Writer: Charles Dickens
Adapter: Aisha Khan
Director: Elin Schofield
It may be impossible to keep count of the iterations of A Christmas Carol that have been generated in the past one hundred and eighty-two years. It is a tale that has endured, and for many is the ultimate story that encapsulates what it means to truly keep Christmas. While the story is ubiquitous, this year’s adaptation by Aisha Khan for the Sheffield Crucible is brand new. Khan honours the original text by Charles Dickens but ensures that this adaptation belongs firmly in South Yorkshire by embellishing the text with Sheffield’s beloved traditional carols. The folklore of traditional carols is an art form that is rapidly dying out in many counties. In South Yorkshire, the custom is fiercely protected and adored, and what better marriage of historic text and local custom than to represent them both in the Crucible Theatre this Christmas?
The miserly Scrooge is a man governed by business and money. He cares not for his fellow man, but rather has enshrouded himself in work, believing this to be the greatest pursuit one can strive for. On Christmas Eve night, he his haunted by visions of his former work partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge that, if he does not mend his ways, he is doomed to an afterlife of torment and pain. Visions of the past, present and the future bring Scrooge to the understanding that the spirit of Christmas should be kept all year, with charity and love for those around us and in need.
Director Elin Schofield is back, having most recently directed A Doll’s House in the autumn of 2024. A University of Sheffield alumnus, Schofield understands how to transport Dickensian London into Sheffield. While the city the play is set in is never named, a range of northern accents suggests this London tale may have travelled north this Christmas, bringing the issues and message of the play right to our doorsteps.
Undoubtedly, the standout element of this production is the music. The ensemble achieves ambitious harmonies while moving effortlessly about the stage, conveying the hustle and bustle of busy street scenes, parties and numerous family gatherings. Their versatility, performing polyphonic vocal music with the tightness of a barbershop quartet, while moving the play on with grace, is world-class. The vocal ensemble is used frequently throughout the play to evoke atmosphere, while the singers are off-stage. This is a remarkably successful effort that never failed to achieve the desired mood.
Ryan O’Donnell finds nuance, playing both Bob Cratchit and the young Ebeneezer Scrooge. In both roles, he taps into a touching charm. Kiah Lindsay is making her professional debut on the Crucible stage, and she is well at home. Playing numerous roles throughout, her singing shines through. Anthony Ofoegbu is terrifying, then contemptuous, as Jacob Marley. Adam Price plays Mr Fezziwig with a Noddy Holder level of festive cheer. His Ghost of Christmas Present is warm and wild, almost to the point of becoming unbridled. He brings a note of threat that is rarely seen in this character, but helps convey an outrage at Scrooge’s covetousness and greed. This is a moment from the Dickens novel that fits seamlessly next to the headlines of today. The company are brilliantly supported by young performers from Sheffield People’s Theatre, Stagecoach, Carney Academy and others.
It may be difficult to find anyone who has yet to experience this timeless story, but if this is your first foray into A Christmas Carol, expect to be taken on a journey that questions what it is to be rich in life. If you are well-versed in the story, in whatever iteration it has come to you, you will be met with the traditional, well-loved tale in this new, beautiful adaptation that sits snugly in the city of Sheffield this Christmas.
Runs until 10th January 2026.
