A festive, laugh-out-loud reimagining of A Christmas Carol that brings Victorian Cardiff to life with heart, humour, and Christmas magic!
It’s not really Christmas until you’ve seen your first festive show of the season, and what a way to start with A Christmas Carol at the Sherman Theatre. I went with my twin nine-year-olds, and they were hooked from start to finish—and so was I!
This brilliant re-imagining of Dickens’ classic transports you to the streets of Victorian Cardiff for a festive adventure unlike any other. Cardiff, 1843. Money is all Ebbie Scrooge has. She’s got loads of it, but it’s never made her happy. On Christmas Eve, three ghosts take her on a journey to learn the most important lesson of all, and by Christmas morning, well you know the story.
This laughter-stuffed, song-filled, and at times tear-jerking re-telling, first seen in 2021, is back by popular demand, and it’s easy to see why. The show’s mix of humour, heart, and exceptional performances makes it a must-see time and time again.
Hannah McPake is back as Ebbie ( Scrooge ), and she’s fantastic. Her dry wit, sharp delivery, and expressive eyes bring out all the layers of Scrooge’s character—a woman who’s walled herself off to protect past hurts but still has that spark of hope buried deep inside. The journey through her past, present, and future is both moving and funny.
Keiron Self, a familiar face for Sherman regulars, shines as Jacob Marley, Mr Fezziwig, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. This marks his 10th Sherman Christmas production, and his presence feels as comforting as seeing the same panto dame year after year.
The first half of the show takes a more traditional approach to Scrooge’s story, setting the scene and building up the characters. But it’s in the second half where the magic really happens. Owen Alun, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, absolutely steals the spotlight. Bursting with infectious energy and joined by his hilarious sidekicks, the baubles, his performance is pure chaotic joy—a whirlwind of high-energy, panto-style fun that had the audience in stitches. The entire Christmas Present sequence was a standout, delivering explosive laughs and unforgettable moments.
Of course, being a Charles Dickens tale, the mood takes a darker turn, and the laughter quickly gives way to awe. The towering, eerie Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come makes a dramatic entrance, creating one of the most striking and spine-tingling moments of the night. It took us a little by surprise —and maybe a little intense for my nine-year-olds, who definitely weren’t expecting it!
One of the most jaw-dropping aspects of this show is the incredible versatility of the ensemble. They’re not just actors—they’re also musicians, singers, and puppeteers, effortlessly switching between roles and talents throughout the performance. Ebbie (Hannah McPake) herself starts off playing the cello, sings and casually hops on the drums at the end, It’s truly impressive to watch.
On top of that, the visuals are absolutely stunning. The dark, imposing set feels like Victorian Cardiff reimagined through a Tim Burton Christmas lens. Glowing windows, oversized baubles, and even turkeys that hilariously resemble the one from Friends create a world that’s atmospheric, festive, and utterly enchanting. It’s a feast for the eyes that perfectly complements the magic of the story.
If you’re looking for a show that delivers laughs, songs, and a big dose of Christmas spirit, A Christmas Carol at the Sherman Theatre is it. It’s not your slapstick, in-your-face panto, but it’s got just the right amount of sparkle and silliness to make it perfect for families. For me and my kids, it was the ideal start to the festive season. Grab your tickets—it’s a festive adventure you don’t want to miss!
Tickets start from £16- £29 and A Christmas Carol is showing at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff until 4th January 2025.
Find out more and book tickets here.
