Dicken’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol, gets an update for 2017 at King’s Cross Theatre. Lies, Lies and Propaganda theatre company deftly bring the story to life, creating a bubble of Yuletide fun. The play is an enjoyable interlude in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle.
You probably know the bones of the story: Ebenezer Scrooge is, after all, one of those names seared into the collective consciousness. The short story starts with him being what he is — a scrooge — to passersby and employees alike, including father of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit. After a visit from the ghost of his late business partner, Marley (who was dead, dead as a doornail), three spirits take Scrooge on a magical journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. By end of his journey, the audience delights in seeing Scrooge as a reformed man.
Lies, Lies and Propaganda bring this classic tale to the stage, tipping it on its head. As the liner notes proclaim: If you love Charles Dickens’s classic ghost story – but have always thought it should have more zombies, KFC, synthesisers, paper crowns, original songs, and cannibalism – then Lies, Lies and Propaganda has the adaptation for you, ya weirdo.
The Bakehouse Theatre at King’s Cross Theatre (inside King’s Cross Hotel) features an intimate stage adorned with two upside-down Christmas trees. Live music from Miles Elkington accompanies the cast of Aslam Abdus-samad, Dymphna Carew, Bobbie-Jean Henning, Jacqueline Marriott, Monica Sayers, Bishanyia Vincent, and Michael Yore.
It’s refreshing to see woman-driven theatre — in this case, the adaptation by wry writer Melissa Lee Speyer (whose notes in the program are hilarious) is brought to life by women in the roles of Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. Director Michael Dean deftly utilises the cast of seven actors in various roles.
The play is hilarious, thought-provoking, and downright fun. We’re brought from Dickensian-era moments to fanciful moments — my and my +1’s favourite being a children’s television show moment for Christmas past. The play doesn’t hold any punches, challenging viewers to consider whether the bougie lifestyles of those who celebrate diversity are any better than messy KFC-eating bogans. There are poignant moments, laugh-out-loud moments — and of course, heartwarming moments as well.
I won’t give it away, but the fact that the turkey is specifically mentioned in the program now makes total sense. It’s just another fun touch that you will experience when you go see Lies, Lies and Propaganda’s A Christmas Carol this year. Enjoy!
– Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa enjoys supporting independent theatre. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
A Christmas Carol by Lies, Lies and Propaganda runs 14-24 December 2017, Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm at Bakehouse Theatre, King’s Cross Theatre. Buy tickets now: http://www.trybooking.com/