A Christmas Carol - Bridge Theatre

Well done to them for staging something over Xmas when the likes of the RSC have simply given up, and no doubt SRB will be a draw, but it is slightly odd programming given the Old Vic adaptation has run for several years and will be available on-line this year. 

Is there only one story that can be told this Christmas?

Much as I salute the fact that theatre is happening, how many versions of this tale do we need round the UK?

The others are on there but this has disappeared

Attended the 4pm performance today. Great to be back in a theatre.

It was a late booking. Most shows are sold out and I spotted a £15 Stalls seat for this one. Right off at the back at the side, but lots of room and an excellent view. It is potentially restricted view, but no real issues with the way it was staged.

A very polished production from the three actors. It is mostly traditional, but with a twist. Very few props. Simon Russell Beale is primarily there as Scrooge, but they all cover multiple characters and help with the narration.

Surprisingly, it wasn't full. Quite a few of the single and doubles in the Stalls were empty. Don't know if people were put off by the rain, as it was a really miserable day, or just can't travel. There was a long queue to get in (about 15 minutes) in the rain, which I haven't seen at the Bridge before, so bear that in mind. I did notice temperate checks were taking longer than usual as people were having to remove hats, glasses etc (perhaps not enough of the forehead was visible).

One phone beeping once, then again five minutes later. Don't people realise the first time?

There was also a chap sat on the front row who kept pulling his face mask down, then covering his mouth with his hands. May not have been obvious to the ushers, but must have been to the actors. One downside of where I was sitting is you could see all of the fidgeters.

There is recorded music in the background, which is quite loud, but the cast are all audible from where I was sat.

Running time about 1 hour 20 minutes (started 16:05, ended 17:25, but allow time to get out of the building).

Enjoy if you're going. I don't think this will be seen as breaking any new ground, but it's pleasant enough way to spend an afternoon at this time of year. And one of the nicest (and most Covid-19 aware) theatres in London.

Liked this. A pleasing night out. Pleased to see SRB get to say “Humbug” and Patsy Ferran again. But nothing worth coming miles into london to see that you’d likely have seen at your local theatre

Nothing extraordinary. Just a word for word retellinb of the story whilst the three switch roles.

Found the modern references a bit jarring by the end. Especially you see the three play Victorian parlour games and suddenly dance to modern music

Regarding the measures one thing I would suggest is they stop taking drink orders 5 minutes before the show starts. It started a little late as ushers went i and out with orders.

Yes, this simply can’t match the joyousness of the Old Vic Christmas Carol (in a normal year - not seen the streamed version yet) so is doomed to pale in comparison. But quite honestly I could listed to Dame Sir Lord Simon Russell Beale read the phone book, let alone Dickens, so this was a pleasant way to spend the evening.

Returning this year with Simon Russell Beale and Eben Figueiredo returning. Lyndsey Marshall joining the cast.

6 to 31 December