A Christmas Carol is a quintessential festive staple, and with numerous productions staged annually across the UK, it requires something truly exceptional to stand out. After almost a decade of producing award-winning in-house productions, Hope Mill Theatre have taken over The Lowry’s Quays Theatre this Christmas to stage their production of A Christmas Carol.
Accustomed to the more intimate 145-seat capacity at Hope Mill, William Whelton and Joseph Houston rose to the challenge of staging this production in a venue with over triple the capacity. With pages of the novel used to wallpaper the entirety of the set, we are quite literally thrust into the classic tale. What really elevates the staging however is the impressive and innovative use of projections throughout; from the introduction of the ghost of Jacob Marley to the ticking clock that progresses the narrative.
With songs penned by Alan Menken (Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin), the music sets this show apart from more traditional offerings. An exceptional eight-piece band brings the show to life from beneath the stage, infusing a certain magic with the perfect blend of grit and charm.
It is in the larger ensemble numbers where the show shines brightest, with ‘Link By Link’ with its chain filled choreography giving an early indication of things to come. Perhaps the most memorable ensemble moment is in ‘Abundance and Charity’ where, as a pantomime dame, the ghost of Christmas present (James Hume) is flanked by a ten-person kick line, dancing in perfect unison. With sequins and feathers galore, it brings a wonderful and unexpected slice of Broadway pizazz to this festive favourite.
Never afraid to rip up the rule book for their productions, Hope Mill have introduced a fresh dynamic to the classic story by casting West End veteran Claire Moore as ‘Evelina’ Scrooge. Having starred in the original casts for Phantom of The Opera and Miss Saigon, Moore certainly knows how to deliver one hell of a performance. Her nuanced portrayal of Scrooge is wonderfully layered, slowly but surely transitioning from cold greed to a person with genuine warmth and compassion. We feel her desperation completely, as Moore endears us to Scrooge as the musical progresses. For most this would be a career defining performance, but for Moore, it is merely testament to her incomparable talent. It is a joy to see her once again shining on a northern stage.
Having seen countless festive productions across the region this winter, in my opinion, this is by far the greatest Christmas Show in the North West. It is truly West End quality, and should be seen to be believed. A Christmas Carol remains at The Lowry until Sunday 05 January 2025. Tickets are unsurprisingly extremely limited, see link below if you want to grab one of the remaining few before it’s too late.
My only Christmas wish this year is that the Lowry will one day handover the keys to Whelton and Houston as its creative directors. Under their guidance The Lowry could truly become one of the great larger producing houses for British theatre.
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a ticket is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.