By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of Carrie Davenport
I was just writing out the first of my Christmas cards yesterday and not feeling very festive at all; the constant Belfast rain, the depressing news on the telly, the financial burden that has become Christmas since turning a certain age were all wearing me down: that was easily improved with a visit to Belfast’s Lyric theatre for a riveting performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This version has that unique Belfast feel to it though, thanks to pen of Marie Jones. Under the direction of Matthew McElhinney, the 10 person cast deliver a night of angst, turmoil, intrigue and ultimately, redemption.
We all know the story, if not through stage plays then certainly as kids watching the glorious send up by The Muppets Christmas Carol. But this is Dickens through a a Belfast lens. Performed by the Pottinger’s Players, many little Belfast touches are added into the original, and these little deft touches make for a fantastic evening of ghouls, ghost, penny-pinching, deft one liners and that warm furry feeling you get at this time of year.
Dan Gordon as Ebeneezer Scrooge is in itself a tour de force, but by describing this play in such a way would be denying the rest of the cast their dues. Marty Maguire, a long time favourite on the Belfast stages, plays many roles, each w=one with verve and gusto. Be it the town drunk, Jacob Marley or the Ghost of Christmas Present, Maguire brings joy and menace to every scene he features in.
Others of note are Matthew Forsythe as Bob Cratchit and Jonny Grogan as the young Ebeneezer. And this brings me on to something I’ve never saw imagined in a Christmas Carol adaptation, that of young Scrooge as a victim of his past.
To capture that Victorian vibe the powers and skills of lighting, set design and costume are also to be applauded: Mary Tumelty, Stuart Marshall and Catherine Kodicek all take your bows. And of course we have the intrinsic matter of music and choreography that blends the action so well with the tone and tempo of the narrative. Garth McConaghie’s score is pitch perfect – pardon the seasonal pun – and Fluer Mellor’s choreography keeps the set changes and cast changes seeemlessly.
The two musicians on stage, Conor Hinds on cello and Katie Shortt on flute deserve special mention. They blend in with the main cast beautifully and their playing is truly emotive. Just another little neat touch in a show so full of them.
So what are you waiting for? I suggest you get booking right away, because as soon as word gets out about this little beauty, tickets will be hard to get a hold of.
A Christmas Carol runs at the lyric up to and including Saturday January 11th 2025. To get booking visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or simply phone the box office on 02890 381081.
ENDS
CultureCrush NI 