A Christmas Carol at Reading Rep Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor V for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
This show includes the use of Haze, Smoke, Loud Noises, Flashing and Moving Lights. Some scenes may be considered scary for younger children.
At Reading Rep this festive season, magic is in the air and carols can be heard as they are performing Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. This is a well-known story of an unscrupulous man who is encouraged by four ghosts and those around him to change his ways for the better.
This rendition includes all of the story beats you would expect, with some local additions to the text, which will make a wonderful outing for the family this Christmas.
Beth Flintoff’s adaptation has Ebenezer Scrooge (George Eggay) working for Huntley and Palmer’s Biscuits Factory and working hard to increase the export of garibaldis to generate the highest profits. This inclusion of the well-known local company and other known areas (including Reading Prison) may not have been done in the most historically accurate fashion, but certainly created a buzz within the audience, making this production perfect for local theatregoers. After dismissing Bobbie Cratchit (Charlotte Warner) for the day, Scrooge is visited by Palmer (Mark Desebrock) and warned of three incoming ghosts who will show him Christmases past, present, and future. The staging conveyed the movements of the spirits in the best way possible and the changing of costumes did make it clear when the cast were shifting to different roles. Although some transitions on set could have been smoother, I am sure this will improve as performances continue.
George Eggay tackled this demanding script well and showed a clear shift in Scrooge’s demeanour once he has had his revelation. I also believed his relationship with his ex-fiancée, Belle, although I would have loved to see a bit more nuance in the character overall. Orla O’Sullivan and Charlotte Warner are actors I have seen at Reading Rep previously, and I was equally as impressed by their performances here. They both bring humour to their roles and really draw you in. The highlights for me were Sam Amestoy as Scrooge’s nephew Fred and Mark Desebrock as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Fezziwig. Desebrock’s performance as the latter was hilarious and had the whole audience laughing. A standout scene in the show for me.
Nicky Bunch’s set is simple but very effective, with lines from the script covering the cut-out buildings. I also enjoyed the use of the moving clock and the repeated snow globe motif. Although not groundbreaking, it was the perfect backdrop for A Christmas Carol and not one I have seen before.
Overall, Reading Rep’s version of A Christmas Carol is a warm and locally focused retelling of this classic. Although there were a few stumbles on the night I attended, this production delivers a festive evening out that will truly get you into the Christmas spirit.
A Christmas Carol is playing at Reading Rep from the 28th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026.
★ ★ ★
