We returned to Leeds Playhouse to catch their latest production of A Christmas Carol. But did it leave us…over the moon?
Adaptor Deborah McAndrew keeps the narrative faithful to the text, whilst throwing in a few seasonal surprises too with director Amy Leach.
Reece Dinsdale is everything you’d hope for in Scrooge. He embodies Ebeneezer’s miserly manner, gradually softening as he’s shown the error of his ways. His look of bemusement whilst circled by tap-dancing baubles is a joy!
For sheer versatility, Obioma Ugoala stands out. He plays both Marley and Fezziwig with strong performances and a powerful singing voice. Lucas Kerr’s Tiny Tim is believable, as one of three child performers sharing the role. Belle (Amy Forrest) is saccharine sweet, and Danny Colligan has plenty of warmth as Fred.
The production champions accessibility. Mr and Mrs Cratchit (Stephen Collins and Nadia Nadarajah) are deaf, and the whole family sign – with a watchful Scrooge often translating for the audience.
A clever moment sees Mrs Cratchit silently rant about Scrooge; we don’t need to know what’s said as it expressed through raw emotion, and her husband’s shocked reactions. The whole show is also signed by an on-stage interpreter.
The large ensemble have talent by the sleigh-load, and all fizz with festive energy and tight choreography in the stage-filling dance numbers.
Visually the show is a treat, with production values worthy of the West End. Hayley Grindle’s costume are first rate throughout. The Ghost of Christmas Present is a highlight, far removed from film versions. Claudia Kariuki plays her to perfection, and opens act two with plenty of pizzazz and sparkle.
Grindle’s set design is a nod to Leeds industrial heritage. Chimneys belch out smoke against a moonlit sky, as workers toss baskets of fabric and unspool reels of cotton. Scrooge’s counting house is now a cotton mill which, interestingly, is lit above by fairground lights – long before the invention of electricity – with Marley’s bulbs ominously fizzled out.
This is not Scrooge the Musical, although music does feature throughout. Expect original songs on live instruments, and twists on familiar carols. The actor-musicians set the scene perfectly, from the rousing opening to the toe-tapping finale.
Good for families? Whilst it might not hold the attention of younger audience members as well as a pantomime, it’s visual, pacey and full of theatrical magic. The Ghost of Christmas Future has the potential to scare – but it’s brilliantly done, and suitably foreboding. Our 9 and 12-year-old loved it, and were gripped by the innovative storytelling and lavish design.
Like Santa on schedule, Leeds Playhouse never fail to deliver. This is another winter winner, guaranteed to leave you in high…spirits. And yes, that was a ghost pun.
Give A Christmas Carol a (ghost) of a chance, and book at www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/a-christmas-carol. The production runs until 17th January 2026.
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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