Written by Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse
Directed by Jack Nurse
Review by Dominic Corr
Sometimes, what you really need to capture the sense of the season better than most is a solid story adapted by talented folks, a brilliant collection of some of the best in the biz, a strong community spirit, and a handful of Christmas cracker gags. Oh, and a couple of totally 100% safe muffins and hi-vis jackets.
In the spirit of comradery, Wonder Fools, one of Scotland’s finest producers of theatre, comes together with the much-loved Brunton Theatre to bring a classical tale, with a pantomime best, one which shows the big-budget giants how things are done – and does so with laughter, merriment, and a few cracking surprises. A right-good laugh, with plenty of festive cheer and capers, A Christmas Carol has all the markers of a terrifically smashing pantomime bash – featuring a host of some of the best talents you could ask for right now.
And rightfully in the lead, returning to their legendary role as The Brunton Dame, is Graham Crammond as Scrooge in an absolute triumph; but what else would you expect? Dedicated and vicious, but with absolute compassion and rapport with the local crowd, Crammond is a central connection for the team and ties right back to The Brunton. The perfect model for Jenny Booth’s costuming, which shifts from the practical and timely to insightful little gags at the historical changes within the show, Crammond’s best moments allow them access to the crowd, where they give it both barrels and rile up the audience into panto-pitch-fever.
Gordon and Nurse’s playful script subverts some of the expected elements of A Christmas Carol without compromising on the classical story. A warehouse of packing and a money-making scheme for the big boss, Scrooge’s Speedy Cash isn’t far removed from the pay-day lenders and endless juggernaut delivery giants found up and down the motorways of the nation (though Scrooge’s might still have better work environments). Helping to keep it all running, Rebekah Lumsden has a lot more bite and gumption than your usual Cratchitt, playing the role with oodles of energy and character – someone who would sacrifice anything for their family and frequently does to keep Tiny Tim big, strong, and full of gains…
Bringing a delightfully mischievous twist to Tiny Tim, Gordon couldn’t sit out on the action for long – a massive benefit to the cast. They and Lumsden’s final gag reveal to the audience the one final element which takes A Christmas Carol to an entirely new level. Getting the crowd pumped up for more, ready to sing and join in, Gordon’s ability to connect with audiences, particularly younger ones, has been seen time and again off and on stage, re-assuring us how much of a credit they are to Scottish theatre.
Who would have thought that A Christmas Carol could benefit from an antagonist, away from the miserly Scrooge? A reminder of what could have happened had Scrooge not learned the error of their ways, Chloe-Ann Tylor plays it large and in charge with the pelvic thrusting, mop-haired, blue-blooded MacGuffin. Loved to be hated, Tylor soaks in the boos and hisses, funnelling them into a positively vile character who haunts Scrooge’s past more so than their own bad attitude and greed. Complete with showcasing the additional choreography from Amy Robinson, physical comedy, and the run-away best song number of the night, Tylor makes being bad look oh so good and keeps themselves squarely on the nice list.
Said number is just one of the brilliant examples of the remarkably talented youth cast – who once more continue this year’s shining example of the dedicated performers and community spirit that is very much alive and well across Scotland. Whether dancing, joking or belting out a number, the entire troupe have taken on and worked with Jack Nurse’s direction and made for the perfect set-up and follies to the remainder of the cast’s gags and material.
Filling in the roles of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come (Laura Lovemore getting a fab switch-up from Present’s usual demeanour), the trio of Gordon, Lovemore, and an absolute favourite of ours, Michael Dylan, keep the absurdity ramped up to elven as this colour gaggle of characters; Dylan even getting a bit of the expected (and hoped for) breaks from the story and ad-libbing. Each performer here does a stand-out job bringing something additional to their moments, from Gordon’s dedication to references and skits to Lovemore’s delivery and Dylan’s terrific scene-stealing moments as Scrooge’s old partner Marley and their nephew, Fred.
A partnership tied together in tinsel, forged in the heart of a figgy pudding, Wonder Fools aids in lifting The Brunton pantomime this year and offers hope for a solid place for Christmases Yet to Come—even as The Brunton’s physical location may, tragically, be lost. A Christmas Carol captures the pages of Dickens’s classic with an unrivalled reimagined naughtiness and community spirit. Living in the past, present, and future, this production for the local community and out-of-towners is a perfectly parcelled Christmas treat for everyone.
A Partnership Tied Together in Tinsel
A Christmas Carol runs at Loretto High School, Musselburgh, until January 4th
Running time – Two hours with one interval
Photo Credit – Mihaela Bodlovic
Review by Dominic Corr (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Lead editor of Corr Blimey and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has written for and contributed to several established and respected publications such as BBC Radio Scotland, The Scotsman, The List, The Skinny, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League, and The Wee Review. As of 2023, he is a member of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland (CATS) and a member of the UK Film Critics.
