A Christmas Carol | BA Performance in BSL and English, RCS
Written by Charles Dickens | Directed by Ramesh Mayyappan
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow | 04 December 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charles Dickens‘ beloved but cautionary Christmas tale is brought to life this year in an unique visual adaptation by students from the BA Performance in British sign Language (BSL) and English programme at RCS. This beautiful retelling of Dickens classic at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is an inspired piece of visual theatre accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences.
Victorian miser Mr Ebenezer Scrooge does not care for Christmas. His employees are terrified of him, Christmas Carolers leave his step empty handed, and the man himself seems to lead a lonely, dismal life. He cares only for his business and his money. Bah Humbug! Then one cold, bleak Christmas eve, Mr Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that evening, and that he must listen to their warnings or be cursed for eternity.
Ramesh Mayyappan's adaptation of A Christmas Carol at RCS runs just over one hour, straight through. It's enough time for the full story to be presented to us without any unnecessary detours. The editing, direction and overall presentation of the tale are superb. The set design, lighting and props are stunning. With genuinely impressive illusions and magnificent puppets too, this is a visually stunning production of Scrooge's transformative night that far exceeded my expectations.
Mayyappan's vision for the 180 year old play sees a giant clock centre stage. With spinning doors and the clever use of depth and black space, the stage in the Chandler theatre transforms from Scrooge's office to the Cratchit's Home, Fezziwig's Christmas party and countless other locations.
The actors use a mix of BSL and visual storytelling, and although I cannot understand BSL (regrettably) I followed every scene, caught every intention. The performances are remarkable. It's incredibly well done and elegantly realised; I was enthralled for the entire show.
Although there are no spoken words in this play, music and sound effects are our constant companions. Marley's rattling chains, the ticking of the ominous clock, the harmonies of the carol singers, and various musical instruments ensure that hearing audience members are never sat in silence.
This BSL version of A Christmas Carol is a beautiful, accessible, Christmas theatre treat and there's even a sing-along for everyone to join in with at the end. Pure joy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Christmas Carol is at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from 29 November - 6 December 2024. It is currently SOLD OUT. Contact the RCS Box Office for returns: +44 (0)141 332 5057
📸 Production photos: Hope Holmes RCS
MORE: What other Christmas shows are on in Scotland this year? Check out my panto & Christmas Theatre guides here
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