A Christmas Carol returns with gentle wisdom, festive spirit and a reminder of what brings us together
There is a particular kind of warmth that fills the Comedy Theatre each December, a feeling that sits somewhere between nostalgia and renewal. Returning for its fourth Melbourne season, A Christmas Carol has become more than a festive favourite. It is a tradition in the truest sense, one that greets its audience with generosity the moment they walk through the doors. The band is already playing, the cast weave through the aisles offering mince pies and fruit, and the whole atmosphere has the lively ease of a ceilidh gathering. That unmistakable folk spirit, rooted in Scottish and Irish social tradition, infuses the early moments with a sense of shared joy. It is not about choreography or spectacle but about community, rhythm and welcome. Before the story has even begun, we are already part of it.
Jack Thorne’s celebrated adaptation, conceived by Matthew Warchus for The Old Vic, remains as resonant as ever. What stands out is how thoughtfully the production leans into the theme of awareness. The notion that Scrooge has moved through life without truly seeing the world around him is woven gently throughout, long before the Ghost articulates it and Scrooge himself realises it. The lantern light, the pauses, the subtle exchanges between cast and audience all reinforce that idea. It becomes the guiding thread of the evening, offering a meaningful lens through which to watch Scrooge’s transformation. 
Rob Howell’s set and costume design is once again beautifully understated, creating a world that feels hand-built and lived in. The glow of lanterns, carried and hung with deliberate care, remains one of the production’s most enchanting visual signatures. Hugh Vanstone’s lighting carves out moments of hope and shadow with elegant precision, while Simon Baker’s sound design continues to be a masterclass in subtlety. Every creak of a door, every shift of the wind, and every chime of a bell expands the world beyond the stage. Christopher Nightingale’s music threads through it all, enriched by the live musicians whose presence keeps the heart of the story beating.
Lizzie Gee’s movement vocabulary, restaged in Australia with sensitivity by resident choreographer Jan Di Pietro, adds another layer of texture. Drawing from the communal energy of folk gatherings, the movement feels rooted in character and tradition. It reflects Jan’s own insight that the strength of this show lies in its ability to create community onstage so the audience can feel part of it too. Whether the cast are building entire rooms with their bodies or dancing freely in moments of celebration, the movement is never decorative. It deepens the storytelling and draws us closer to Dickens’ world.
The story itself retains its timeless power. Ebenezer Scrooge, closed off from the world and convinced that solitude is safety, finds himself unravelled by Ghosts. Their influence forces him to witness the ripple effect of his choices, including the moments he had long buried or refused to see. The ghosts, played with insight and distinction by Samantha Morley and Natasha Herbert, guide the narrative with both presence and warmth. Their performances illuminate the emotional layers of Scrooge’s journey, offering clarity without judgement.
At the centre of it all is Lachy Hulme as Ebenezer, delivering a performance that is refreshingly human. Rather than leaning into caricature or coldness, Hulme reveals a man who has slowly folded inward over the years. There is a flicker of light still inside him, and watching that light grow is deeply affecting. His smile, when it finally arrives, feels earned rather than performed. Hulme’s interpretation illuminates the idea that Scrooge’s tragedy is not cruelty but unconsciousness, living without thought, without presence, without considering the imprint we leave on others. It makes his transformation not only joyful, but awakening in a way that resonates differently for each person watching.
The supporting cast add their own richness to this tapestry. Andrew Coshan brings warmth and brightness to Fred, offering a heartfelt counterbalance to Scrooge’s isolation. Daniel Fredrikson gives Bob Cratchit both resilience and tenderness, grounding the story in the everyday struggles and triumphs of family life. And Mira Feldman as Tiny Tim is a delight, carrying the innocence and hope of the character with sincerity. Her presence, especially in the later communal scenes, becomes a quiet anchor for the production. 
One of the most memorable moments of the evening is the preparation of the Christmas dinner that Scrooge unexpectedly joins. This sequence has always been a crowd favourite, but this year it feels particularly meaningful. The audience are invited to take part in setting the table, passing food, and shaping the celebration. What begins as a playful interaction evolves into something more symbolic. It mirrors the opening ceilidh-like welcome and completes a circle. Scrooge, once removed from the world, is now among people, participating, recognising the joy of shared experience. It is a reminder that the heart of Christmas lies not in grand gestures but in connection, presence and the simple act of being with others.
There is a quiet confidence in how this production explores awareness. Audiences who return year after year know the story well, yet something always lands in a new way. Much like Christmas, the tale remains the same, but we meet it from a different place each time. That is the true gift of tradition. It evolves as we do.
A Christmas Carol continues to be a gift to Melbourne audiences. It offers joy, community, reflection and hope, reminding us that the real transformation lies not in grand, sweeping change but in learning to live with thought, connection and kindness. For those who make this production part of their annual season, there is comfort in knowing it will always welcome you back. For those experiencing it for the first time, it may just become a tradition worth keeping.
A Christmas Carol is playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic until December 24th, 2025. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://christmascarolaustralia.com.au/
