Review of Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol at Norwich Theatre Royal: Festive favourite with plenty of sparkle is perfect family treat

A Christmas Carol - Theatre Royal, Norwich

Northern Ballet brings this festive favourite - with plenty of sparkle - to us as a perfect family treat.

The three-act ballet doesn’t stray too far from the Dickens original as we meet the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge, beautifully played by Albert Gonzalez Orts, and his downtrodden clerk Bob Cratchit, performed by George Liang.

Set in Victorian England, we feel the class differences acutely, as some have a lot and the rest simply don’t.

Scrooge, helped along by the appearance of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, learns to change his ways and flash a bit of cash and this shows us what Northern Ballet do best - they tell an evocative story through wonderful movements and clever musical interpretation.

For me, the piece really gets going in Act Two, with some terrific dancing. Look out for a wonderful duet by Jackson Dwyer and Amber Lewis as the young Ebenezer and his then-fiancee, Belle, and Tiny Tim, the youngest son of Cratchit, is charmingly played by Daniel Ibbitt.

I miss the live orchestra so long associated with Northern Ballet, but financial considerations saw its demise. But there are slivers of Christmas carols which enhance the overall cosy feel to this timeless classic. You’ll love it!

The ballet continues until Saturday. Visit www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy