Over this festive season, the theatre scene is awash with big, glittering shows full of singalongs, dancing, hilarious cross-dressing, and half-remembered TV actors. That’s all fine family friendly fun, of course. But for real heart, soul and a genuinely moving sense of the spirit of Christmas, you’d be hard-pressed to better this wonderful one-man show, staged over a pub in Salford.
Using only the original text of the timeless Dickens classic, a positively bravura performance from Colin Connor brings to life more than 30 characters, from the hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim and, quite remarkably, the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future in a daringly intimate 90-minute show that owes a debt to Dickens’ own tradition of public readings.
Adapted and directed by David Thacker, this is a brisk, accessible and heartfelt production that, although obviously unsuitable for young children (or office parties), is otherwise a superb contribution to the seasonal festivities and a timely reminder of what Dickens actually wrote. Full disclosure, the performance I saw was essentially a dress rehearsal and there were one or two technical rough edges. But that means it can only get better and is highly recommended for whenever you can get there.
Main image by Shay Rowan
A Christmas Carol is at The Kings Arms, Salford until December 21, 2025. For more information, click here.
