(L-R) Wren Dennehy and Lloyd Hutchinson in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Gate Theatre. Photo Ros Kavanagh

A Christmas Carol – Gate Theatre – Review

Dates – Until 18th January
Age Recommendation: 7+

Many people have fond memories of The Gate’s 2019 production of A Christmas Carol. It involved a substantial change to the auditorium, with the stage relocated to the centre of the space and seating arranged on all sides. It received glowing reviews from all and sundry. Now, six years later, they have gone back to the same source material, with the much-loved Dickens Novella from 1843.

This production, adapted for the stage by British playwright Neil Bartlett, has a different ethos from its predecessor. It is a lighthearted affair, focusing on music and humour, with several colourful characters. We have our main protagonist, Scrooge (Lloyd Hutchinson), in typical downbeat humour, as he dreams of the material aspects of life, but the visit of three ghosts will change his worldview forever.

(L-R) Fiona Bell, Wren Dennehy, Maeve O’Mahony, Lloyd Hutchinson, Michael Tient Ian O’Reilly and Síofra Ní Éilí in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Gate Theatre. Photo Ros Kavanagh

The musical arrangements are a particular highlight of the production. The cast has been chosen for their vocal ability, as well as their acting skills. Wren Dennehy plays the Ghost of Christmas Past and has a history in Drag performance, which adds a cabaret feel to their scenes. Michael Tient, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, indulges in some call and response with the audience. We’re never far from another song, with some modern interpretations of many yuletide classics.

Costume Designer Catherine Fay has gone for big and bold, with some lavish costumes for the ghosts. The set makes use of a revolving door frame, which turns from the entrance way of Scrooge’s office into his bedroom and beyond, but much is left to the imagination. The actors often spill out into the auditorium itself, making the audience turn their heads to see the action.

The production has been given an age recommendation of 7+, but there were many younger faces evident on opening night. The piece is high-energy and reminiscent of Christmas classics such as Elf. If you’re worried it strays into Panto territory, the humour is playful but rarely over the top, aside from one moment with a turkey chase! It’s a production that will appeal to adults and children alike, which is always the aim of works such as this. With the Abbey and the other stages in Dublin aiming for a different vibe this Christmas, this may be the only theatre in town giving you the full Christmas experience!

Photo Ros Kavanagh

CAST:
MARLEY / ENSEMBLE – Fiona Bell
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST / ENSEMBLE – Wren Dennehy
SCROOGE – Lloyd Hutchinson
BOB CRATCHIT / ENSEMBLE – Emmet Kirwan
FRED / ENSEMBLE – Síofra Ní Éilí
MS. FEZZIWIG / ENSEMBLE – Maeve O’Mahony
APPRENTICE SCROOGE / ENSEMBLE – Ian O’Reilly
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT / ENSEMBLE – Michael Tient

CREDITS:
Writer – Neil Bartlett
Director – Claire O’Reilly
Set Designer – Good Teeth
Costume Designer – Catherine Fay
Lighting Designer – John Gunning
Composer and Musical Director – Anna Clock
Sound Designer – Carl Kennedy
Assistant Sound Designer – Ultan de Stáinléigh
Movement Director – Paula O’Reilly
Video Designer – David Van Wolvelaere
Assistant Director – Emma Finegan