Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Is An Absolute Hoot

The Cornley Drama Society made a triumphant (ahem!) return to the Wolverhampton Grand Stage last night with their unique take on Charles Dickens perennial classic ‘A Christmas Carol’. It may not have been a version that Dickens himself would’ve recognised, featuring, amongst other things, a disco kitchen in bright pink, the world’s biggest, and definitely scariest Tiny Tim, and a ghost of Christmas present who was, indeed a literal present. Despite a few mishaps, the group soldiered on to what proved to be a very bitter end. Special mention must be given to Chris Bean – never has a man been so perfect for the role of Scrooge. Bag humbug indeed.

Yes, the could’ve been the real review for Cornley last night, as the ever brilliant Mischief Theatre bought their own brand of chaotic hilarity to the Christmas classic in ‘Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’. If you have watched any of their previous takes on classic plays, like Peter Pan goes wrong, then you know the drill. This will not be like any version you have seen before, and your sides will be splitting from laughing so much.

In the case of Christmas Carol Goes Wrong we have the cast of characters that have delighted previously for Cornley. Chris Bean aka Adam Elliot is once again given the lead, much to the chagrin of Robert (Matthew Howell), a real thespian who would like to play every role in the nude, and is this time selected for the ghost of Christmas present (quite literally as I said earlier). You actually do feel a little sorry for Chris Bean, as he is literally surrounded by a shower of idiots with barely a brain cell between them, with particular notice being given to my favourite Dennis (James Akka) a man so stupid his lines are posted all around the stage for him, leading him to read literally anything printed, even if it is clearly not in the script.

This is seriously funny stuff, the play a mixture of slapstick comedy and pratfalls, one liners coming at a fast rate, and just general anarchic chaos that marked comedies like The Young Ones. The creative team deserve plaudits for the fact that everything is funny, nothing misses, whilst the set design from Libby Todd is just brilliant. By the time we got to Aye Laddie, delivered by Trevor as the Ghost of Christmas future (Aein Nasseri) I had tears rolling down my face.

This Christmas, do yourself a favour and go and see Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. It is chaotically hilarious.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 14th November

Click here for ticket information

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