A Christmas Carol - Performed by Mitch Benn

About

Mitch's one man dramatic performance of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" is based on the author's own "Prompt Copy" abridged version which Dickens himself used when giving live readings in the 1860s. Mitch performs as all 27 characters including the narrator.

The show first ran in 2019 and has become an annual event since 2023. Its London run received 5 star reviews. Come and live the magic of Christmas in the intimate settings of MacArts.

This is a seated family show lasting approximately seventy minutes plus an interval.

Benn brings the abridged text of A Christmas Carol to life in a one-person show. It is no easy feat, with the performer covering the voices and mannerisms of various characters in 70 minutes. With a minimal set, the production relies heavily on the power of imagination, but with an enchanting storyteller at the helm, it is so easy to get transported to Victorian England through spoken word. Supported by some subtle but impactful lighting choices, Benn single handedly takes on the enigmatic story that continues to charm audiences today. ★★★★★ - Kat Masterson

In many ways, the entire show rests on its star in a way that could easily overbear an actor, but Mitch Benn wears it with style and grace. He brings an effortless humour, of course, and it can be argued that the peak of his performance is in his expert asides to the audience. Speaking directly to them, he connects with his audience beautifully as delightful pockets of laughter can be heard from the crowd; joyful, charmed, chuckled, squeaked, burst in powerful unison. He is perfectly believable and entrancing, in character, voice and physicality, as all of the characters in the tale, but it also allows hints of modern scenes, outside impressions and a great deal of himself into the reading, to great comical and heart-warming effect. ★★★★★- Louisa Clarke, West End Best Friend