By Charlotte Ndupuechi.
I’ll be honest: musicals and modern adaptations are not usually my favourite combination, but this production of A Christmas Carol was absolutely fabulous.
Fun, lively, and heart-warming, the show offers a fresh twist on Dickens’ beloved classic while remaining faithful to its original brilliance. It opens with a clever modern framing device, following a young boy who doesn’t like Christmas on a trip to a Dickens museum, frustrated by having to sit at the kids’ table and helping his mum, before being drawn into Scrooge’s story.
The young cast are outstanding, delivering energetic performances packed with confident singing and joyful dancing that fill the theatre with festive cheer. Ebeneezer scrooge played by Jake Monstran did a fantastic job.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is how seamlessly it combines modern music with much-loved Christmas classics, all while preserving the integrity and heart of the original story. The result is fresh and engaging.
Visually, the production is full of festive magic, from gently falling snow to a spectacular pop-up Christmas tree, creating a joyful experience. The choreography and musical numbers are genuinely toe-tapping and keep the energy high throughout.
At its heart, the story’s message stayed true to the original Dickens classic story of hardship, greed and redemption. The story of compassion and connecting with our shared humanity feels especially timely, resonating strongly with current world affairs and offering a reminder of kindness, empathy, and community.
This had everything you want from a classic Dickens story, with all the fun of a festive show. This really is a must see and a credit to the young performers and production team. It was a fabulous evening.
Runs until December 31st. For tickets and more information, visit mayflower.org.uk
Review by Max A. J. Ndupuechi, aged 15:
Even though I’ve seen large-scale theatre before, tonight’s production still completely blew me away.
The cast was amazing. I didn’t realise that some people I knew were going to be in the show, so a special mention has to go to Toby Crawford, who played Mr Coates, the charity collector. He popped up in several small but crucial moments that really helped keep the story moving. And to Julian-Kai Beullens, who played Fred, delivered a heartfelt performance as Scrooge’s nephew — always saving him a space at the Christmas table and never giving up on him. He came across as really warm and sincere.
But honestly, everyone in the show was brilliant. Each actor brought huge energy and a genuine love for the material, proving just how talented Southampton’s young performers really are.
I really enjoyed the modern twist. There was a tour guide, Catherine Pain, who points out the Christmas lessons hidden in each scene. She’s the voice that ties everything together, showing Ben (played by Matej Langridge) what his idol is really like — and maybe how pursuing wealth at any cost doesn’t lead to the happy life Ben imagines. Together, they create a great mix of reflection and fun, showing how this old story still hits home today.
The choreography, set design, and music were brilliant. The sound design blends songs like My Father Once Said with modern tracks such as Shut Up and Dance and Christmas classics like I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, creating a playlist that feels nostalgic, fresh, and festive all at once.
I really could go on and on — there was so much to love about this show. The scene changes, the energy, the set, and the really important message of Christmas all stood out.
Watching Scrooge’s transformation reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in the “more, more, more” attitude during the holidays. It’s a perfect reminder that love, connection, and the spirit of giving are what truly matter.
Bottom line: this is a great show and a heart‑warming celebration of Christmas, community, and the amazing talent right here in Southampton. If you missed it tonight, you’ll have a few more chance. The show ends on 31 December – grab a ticket, bring a friend, and let the magic (and the music) sweep you off your feet!
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