Ebenezer Scrooge doesn’t usually travel by scooter. For generations of Christmas Carol retellings, he’s sulked and trudged. But, at Bolton Octagon, David Birrell’s portrayal of the iconic miser briefly involves a ride around the stage on two wheels.
Appearing for almost the entire two hours, only slipping off during the interval and a moment involving the Ghost of Christmas Present (played to perfection by Lucy Keirl), Birrell’s performance is dry, compelling, and eclectic. And nothing says 21st century Scrooge quite like a scooter ride.
Pamela Raith Photography
Director Sarah Tipple has crafted a version of the classic tale that feels both current and comforting. In the director’s notes, she shares that the aim was to ‘pay homage to the period it was written in, but also the fact that so many of its themes are more relevant than ever in today’s world”. Mission accomplished. The musical structure of the play brought great momentum to the stage, with the ensemble delivering strong vocals and well-executed choreography. Susannah Pearse, responsible for the music and lyrics, shaped each song to emphasise the story and its message, creating moments that touched everyone in the room.
Another showstopper of the night was the lighting, mastered by Simeon Miller. Carefully designed to reflect the audience’s emotions, the lighting complemented the story at every turn. Some scenes were lit only by lantern glow; others burst into vivid colour and shifting hues. It was a thoughtful design that transformed the stage into a world of its own.
The audience played their part too, staying with the cast each step of the way. With a tight-knit company of 13 performers, including some impressively focused youngsters, the show offered a warm, energetic retelling that kept the crowd hooked from start to finish. The ensemble was undeniably captivating, and the audience felt this too. They laughed, cried and beamed through the evening, immersed in the world of A Christmas Carol. The cast were a testament to the strength of the play: stellar performances, incredible vocals, and even working through a brief lighting mishap which led to three seconds in pitch black.
Entertaining, full of surprises, and a true Northern rendition of the classic story, you can see the Octagon’s A Christmas Carol until January 10, 2026.
By Anastasia Tirca
Main image: Pamela Raith Photography
A Christmas Carol is at Bolton Octagon until January 10, 2026. For more information, click here.
