Review: A Christmas Carol Performed by Clive Francis at Birmingham Town Hall

Dec 8 2009 Review by Andy Richards

It is, arguably, the second most famous Christmas story after the Virgin birth.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has captured a place in the heart of the nation.

The story of infamous skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge and his ultimate redemption has inspired many film and theatre productions.

Birmingham Rep is currently hosting its version, while the latest film, an animated movie with Jim Carrey as Scrooge seems to be going down a storm. Quite what the great man would have made of all this, I’m not sure.

But last night a privileged Town Hall audience had its chance to assess what the first audiences may have made of Dickens as he unveiled his masterpiece.

In December 1853, Dickens chose A Christmas Carol for his first ever public reading – and apparently acted some of the parts, too. Almost 2,000 people turned up on a bitterly cold night and no doubt talked about it every subsequent Christmas.

Last night, the talented Clive Francis filled the writer’s boots.

Recreating the occasion, his Scrooge was simply spellbinding,

In my ignorance, I thought he would read from a book. Not a bit of it! He recited it all from memory.

And from the moment he emerged on stage, for a near 90 minutes, with only a lectern and an armchair as props, he captivated the several hundred-strong audience.

It took only a few moments to realise this was something very special.

I have no idea whether he was word perfect enough, though I suspect he was, and the power of the words he used, penned by Dickens more than 165 years ago, resonated with life last night.

As Francis brought each character to life the 90 minutes flew by.

No high tech gimmicks, just his interpretation of a timeless tale.

Sadly, last light’s show was a one-off this year.

But, take my advice. Say “Bah! Humbug!” to the TV for the night, turn down the lights and the central heating, light a candle, then read the book again by the flickering light. Who knows, maybe you will be visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future?

But it will bring a warm glow to your heart.

VERDICT: 5/5