Review: A Christmas Carol - On Air brings classic text to life

It seems that everyone from Bill Murray to ballet companies to the Muppets has done some sort of version of A Christmas Carol. 

I was thrilled by a fantastic one-man version by Clive Francis at Theatre Royal Windsor a decade ago and, for me, his performance slightly edged seeing Simon Callow's similar adaptation, though each was a remarkable feat of acting - and memory. 

We are all steeped in the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley and the Cratchits, sundry Londoners and the fearful ghosts so I was curious to see how this 'Windsor on Air' performance would work. 

The cast, which features many Theatre Royal favourites, are working off scripts but despite the radio-style performance at the stand-up microphones, it feels full-on theatrical with a festive set, props and the cast in Victorian costume. 

The versatile actors take on multiple roles, whirling us - and the miser - through place and time and all kinds of emotion as he visits Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come. 

The ensemble songs are charming and Shannon Rewcroft (Belle/Mrs Dibler/Tiny Tim) has a very fine voice. There's also visual delight in seeing the Foley Artist (Michael Workman) create sound effects - with bells on. 

Roy Marsden has a firm grasp on the role of Scrooge - his face is just a joy to observe - ably supported by Jenny Seagrove (Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs Cratchit), Michael Praed (Bob Cratchit/Master), Robert Duncan (Marley's Ghost/Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present), Ben Stock (Fred/Young Scrooge/Belle's husband), Holly Smith (Mrs Fezziwig/Martha) and those already mentioned. 

With fewer distractions of staging, the text really comes to life and it's fresh as a flurry of snow, which falls like confetti at the joyful end. It reminds you why A Christmas Carol is such a well-told tale, and it's told so very well here.

A Christmas Carol - On Air will be performing at Theatre Royal Windsor until Saturday, November 16.