A Christmas Carol - Altrincham Garrick

The season to be fearful -photo of Jonathan Black as Scrooge by Martin Ogden.

THIS is a story I know backwards and yet the redemption of one of one of our most famous skinflints still captures my imagination.

Jonathan Black gives the performance of his amateur acting career to date as Scrooge, a man obsessed with making money and oblivious to the plight of the poor around him.

Black is ultimately convincing as a man whose money making ways are most memorably challenged by three festive spirits.

Barry Purves’ production also captivated a large group of young people in the Garrick audience on opening night and will hopefully convince them to look beyond a screen for their entertainment.

The supernatural encounters the central character encounters are also genuinely scary and I also really liked the way in which the production uses music to heighten the tension and provide a stirring seasonal climax to a hugely enjoyable evening out.

Even the real life Scrooges watching this are sure to be won over and turned into fans of the impending seasonal to be cheerful thanks to the consistently creative Purves and his backstage team.

Scrooge’s encounters with the supernatural are also genuinely scary.

But this production of A Christmas Carol isn’t just the Jonathan Black/Barry Purves show. There’s so much more to enjoy, like the performance of the supporting cast.

Now here’s the bad news - the production is a complete sell out. If you hear of any returns snap them up.

You certainly won’t be disappointed. This is the best Christmas present Altrincham Garrick could possibly give us theatregoers.

Until November 25. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk - returns only.

Star rating - ****