It is about 10 years since Scrooge graced the stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse. On that occasion the title role was played by Anthony Newley, this latest tour sees the well loved and respected Tommy Steele as Ebenezer Scrooge. Having seen Tommy Steele on stage in three other shows and in his musical films I was prepared to like the character of Scrooge from the start, but with respect to the skill of Leslie Bricusse the writer of the show, Bob Thomson’s direction and Mr Steele’s talent, he was a rite crotchety, miserable piece of work.  Mr Steele’s stage presence and vocal talents are as wonderful as ever.

The only other member of the cast in that tour to return to Edinburgh is Barry Howard with a reprise of his performance as the ghost of Jacob Marley. Possibly best known for his role as Barry Stuart-Hargreaves, the champion ballroom dancer in Hi-de-Hi!  He has had many varied parts on stage but few of these would have seen him appearing through doors, walking through walls and flying over the stage all of which he does in Edinburgh.

Ebenezer Scrooge is well known for his miserliness and meanness, he would rather charge extra interest than let anyone away with a farthing. His clerk Bob Cratchit (Alan Ruscoe) puts up with him and even proposes a Christmas toast to his health. Even with a wife and five children he is able to see the best in everyone. Scrooge’s nephew Harry (Graham MacKay-Bruce) still invites his only living relative to join him and his wife in their festivities.  On Christmas Eve Scrooge is visited by the spectre of his old partner Jacob Marley (Barry Howard) who advises him that he is to be visited by three spirits before dawn. These spirits take Scrooge on a tour of his past, the present and the future, this is to try and prevent him suffering in death by the repercussions of his actions in life.

The opening ensemble number introduces us to many of the characters in the story, the Wine Merchant (Carl Patrick), charity workers the Misters Jollygoode and Hearty (Harry Dickman and Gareth Jones), Bisset The Butcher (John Coates), Mrs and Miss Dilber (Sarah Ford and Tania Newton), the Punch and Judy Man (Robin Armstrong), Mr Pringle (Charles Brunton), the Sweep (Stuart Piper) and finally last but not least Tom Jenkins (Steven Serlin). They all owe various amounts to Scrooge and are unable to pay. These and all the other characters try to avoid him wherever they can. 

Back in Scrooges past we see his tender side, the love of his only sister then his own disastrous relationship with his sweetheart Isabel (Abigail Jaye), we also get some idea as to how he has become the person he is.  The present shows his only nephew and wife celebrating the festive season, in contrast see the Cratchit families meagre repast yet both families salute Scrooge for his generosity. In the future we see Scrooges own funeral and the mass celebrations this causes. 

His sudden change of heart surprises everyone and everything ends well with a final rousing chorus of “Thank you very Much”.

Yes “Thank you very Much” for a great show.