As with most films or musicals ones first exposure is usually the most memorable, with the personas of those particular main characters frequently becoming for you the ideal performances. 

The difficulty with Scrooge in particular for me, is in the fact that not only have I seen the film starring Anthony Newly several times, I own the CD recording of his voice and I saw him performing on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre in the 1990’s, and that it is not that long since I saw Tommy Steele in the same role.

The setting, the music, the lyrics and the script along with the eternally haunting Barry Howard and some slick stage illusions are some of the constants in this very enjoyable show.

Although not an ensemble show, this cast produce numerous little gems of scenes and cameos which occasionally steal the limelight from the central character ‘Scrooge’. Barry Howard as his deceased partner Jacob Marley, with Sheri Copeland, Anthony Stuart Lloyd and David Lyndon as the three spectres of Christmas predictably provide some of these moments. As do Ben Fleetwood Smyth as Scrooge’s nephew Harry / young Scrooge and Abigail Jaye as Isabel / Helen.  The musical number “Thank You Very Much” is probably the one most people will recognise and in this production is lead by the effervescent Christopher Corcoran, returning to the stage after concentrating on his TV directorial experiences.  From the first instant we meet Bob Cratchit, sensitively yet charismatically played by Geoffrey Abbot, we are irresistibly drawn into his life. Our hearts are stolen predictably by his family and in particular the crippled youngest son Tiny Tim.

In this instance ‘Scrooge’ is played by Michael Barrymore. Although not gifted with the most powerful voice, on stage the range of emotions covered was impressive, and occasionally there were moments when you thought that was beautiful. Barrymore’s portrayal of this pivotal character definitely centres on the comical and we physically witness his revulsion for certain things change, almost against his will, as the three spectres work their individual magic. 

To my recollection the basic set and lighting plots for this show have not altered much over the years, but the emphasis on certain aspects of the ‘Scrooge’ character and the musical directions have.  Stuart Pedlar as the Musical Director, Arranger and Conductor has managed to enhance and subtly change each production.  His small orchestra, Andrew Ralls,Matt Gardner, Jackson Peter Baer, Andy Barge, Adam Furness, David Pickles, Alan Swan, James Moore and John Hooper doing a superb job.

The cast; Geoffrey Abbott, Daniella Bowen, Sophie Caton, Sheri Copeland, Christopher Corcoran, Marielle Dawson, Ian Dring, Ben Fleetwood-Smyth, Nikki Gerrard, Kieron Harris, Barry Howard, Abigail Jaye, Anthony Stuart Lloyd, David Lyndon, Steven Sparling, Catherine Terry, Russell Whitehead, Richard Winch, Hara Yannas and Michael Barrymore along with children from the Erskine Stewarts Melville Schools.

Scrooge the musical,  Edinburgh Festival Theatre  29th January to 3rd February 2007.