Writer: Charles Dickens
Have we ever lived in more Dickensian times? With shameful levels of child poverty, homelessness, and hunger, it’s shocking to think that almost two centuries later, these issues have not only not been eradicated but seem to grow steadily worse. A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843 in just six weeks, has become a Christmas classic and as historian Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, Dickens’ great-great-great-granddaughter, notes, the novella was written as a protest against poor social conditions and a reminder that, like Scrooge, we can all be better. Do better.
We all know the story. Through supernatural visitations, a miserly old git learns to become less selfish, more generous, and empathetic. Interpreted through the considerable talents of James Swanton ( from Mark Gatiss’s Lot No.249 and Inside No.9’s The Curse of the Ninth), this pared-down, one-man performance has become a regular Christmas fixture at The Charles Dickens Museum. With understated lighting, minimal props and no sound effects, this electrifying one-man show takes place in what is affectionately known as The Smallest Theatre in the World, an upstairs room that seats 30 per performance.
In gothic costume, black tailcoat and trews with formal hat trimmed with plumes and netting, Swanton uses his entire body, voice, and facial expressions to recreate this much-loved story. His face is an elastic, expressive wonder: a cross between Christopher Ecclestone and Wilfred Bramble, while his long limbs arrange and rearrange themselves into a cavalcade of characters. Spellbinding from start to finish. This Christmas Carol is funny, entertaining and at times, moving, especially the line – perhaps this is not a spoiler – “Tiny Tim does not die.”
The Charles Dickens Museum, just off the Gray’s Inn Road and a walk from Kings Cross, is a jewel among London’s museums. Here, where Dickens lived, you can see where he entertained the cultured elite of Victorian London, the desk where he wrote and the podium he travelled with for readings. The modest townhouse is suitably and warmly attired for Christmas with trails of ivy and holly in every room and the pervasive aroma of seasonal spices: nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.
Written by the real Father Christmas, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol has it all: protest, humanity and redemption, and there’s something special about seeing it in the London home of Dickens, where we are reminded of the influence of A Christmas Carol – it’s why turkey remains popular. (Queen Victoria’s royal endorsement also helped.) While there will undoubtedly be many versions of A Christmas Carol to choose from this festive season, on screen and stage, this is one helluva performance not to be missed.
Runs until 23 December 2025
