REVIEW: A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic Theatre

The warm glow of the festive season draws closer as we find comfort in a rich cultural landscape. Most of all we have the flawless beauty of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Written in 1843, there have been countless adaptations for film, TV and the stage; a highly successful musical written by Leslie Bricusse has also been a regular fixture in the West End. This timeless story of hope and redemption is rightly woven into the fabric of Christmas. The Victorians were largely responsible for the traditions we now hold dear; so what could be better than an evening in the company of our favourite curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge! There is an expectation that Old Vic productions will be good, and this one satisfies on every conceivable level.

The Old Vic has a natural glamour and the atmosphere is obvious from the second you cross the threshold; it is the perfect venue for the perfect story. Picturesque lanterns hung from the ceiling offered a lilting glow as a Victorian gentleman handed out free mince pies. The faint sound of a solo violin could be heard as the auditorium gradually filled with expectant patrons. A platform extending from the stage puts the audience very much in the centre of the action. The functional set is brilliantly lit but packs an unexpected surprise for the finale in Act 2.

REVIEW: A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic (Online)

The Old Vic in London has embraced fully the idea of streaming live theatre with its In-Camera productions and this version of their award-winning A Christmas Carol is thrilling to watch from the comfort of your own home. They fully seize the opportunity with a multicamera socially distanced live performance from the stage of their theatre into your home to give it an intimacy and supernatural feel that is simply brilliant.

Shot with up to 9 cameras at once from the rear of the stage towards the auditorium lit by lanterns hanging from the walls with the band in the Circle and a long walkway towards a bright light at the rear of the empty Stalls it constantly reminds you that this is live theatre, and this is what we are missing. Yet it is slickly and thrillingly edited together using split screens and crossfades of cameras in a highly creative way which gives it a unique feel and brings the actors closer together than they can be in a socially distanced world. The care and attention to this camera plot makes this a masterly achievement and elevates it to a new hybrid art form between film and live performance.

The Old Vic announce Matthew Warchus’ Season 5

The Old Vic is delighted to announce Matthew Warchus’ Season 5 featuring an exciting and eclectic mix of thought- provoking entertainment.

In addition, The Old Vic is also today launching two new initiatives: an online loyalty scheme called OV Extra, designed to give audiences discounts, insights, invites and surprises for just £5 a month, and Matinee Idols, a social initiative specially for those aged over 60.

They are also delighted to announce the appointment of Tina Alexandrou and Olivier Award-winning actress Sheila Atim to The Old Vic Theatre Trust Board of Trustees.

The world premiere of a new play by Old Vic Associate Artist Lucy Prebble based on Luke Harding’s bookA Very Expensive Poison, directed by John Crowley.

Maria Friedman to direct HIGH SOCIETY at the Old Vic

Cole Porter’s classic feel-good musical, High Society comes to The Old Vic in a glittering new production staged in the round.

Directed by multi-award-winning director and musical star Maria Friedman (director of Merrily We Roll Along, Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical). High Society is based on The Philadelphia Story and the 1956 MGM film musical starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

Long Island socialite Tracy Lord is planning her lavish summer wedding when her ex- husband appears to try and win her back. His unwelcome arrival threatens to disrupt proceedings. When tabloid reporter Mike Connor arrives to cover the nuptials, he too takes a shine to the bride-to-be. But which of these three suitors will she choose?