The Royal Court Theatre’s Christmas panto is the ultimate ‘Chrimbo’ night out
From left Adam McCoy, Lindzi germain, Keddy Sutton, Helen Carter, John-Paul Birss, Lydia Rosa Morales Scully, Lenny Wood, Jhanaica van Mook. Image credit AB Photography
Gags, guitar solos and Garston Ghostbusters, what more could you want from a Christmas pantomime? It’s fair to say that the Royal Court Theatre’s panto isn’t your ordinary Christmas show. Each year, the theatre takes a classic tale and transforms it into a hilarious, Scouse show that’s only for grown ups.
The Royal Court’s Christmas show has become a hugely popular tradition for many, with people having travelled as far as Canada to see its performances.
This year, director Mark Chatterton takes on Charles Dickens with The Scouse Christmas Carol, promising “all of the jokes and incredible live music that you have come to expect from the city’s biggest Chrimbo celebration”.
As we start the show, the audience learns that Jacob Marley is dead, but no one knows what has happened to him. Wife Barbara Marley (Lindzi Germain) and son Freddie (Adam McCoy) think one man knows the answer – Scrooge (Paul Duckworth).
From Left John-Paul Birss, Lydia Rosa Morales Scully, Adam McCoy, Lindzi Germain, Paul Duckworth, Helen Carter, Lenny Wood, Jhanaica van Mook. Image credit AB Photography
The audience was already in stitches as the Town Crier, played by the hysterical Keddy Sutton, performed the opening narration. Alongside Keddy, we are introduced to its cast of familiar faces, who might be recognisable if you’ve attended a Christmas show at the Royal Court Theatre before.
Paul Duckworth is absolutely hilarious as Scrooge. Donning a posh accent and a “funny cravat”, Paul has the audience laughing out loud as he strips off while singing ‘I’m Too Sexy’ just minutes into the show – a taste of what’s in store for the rest of the night.
Having performed in 14 festive shows, Lindzi Germain is back on the Royal Court Theatre stage as the very funny Barbara Marley. She is excellent in the role, with hilarious brashness as Barbara plans to “scare the s**t” out of Scrooge. But she also shows great acting ability as she tackles some of the show’s more sombre scenes, delivering a stunning rendition of ‘When We Were Young’ by Adele.
The Royal Court Theatre’s The Scouse Christmas Carol
Anyone who has seen Keddy Sutton perform before will know she is a truly talented performer. She takes on five roles in The Scouse Christmas Carol: Town Crier, Pat The Butcher (riding a huge turkey), Housekeeper, Mayor Joe and the Judge. She had the audience laughing before she opened her mouth.
The first act felt quite packed at times, whizzing through different scenes until we finally reach the Scrooge meeting the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’ at the start of the second. The second felt more clear, keeping in tone with the traditional tale but with its own twist featuring plenty of Scouse humour (and swear words).
Set and costume designer Ellie Light uses a revolving stage with four different sets, taking the audience to the main street, Scrooge’s bedroom, his office and the Scratchitt’s home. The costumes are brilliant, with Lindzi hilariously walking on to the stage dressed as a Christmas tree.
From Left John-Paul Birss, Lydia Rosa Morales Scully, Adam McCoy, Lindzi Germain, Paul Duckworth, Helen Carter, Lenny Wood, Jhanaica van Mook. Image credit AB Photography (1)(Image: AB Photography)
The Scouse Christmas Carol is larger-than-life, completely unserious and absolutely hilarious. I’ve never heard an audience laugh as much as I did that night. It is the ultimate Christmas night out for anyone looking for a good old laugh to celebrate the festive period. It’s expected 55,000 people will see the show this year – make sure you’re one of them.
More information on The Scouse Christmas Carol can be found on the Royal Court Theatre website.