Christmas is for Magic! (A Christmas Carol at the Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames, 16.12.2022)

What if the children were in charge of the Christmas wishes? And, what if they were in charge of even more - deciding about what to do with money and how to distribute it or deciding which persons are the best for this or that role... and, what if we (adults) could keep more of their innocent but honest wishes to make the world a better place? Does it sound like a fairy tale (or even a political message in this difficult times) ? Yes, maybe it does, but where would the (British) Christmas be without Ch. Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and where would the public be without a feeling-good factor and a wider or more profound message? We all need a good story, encouragement and hope, especially for Christmas, maybe the hope are represented by our children and their honest wishes !

In this new Rose Theatre production, adapted by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and directed by Rosie Jones, the very Charles "Charlie" Dickens was present to tell us the story himself, but not on his own, he gathered all children (or young people) around him to help to shape the story, to decide on its intensity and final message. It was a very innovative and free interpretation, but truthful to Dickens' intentions and style.

Just a few days ago, I watched on TV (I think it was BBC 4) a documentary about Charles Dickens, especially how he wrote his Christmas Carol story and the effect it had on the Victorian society after its publishing. Charles Dickens loved Christmas and wanted everyone around him to be as merry as himself. As he had many children, he used to organise a lot of activities and games, alongside plentiful food, to make everyone happy. I think that, all of this, Dickens' personality and his story, were reflected in this production.

There are many interpretations and productions of this much-loved story that created Christmas as it is now known in Britain. As the story tells us, they are about a mean and dreaded Mr. Scrooge, who does not have a kind word to anyone, who would not give away a single penny for a good cause or to people who much need it and who would make miserable everyone around him, because he himself was sad and miserable - and about his gradual transformation. That is the essence of the story - a voyage through his childhood, facilitated by three ghosts, which leaves a profound effect on him and helps him to unleash the goodness and happiness that were buried deep down inside him.

Well, up until now (and as far as I'm aware) it was "him" because in this production, it was "her" - Ms. Scrooge - the despicable school mistress. The children (pupils) were there to wish for her to change, and, through her change, the change of the entire world.

I had a wonderful time yesterday at the Rose's. The theatre was full, beautiful and "christmassy" and the audience loved it. The joyful songs enriched the performance, the character of Charlie, (played by Elexi Walker) brought the right dynamic to the play and Penny Layden (Ms. Scrooge) was just right for the Victorian middle-aged woman in her most miserable, and then again, in her most playful and childish-like character.The rest of the crew - the children - were played by the young participants of the Rose Theatre company - well done to all of you, you played with such integrity and energy! This production should definitely go to the West End theatres, and beyound, it was simply brilliant!