A Christmas Carol
2018, The Liverpool Playhouse
The perfect Christmas show for lovers of laughter, music and Charles Dickens’s greatest story, brought to life in splendidly festive fashion by those artists of comedic invention and madcap delight, Spymonkey.
Don your best Victorian bib-and-tucker and hold on to your stovepipe hat, as you're whisked through Victorian London and beyond, led by the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future on a flight of theatrical fancy. ‘Not that far back, you irrepressible comedy loons!’ Mr Dickens would surely protest. ‘I’m pretty sure the Nativity story did NOT make an appearance in my Christmas Carol!’.
I had the privilege to assist Ed Gaughan on this beautifully bonkers production at the Liverpool Playhouse. I was part of the R&D and initial development of the show right up to its opening. Spymonkey are absolute legends - go check out their website and the show which is available to stream online here
“This inventively unhinged take on the seasonal favourite is a bonkers delight. Emotionally true to the spirit of the redemptive tale, yet its zany approach is so original and refreshingly free from sugary sentiment that it makes an invigorating tonic for festive fatigue.
“Ed Gaughan’s swaggering production is, beneath the lunacy, impeccably skilled, with an adroit four-strong cast and a drum-tight band. Just when you’re almost crying with laughter, it sneaks in a moment so lovely or melancholy that suddenly you’re tearing up all over again.”
★★★★ The Times
The Team
Director - Ed Gaughan
Assistant Director - Georgia Murphy
Music Director - Ross Hughes,
Designer Alice Power
Created by Ed Gaughan, Spymonkey, Matthew Crosby, Sophie Russell & Alice Power (after Charles Dickens)
Lighting Design - Colin Grenfell
Sound Design - Laura Selby