The Viaduct Theatre’s A Christmas Carol Rewritten, written by Sarah Horsley, offers a fresh, modern twist on a seasonal classic, delivering a warm and charming festive experience. A thoughtful sensory detail greeted audiences even before the show began — spiced apple–scented candles lining the entrance, filling the space with a warm, Christmassy aroma. The staging immediately sets the tone: presented in traverse formation with the audience seated on both sides, the production creates a wonderfully intimate environment where every moment feels close and connected. The simple but effective set design allows furniture and props to be moved smoothly between scenes, ensuring the story flows without interruption. Another charming touch was the use of themed aprons for the character of Sandra, to mark the passing of time during a flashback scene, a clever and visually engaging device that brought a smile each time they appeared.
The cast as a whole brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the stage. At times, the performance style tipped slightly into overacting, creating a few moments of light cheesiness — but this ultimately suited the playful tone of the production and never detracted from the overall enjoyment! Amy Moorhouse leads the piece as Elle, capturing the character’s emotional journey with sincerity. Grant Moorhouse gives a warm and grounded performance as Ben, while Liam Parkin displays impressive versatility across his many roles, shifting between characters with clarity and humour. Lily-Mae Gerrard impresses not only with her acting but with her beautiful singing voice. Jemima Horsley played the role of a cheeky younger sibling wonderfully, often gaining many laughs from the audience; her acting felt authentic and remarkably professional for someone so young. Diane Todd rounds out the cast with excellent comedic timing, consistently delighting the audience.
Although there were a couple of overlapping lines and minor stumbles, these were handled with professionalism. A missed sound cue was transformed into a genuinely funny moment, showing the cast’s confidence and ability to improvise naturally. Occasional breaking of the fourth wall added further humour and helped build a friendly rapport with the audience.
The script contains plenty of witty lines that landed well, prompting laughter throughout the performance. Combined with the cast’s enthusiasm and strong comedic instincts —particularly from Diane Todd and Liam Parkin — the result was a light-hearted and consistently entertaining evening.
There were also some truly lovely musical moments throughout the production under the direction of musical director Dan Bottomley. The ensemble singing brought a warm, communal feel to the show, while individual solo sections allowed certain cast members to shine. The inclusion of slower, softer versions of iconic Christmas songs added a gentle, nostalgic charm, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
A Christmas Carol Rewritten is a lovely festive treat — humorous, heart-warming, and filled with seasonal spirit. Despite a few small imperfections, the show’s charm, creativity, and clear enjoyment from the performers make it a delightful way to get into the Christmas mood. A well-written, feel-good production that leaves you smiling as you step back out into the winter air.
Reviewer - Bethany Vakulich
On - 4th December 2025
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