A Christmas Carol | Sheffield Crucible

If there's one thing that's certain about British theatres during the month of December, it's that we will never be without Victorian literary behemoth Charles Dickens; of the 15 novels and 5 novellas he wrote, the festive tale of merriment and morality we know as A Christmas Carol is arguably the one which has left the most discernible mark on readers and viewers alike. The story has been adapted and readapted countless times for the stage, screen and radio, and there are no fewer than 5 major productions running in the UK this year alone, including this new staging by Sheffield Theatres.

Given its inherent popularity, it is safe to say that there are precious few people who are unfamiliar with the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, and his visit from three festive spirits on Christmas eve in Victorian England, in an effort to see him ditch his uppity and moralistic ways, as preempted by the ghost of former business associate Jacob Marley. This particular iteration, adapted by Aisha Khan, is told through the eyes of a young lad named Jack (portrayed by Mel Lowe) who, accompanied by his three young friends, does well in narrating and guiding us from scene to scene. Lowe has the audience in the palm of her hand, emanating terrific swagger and sage-like wisdom reminiscent of the Artful Dodger.

Though the story is originally, and traditionally, set in Victorian London, this version presents us with far more geographical ambiguity, as we never really get a distinct sense of where we are. This, however, doesn't massively affect the trajectory of the narrative, as director Elin Schofield has made sure the overriding themes of social injustice, redemption and the importance of family are kept at its very heart. And the presentation of Scrooge feels appropriately misanthropic, dripping with all the imperiousness and condescension one usually associates with this most iconic of antiheroes, gradually softening into benevolence and humility through the course of the story; this all stems from Ian Midlane’s commanding lead performance.

It does have to be said that, though for the most time engaging, fluid and cohesive, the direction by Schofield isn’t without moments of unevenness. It is often disappointing when the rumble of a set piece entering the stage distracts from what’s happening at the forefront, and the final post-spirits sequence, comparative with what came before, feels like the whole thing has come to a juddering halt. One can see what is being attempted, in giving the more emotionally significant moments room to breathe, however we are ultimately left with a high degree of stagnancy, and too many awkward pauses to really feel the weight of the story’s climax and moral summation.

All this aside though, there is plenty to enjoy about this show. The musical contributions in particular are what give this production its soul, and the chorus vocals throughout the entire cast are beautifully executed, proving especially effective during the scenes featuring the three spirits. Additionally lighting design by Richard Howell adds so much to the already beautifully built scenery, and all of this combined makes the entrance of the ghost of Christmas yet to come, arguably the most pivotal scene, all the more eerie.

With so many different takes on retelling or reframing of this story across all sorts of media, from the Muppets to the upcoming Mischief Theatre project, it does become immensely difficult for anyone tackling such an iconic story to have their work feel like it stands out from the next. I do wish I could tell you that this is a noteworthy adaptation that will live long in the memory, but sadly the ultimate feeling was that it’s just fine, and little else.

A Christmas Carol plays at Sheffield Crucible until 10th January 2026.

Tickets and More Information

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Johan Persson