While London's Old Vic has Paul Hilton and Glasgow will host Marti Pellow, Liverpool's Royal Court theatre is presenting a Scrooge like no other this festive season. Paul Duckworth's libidinous and foul-mouthed Ebenezer Scrooge is a world away from the traditional character, even stripping down to his long johns for a rendition of 'I'm Too Sexy'.
A Corrupt Scrooge and a Biscuit Factory Heist
In this riotous retelling by Kevin Fearon, the classic tale gets a full-throttle Scouse makeover. Duckworth's Scrooge, with his silvery mane, isn't just miserly; he's actively corrupt. His business partner, Jacob Marley, has vanished, and Scrooge has doctored the will to inherit Marley's biscuit factory, leading to a barrage of biscuit-based puns.
Marley's formidable widow, Barbara, played by the powerhouse Lindzi Germain, suspects foul play. This plot twist reimagines the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. They are not spectral visitations but a clever ruse concocted by the 'Garston ghost busters' to scare a confession out of Scrooge, a scene involving hilarious audience interaction with proton guns.
High-Energy Ensemble and Show-Stopping Numbers
Despite the knockabout comedy and a surprising romantic subplot between Scrooge and Barbara, the show's heart remains true to Dickens. Beneath the potty mouth and antics lies a wholesome message about generosity and community spirit.
The energetic cast, directed by Mark Chatterton, elevates the material with boundless enthusiasm. Lenny Wood is endearing as the put-upon Bob Scratchitt, while Keddy Sutton impressively multitasks across multiple roles. The production is glued together by vibrant song-and-dance numbers, driven by Ben Gladwin's live band and Beverley Norris-Edmunds' choreography. Germain delivers particularly formidable vocals on the big ballads.
A Festive Fixture with a Local Flavour
The Scouse Christmas Carol continues its run at the Royal Court theatre in Liverpool until 24 January. It’s a production that defiantly does things its own way, offering a uniquely local and uproarious alternative to the typical festive fare.
