The Charles Dickens classic is transported to Edinburgh blending the stories and timelines of Ebenezer Scrooge and Greyfriars Bobby.
Adapted by Tony Cownie this production brings a recognisable cast of Edinburgh characters and turn of phrase to the stage. Perhaps none more so that Scrooge himself played exquisitely by Crawford Logan with no shortage of a frostily delivered “humbug”.
Brian James O’ Sullivan, takes on the role of the young, mirthful Ebenezer. When he is scolded by a stoic headmaster for celebrating the “papist” tradition of Christmas we are privy to some of the attitudes that have gradually robbed him of humanity.
Grant O’ Rourke does a fantastic comic turn as the local Bobby providing an abundance of laugh-out-loud moments. The costumes are particularly striking, Eva Traynor as the graceful spirit of Christmas past, Lang Syne sweeps the Lyceum boards with elegance and majesty while Steven McNicoll as Nouadays, the jovial ghost of Christmas present, summons a trustworthy and folkloric archetype that balances the right amount of droll humour and integrity.
Both children and adults sat enchanted by Tiny Tim and Bobby thanks to the work of puppeteer Edie Edmundson who brings much spellbinding authenticity to the characters.
