A Christmas Carol

Humour and Humanity

A Christmas Carol

by Mitch Benn after Charles Dickens

Mitch Benn at Baron’s Court Theatre until 23^rd December

Review by Heather Moulson

In Barons Court’s subterranean performing space, a one-time beer barrel cellar, an effective smoke-filled atmosphere gives the ambience of the archetypical Victorian winter.   In his one-man storytelling of Dicken’s much loved seasonal tale, comedian, satirist and songwriter Mitch Benn cuts a monumental figure in top hat and thick overcoat.  Taking on all characters from Charles Dickens’ intricate morality tale, this is an ambitious project, but Benn brings his own particular aura, with only a lonely coat stand for a prop. 

Mitch Benn is perhaps best known as the resident comedy songwriter on BBC Radio Four’s The Now Show.   Here he uses Dickens’ original abridged text to breathe new life into A Christmas Carol.

In a lengthy introduction and using to advantage many strong (bearded) facial expressions, he paints marvellous tableaux, and a detailed portrait of the redemption of the misanthropic Ebenezer Scrooge.  The bewildered benefactors, Bob Cratchett and his family and Scrooge’s former business partner, Jacob Marley are also vividly drawn.  The spirit-led reminiscence of Christmas past is deeply poignant with Scrooge losing his one chance of love.  Benn’s humour consistently conveys the virtues of being happy although poor, and underlines the basic morality of the story.

The lighting, which seems understated at first, comes into its own for Scrooges’ grave revelation, playing a striking catalyst for Scrooges’ transformation.  

Although superbly performed, Benn is rather overloud in the tiny auditorium.  Mitch Benn’s take on Dickens’ original abridged text could merit some further editing.  Billed as a family show, it is a lot to ask a child to sit through.  At seventy minutes the details is exhaustive, but somewhat exhausting.  However, the climax and its significance seemed slightly rushed.  

Mitch Benn has an impressive background with The One Show, and is a very prolific performer and writer.  He has also toured extensively as a comedian.  This live production, in the spirit of the reformed leading character, is donating half of the box-office takings to St Mungo’s charity for the homeless.   His A Christmas Carol emphasises the nature of what is truly valuable, when seen against the reflective nature of the season.

Heather Moulson, December 2023

Photography courtesy of MB