The Lyceums winter production of Charles Dickens' masterpiece loyally adapted by Karen Louise Hebden promises a Christmas tale for all the family. It sets out to celebrate a time not long past using ‘wonderful Victorian Christmas Carols, joyous dancing, an all singing and dancing set and most importantly and human of all – laughter.'
Francis O'Conner has created a beautiful revolving set using oversized Victorian illustrations to create London town. Technically, the set is near perfect and takes on a whole new life of its own when occupied by the cast of storytellers.
The cast turn in a fair performance, but dramatic opportunity is often missed due to the relentless pace of the piece (the casual observer feels the cast were been whipped backstage to get the piece running to time).
Particular attention should be played to Richard Conlon as Fred and Simon Coury as Bob Cratchit though the real stars of the show as always are the fine young cast from the Lyceum Youth Theatre lead by Dexter Jandoo's sympathetic portrayal of Tiny Tim.
The costumes for the ghosts were made by students from Edinburgh College of Art and mesh perfectly with the staid traditional tailoring of Victorian fashions to bring much needed pizzazz to the sepia tinted production.
Most of the ingredients are there for a great night out at the theatre though a fundamental lack of humour and energy in the production makes for tiring viewing.
Runs at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh until Saturday 31 December 2005
