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During the festive season, various adaptations of the classic character Scrooge can be found across the UK, from Paul Hilton’s performance at London’s Old Vic to Marti Pellow’s rendition in Glasgow. However, Liverpool’s Royal Court offers a unique take with Paul Duckworth portraying a Scrooge who defies the typical miserly stereotype. Duckworth’s version is not only miserly but also lecherous and foul-mouthed, showcasing an unexpected talent on the harmonica.
This adaptation introduces a twist of corruption and intrigue. The mysterious disappearance of Scrooge’s colleague, Jacob Marley, forms the backbone of the plot. Scrooge has tampered with Marley’s will to claim ownership of a biscuit factory, leading to numerous biscuit-themed jokes throughout the play. Marley’s widow, Barbara, played by Lindzi Germain, suspects foul play, and in this retelling by Kevin Fearon, the traditional ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future are replaced by a clever ruse intended to expose Scrooge’s misdeeds. The show features playful moments such as the “Garston ghost busters” who engage the audience with water-spraying proton guns, disrupting Scrooge’s drunken slumber and pushing him towards confession.
Despite the lively and unconventional direction of the production, the underlying message of Charles Dickens’ story remains intact. When trimmed of its slapstick humor and romantic subplots—like the hinted history between Scrooge and Barbara—the narrative still emphasizes themes of generosity and community spirit. However, this focus on delivering the core story sometimes results in fewer jokes, with occasional swearing replacing expected comedic lines, which diminishes some of the humor.
The cast’s spirited performances help to elevate the material, ensuring that any shortcomings in the script do not detract from the overall experience. Highlights include Lenny Wood’s heartfelt portrayal of Bob Scratchitt and Keddy Sutton’s versatility across multiple roles. The energetic ensemble is further supported by Ben Gladwin’s live band and Beverley Norris-Edmunds’ choreography, while Lindzi Germain impresses with powerful vocals during the musical highlights. Together, they bring this distinct version of “The Scouse Christmas Carol” to life at Liverpool’s Royal Court until January 24th
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