A Christmas Carol - The Old Vic

[Jan]

Dec 13, 2021 11:12:11 GMT Jon said:

The CRF was a lifesaver but I do think that it was more squarely aimed at the Subsidied theatres since commercial theatre got very little if anything at all.

The example I gave, The Orange Tree, is not subsidised. You are probably right but what we don't know is if major commercial producers even asked for anything. 

[TallPaul]

Bill Kenwright got funding too, so it was not only available, but awarded to, the commercial sector. And before the CRF pot was in place, furlough was available from day one. The furlough rules were even changed so that staff working in 'commercial' roles for local authorities became eligible, which covered places like Chesterfield's Pomegranate Theatre.

[couldileaveyou]

[stevemar]

I enjoyed this way back in late Nov 2017 (which I think was the first run) but can’t even remember who played Scrooge?

I saw it again this November and enjoyed it a lot. I actually don’t think they’d changed that much since 2017. Contrary to general opinion here, I felt that Stephen Mangan did a decent job but nothing that amazing. He was of course grumpy but VERY VERY shouty in the first half.

It is indeed though a very good show with the wonderful staging and bell ringing.

However, I can see why it has not sold brilliantly - OV prices are just too high particularly for a family trip out and 2 hour show. Dynamic pricing means that people wait for offers if (as is the case this year) supply had outstripped demand.

[andrew]

Dec 14, 2021 20:00:59 GMT stevemar said:

I enjoyed this way back in late Nov 2017 (which I think was the first run) but can’t even remember who played Scrooge?

Rhys Ifans!!!

I thought he was spectacular in the role, and probably the best of the bunch (although I haven't seen Mangan yet).

[stevemar]

Thanks Andrew - you’re a Christmas star! Satsuma and a mince pie for you…🙂

[ceebee]

Anybody know who played Scrooge tonight in SM's absence?

[ceebee]

To answer my own question, Scrooge was Andy Langtree (usually Marley) and apparently his performance 'smashed it out the park'. I'll happily see either on Thursday, when I have the pleasure of taking my parents to see it for the first time.

[callum]

Easier said than done but they should go bigger on a star name; David Tennant, Hugh Laurie, Martin Freeman, Jude Law, Damian Lewis etc.

Probably a case of diminishing returns at this point though

[mrbarnaby]

Dec 21, 2021 15:11:22 GMT callum said:

Easier said than done but they should go bigger on a star name; David Tennant, Hugh Laurie, Martin Freeman, Jude Law, Damian Lewis etc.

Probably a case of diminishing returns at this point though

They are never going to get one of those names for a recast!

Anyway- this is the last year it’s at the OV.

[londonpostie]

Will it stay Covid-free until Christams Eve   As they say in football; it's the hope that kills you.

[ceebee]

Dec 21, 2021 18:03:52 GMT londonpostie said:

Will it stay Covid-free until Christams Eve   As they say in football; it's the hope that kills you.

I think it might.  I say this without any inside knowledge, but they seem to be doing a remarkable job managing the company and crew.  Ive seen this production several times this year, and they have performed it a few times with covers on and a smaller cast.  I saw it last night and the cast were on top form, and I have a ticket for Christmas Eve matinee.

I urge anybody who is comfortable going to the theatre in the current climate to buy a ticket to see this cast - they are all fantastic.

[lichtie]

I ended up seeing this twice over the weekend (not deliberately - my first four shows on my London trip were cancelled and I was left a little unsure what to do on Friday, so decided that since I really did want to see the final blast for CC at the Old Vic I would go for that in case it also fell victim before I went yesterday - in the end enjoyed it enough I though I'd do it twice anyway even though I could have got a credit).

Anyway, I'd echo the recommendation to see this. I think Stephen Mangan really nailed the psychological aspects of Scrooge's character and the show as a whole was wonderful as always. Quite a few empty seats last Friday evening, but the families were all out for yesterday's matinee, giving it the edge in terms of atmosphere (which the cast responded too as well).

[couldileaveyou]

[robertb213]

I'm hoping to see this either tomorrow or Thursday, fingers crossed they can get performances running again.

[robertb213]

Both performances cancelled today. At least there's plenty of notice today. They're hoping to resume tomorrow.

[robertb213]

Matinee cancelled today but they're hopeful for the evening (which I'm planning on attending if it happens!)

[robertb213]

Well it did go ahead tonight but I didn't get to see it, I wasn't aware you had to present a negative lateral flow result which I didn't have as I only booked 2 hours before curtain after I left my first show. They do state it's required prior to entry on the booking page but it's a very long page when viewed on a mobile so I scrolled over it. Annoying but such is life I suppose.

[lichtie]

Dec 30, 2021 19:48:15 GMT robertb213 said:

Well it did go ahead tonight but I didn't get to see it, I wasn't aware you had to present a negative lateral flow result which I didn't have as I only booked 2 hours before curtain after I left my first show. They do state it's required prior to entry on the booking page but it's a very long page when viewed on a mobile so I scrolled over it. Annoying but such is life I suppose.

They changed it the weekend before Xmas - when I went on the Friday it wasn't needed - on the following Tuesday it was.  They did email me to say it was needed though there were others like you who hadn't spotted the requirement then as well.

[robertb213]

Dec 30, 2021 20:27:13 GMT lichtie said:

Dec 30, 2021 19:48:15 GMT robertb213 said:

Well it did go ahead tonight but I didn't get to see it, I wasn't aware you had to present a negative lateral flow result which I didn't have as I only booked 2 hours before curtain after I left my first show. They do state it's required prior to entry on the booking page but it's a very long page when viewed on a mobile so I scrolled over it. Annoying but such is life I suppose.

They changed it the weekend before Xmas - when I went on the Friday it wasn't needed - on the following Tuesday it was.  They did email me to say it was needed though there were others like you who hadn't spotted the requirement then as well.

Thank you. There's nothing mentioned on the email confirmation or ticket email which I do think is pretty bad, I would've spotted it on there, but on the booking page it's lumped in with the Gift Aid stuff so you just scroll past it and don't really acknowledge what you're agreeing to. Also as they're the only theatre (currently) not accepting the Covid pass, it all just came as a surprise as it's not been a requirement anywhere else.

[lichtie]

Dec 30, 2021 20:39:34 GMT robertb213 said:

Dec 30, 2021 20:27:13 GMT lichtie said:

They changed it the weekend before Xmas - when I went on the Friday it wasn't needed - on the following Tuesday it was.  They did email me to say it was needed though there were others like you who hadn't spotted the requirement then as well.

Thank you. There's nothing mentioned on the email confirmation or ticket email which I do think is pretty bad, I would've spotted it on there, but on the booking page it's lumped in with the Gift Aid stuff so you just scroll past it and don't really acknowledge what you're agreeing to. Also as they're the only theatre (currently) not accepting the Covid pass, it all just came as a surprise as it's not been a requirement anywhere else.

I got the email the day before - with this right at the top

We can't wait to see you tomorrow for the performance of A Christmas Carol at 1pm. The running time is approximately two hours and five minutes, including a 15-minute interval.

Once you arrive at the theatre, everyone in your booking over the age of 12 must show either proof of a negative lateral flow test taken on the day of your visit or evidence of natural immunity via a positive PCR test (or international equivalent) from within the past 11–90 days of a positive result.

So if you didn't get that not surprised you were unaware!

[robertb213]

Dec 30, 2021 20:57:35 GMT lichtie said:

Dec 30, 2021 20:39:34 GMT robertb213 said:

Thank you. There's nothing mentioned on the email confirmation or ticket email which I do think is pretty bad, I would've spotted it on there, but on the booking page it's lumped in with the Gift Aid stuff so you just scroll past it and don't really acknowledge what you're agreeing to. Also as they're the only theatre (currently) not accepting the Covid pass, it all just came as a surprise as it's not been a requirement anywhere else.

I got the email the day before - with this right at the top

We can't wait to see you tomorrow for the performance of A Christmas Carol at 1pm. The running time is approximately two hours and five minutes, including a 15-minute interval.

Once you arrive at the theatre, everyone in your booking over the age of 12 must show either proof of a negative lateral flow test taken on the day of your visit or evidence of natural immunity via a positive PCR test (or international equivalent) from within the past 11–90 days of a positive result.

So if you didn't get that not surprised you were unaware!

Nope, that would've been very helpful! I only got 2 emails, 'thanks for your order' (no requirements mentioned) and 'here's your ticket' (again nothing mentioned). Presumably their system isn't set yet to email people with the new requirements if they book on the day.

[ceebee]

Final performance tonight and a few great value day seats available via Old Vic - you need proof of negative lateral flow test for entry. Go on, buy a ticket - you know it makes sense!

[andrew]

Jan 8, 2022 9:15:29 GMT ceebee said:

Final performance tonight and a few great value day seats available via Old Vic - you need proof of negative lateral flow test for entry. Go on, buy a ticket - you know it makes sense!

I did exactly that and went to the matinee yesterday. I've been every year that it's been running in person, and once again it didn't disappoint.

I had seen some negative commentary on Stephen Mangan as Scrooge, and there were parts of act 1 where I felt he wasn't really displaying the subtlety one hopes for in a great role like that, at times he was just barrelling through the lines without much in the way of acting, but after a few of those moments he seemed to settle in and became really excellent. I still think that Rhys Ifans was the best in the role, I suppose he created it for this production so there's an unfair advantage, but I remember him bringing us through enormous emotional peaks, all the while slowly letting the vulnerability of Scrooge show through. Mangan has less of that vulnerability, but especially during the "moving the dinner" section towards the end was absolutely phenomenal running like a madman through the auditorium, talking to people, remembering kids names, being so gentle with the children that were involved, it was beautiful. At one point a child handed him a ham, and Mangan asked him what it was. The child said it was a turkey, to which he perfectly balanced the fine line of thanking and supporting the kid, whilst muttering about how the turkey was a bit different to last year. THEN when the actual turkey was delivered he called it a centrepiece instead, which I thought was so kind and well done.

I love this play so much, it's got so much heart, is so beautifully constructed, and along with most of the audience you find yourself moved to tears by a story you thought you were bored of at this stage in history. This version of A Christmas Carol remains one of my favourite plays of all time. I'm so pleased to have seen it one last time, it sets one of the highest bars I can imagine for what a play at Christmas should be.

Another 5 stars from me, god bless us everyone.

[ceebee]

Jan 9, 2022 10:36:16 GMT andrew said:

Jan 8, 2022 9:15:29 GMT ceebee said:

Final performance tonight and a few great value day seats available via Old Vic - you need proof of negative lateral flow test for entry. Go on, buy a ticket - you know it makes sense!

I did exactly that and went to the matinee yesterday. I've been every year that it's been running in person, and once again it didn't disappoint.

I had seen some negative commentary on Stephen Mangan as Scrooge, and there were parts of act 1 where I felt he wasn't really displaying the subtlety one hopes for in a great role like that, at times he was just barrelling through the lines without much in the way of acting, but after a few of those moments he seemed to settle in and became really excellent. I still think that Rhys Ifans was the best in the role, I suppose he created it for this production so there's an unfair advantage, but I remember him bringing us through enormous emotional peaks, all the while slowly letting the vulnerability of Scrooge show through. Mangan has less of that vulnerability, but especially during the "moving the dinner" section towards the end was absolutely phenomenal running like a madman through the auditorium, talking to people, remembering kids names, being so gentle with the children that were involved, it was beautiful. At one point a child handed him a ham, and Mangan asked him what it was. The child said it was a turkey, to which he perfectly balanced the fine line of thanking and supporting the kid, whilst muttering about how the turkey was a bit different to last year. THEN when the actual turkey was delivered he called it a centrepiece instead, which I thought was so kind and well done.

I love this play so much, it's got so much heart, is so beautifully constructed, and along with most of the audience you find yourself moved to tears by a story you thought you were bored of at this stage in history. This version of A Christmas Carol remains one of my favourite plays of all time. I'm so pleased to have seen it one last time, it sets one of the highest bars I can imagine for what a play at Christmas should be.

Another 5 stars from me, god bless us everyone.

I agree with everything you said and thank you for sharing such a vivid account. Last night was equally as moving - I am always sad when this show closes, as it is a deep-rooted story that is as relatable and relevant as ever.