of Christmas literature and British culture. Over the years there have been many productions and adaptations, both from a contemporary and traditional angle.
I was pleased to hear that Alisha Khan’s stage adaptation is traditional yet rooted in Sheffield’s proud local carol singing traditions. I was also excited that it was set in the Crucible Theatre, whose layout naturally integrates the audience and actors.
The stage was decked out in suitably drab and sparse Victorian style, setting the scene for a bleak Christmas. The staging and props are well used throughout the 2-hour 15-minute production (including interval). Marley’s ghost first appearance through Scrooge’s front door was great use of an excellent, if large and difficult to manoeuvre, prop.
The non-linear story line suits the rolling narrative which is laid before us with the tale of Scrooge’s insular life told by Jack, an artful dodger style character, played impressively by Mel Lowe. Lowe’s energy and playfulness suited the style of the story as Jack chronicled Scrooge’s life affirming visitations to his friends; at one point becoming part of the tale himself.
Scrooge was portrayed by Ian Midlane, cutting a larger-than-life Ebenezer. Midlane’s performance throughout was excellent, as were the entire cast. Adam price’s performance as the Ghost of Christmas present was particularly eye catching and bombastic. His energetic performance showcased not just his acting but the quality of the costume design as it flowed through the air with each melodramatic move.
The costumes are to be highly commended with Head of Wardrobe, Sally Wilson and Costume Supervisor Abi Nettleship pulling out all the stops with over 100 highly detailed costumes characterising the Victorian zeitgeist. It is a familiar story to many and the stage play remains true to the well-trodden path of similar productions on the stage and TV.
The accents and Sheffield carols gave the feeling of a local setting, rather than London. There were many references to Sheffield suburbs during the carols which were well received by the audience. The carols were beautiful; at one point the singers were stood in the aisles creating an immersive experience the Crucible is so good at.
This stage production is a traditional adaptation with a local slant and the perfect theatrical partner to the festive season.
Production run (The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield): Saturday 29 November 2025
– Saturday 10th January 2026
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/a-christmas-carol-2025/dates
Reviewer: Matthew Burgin
On: 4th December
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