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A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Arts Theatre, WC2
4/5
RENOWNED English thespian Simon Callow returns to the West End with his one-man-show of A Christmas Carol, a seasonal fave that serves as a stark warning to us all against the self-destructive nature of greed.
Callow is something of an expert in Dickens' famed novella and, unsurprisingly as he delivered it so well last time round, tells the moral tale brilliantly.
His delivery of the text is full of expression and humour, which shows an impressive knack for transforming his audience into wide-eyed children listening to a bed-time story.
A simple set includes two stacks of chairs on either side of the stage, providing Callow with all the props he needs to create the various scenes and characters that Scrooge comes across.
Of course in many ways a one-man show like this is an actor's wet dream, providing ample opportunity to showcase the versatility of playing different parts - not least in Scrooge's own transformation from the mean and furtive to the benevolent philanthropist.
Then of course there's the gregarious Mr Fezziwig, where Callow seems to come into his own in a particularly well-performed and energetic jig, the entire Cratchit family and the various personalities of Scrooge's ghostly visitations.
If you're looking to get into the Christmas spirit then look no further.
A Christmas Carol runs until January 7.
By Will Stone
