Writers: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields
Director: Matt DiCarlo
The Cornley Drama Society are at it again, much to the delight of audiences up and down the UK. This time they’ve got their mitts on Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol, but this is, as you would expect, not your ordinary festive classic. In the hands of the kings and queens of chaos, this is unlike any other re-telling you’ve ever seen.
It’s now on stage, on the set that taste forgot, in a different version from the 2017 BBC TV production. Every Christmas trope you could cram on a stage is here: the pseudo-Victorian costumes replete with top hats, carol singing, bell ringing to snowflakes falling, so are the seething rivalries, petty jealousies, power struggles, technical travesties, inept acting, raging egos and knockabout fun synonymous with the company.
Fans of Mischief Theatre will be delighted to know that founding company member and writer Jonathan Sayers returns to rapturous applause, as dim but loveable Dennis, a man whose enthusiasm far outweighs his acting ability and who thinks he’s auditioning for Frog Cratchitt from the Muppet musical version. Will Bishop preens and prances as ambition-blinded, would-be leading man Robert. The truly traumatised Jonathan (Greg Tannahill) is back with PTSD, and it’s no wonder, considering his previous experiences along with perpetually perky stage manager Annie (Dumile Sibanda) is still spreading her sunshiny support.
The success is in the detail: the pitch perfect writing, the hysterical delivery of the lines and the absolutely exquisite timing. There are highlights in every scene, from a Tiny Tim who is the stuff of nightmares, to the set itself.
It’s easy to see why Mischief are one of the only theatre companies to have their own fan following. They remain at the top of their game, delivering genuine belly laughs in our grim times. It’s a much-needed warm hug from a familiar old friend.
Runs until 21 February 2026 | Image: Matt Crocker
