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John Simm Stars as Scrooge in Old Vic's Annual 'A Christmas Carol' Revival

The eighth year of Jack Thorne's adaptation delivers festive charm, though critical opinions on Simm's performance vary.

  • The Old Vic's annual production of 'A Christmas Carol,' adapted by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, continues to be a staple of London's festive theatre season.
  • John Simm takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, following notable performances by actors like Christopher Eccleston in previous years.
  • Critics praise the production's immersive staging, ensemble performances, and Christopher Nightingale's haunting musical arrangements, including carol renditions and hand-bell sequences.
  • Reviews of Simm's portrayal of Scrooge are mixed, with some lauding his emotional range and others finding his transformation journey less compelling than past iterations.
  • The production emphasizes Dickens's moral themes of redemption and social responsibility, with a curtain call appeal supporting a local food bank.
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