Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Is there a more classic story than A Christmas Carol? A tale that argues a life well-lived is one spent sharing with others. That greed will only lead to misery and that the holidays are best spent with those you care about. Well, yes. But I liked the version that Mischief offered nearly as much as the classic Muppet version.
Over the years, Mischief has gained a loyal fanbase that follows the highs and lows of the company as they try to handle all the dilemmas of what it is to be a local theatre community group. On stage, returning audiences will recognise our main players. Chris (Daniel Fraser) is dramatic, Trevor (Chris Leask) is not that concerned with the health and safety of the theatre, and Dennis (Jonathan Sayer) is doing his best. The characters are warm, the story is classic and the jokes keep you laughing.
Yes, you heard me. Mischief are back (they never left, really). Now, with Christmas jumpers! The company, famous for hits like A Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About Spies, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and more is offering the finest night of theatre for the festive season with The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. It offers, yes, all the jokes, literal interpretations of the classic text and slapstick as you would expect. However, what you would not expect is a peek behind the curtain at how a powerful Christmas tale can warm the heart of the drama society and change the group for the better.
We open with auditions hosted by Chris and Annie (played by Nancy Zamit and Dumile Sibanda). Chris is too cruel, too unwelcoming. Too…Scrogue. So begins our show. This launches the dual narrative: the production of 'A Christmas Carol' and the real story.
The stage set (Libby Todd) and lighting (David Howe) are perfect as we unravel this production. Aside from the usual hijinks, there are some honestly beautiful moments in the piece. The costume design throughout is thoughtful (Roberto Surace). The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come was impressive and highlighted by the angels in the cemetery. This was a highlight for me - even when the ghost turned out to be somehow Scottish.
What I admire most about Mischief productions is their commitment to the bit. For a long-time viewer or a first-time watcher, there is something satisfying in knowing that when, at the top of the play, you are fed some information, it will come back in some new shape or form. Such as when Jonathan’s (Greg Tannahill’s) past flying mishaps in Peter Pan Goes Wrong left him with lingering PTSD from heights, you will see him trying to cope. Or Sandra (Sasha Frost) has three emotions.
This breadcrumbing is satisfying and lets the audience in on the joke. The joy is spread outward. Is it highbrow? No. Is Robert (Henry Lewis) stuck in a present some of the best physical comedy I have seen in a long, long time? Absolutely. The performances all around are fantastic. Even when perhaps a joke goes on too long, the cast, many of whom are the co-founders of the company, know and trust one another, which means the energy never dips. Highlights have to be the Ghost of Christmas Past, where Annie has the strangest costume as a Christmas angel/ghost/dancer with legs, and Max (Matt Cavendish) somehow playing a family of five all at once.
Is this the most truthful version of A Christmas Carol? Not at all. But it is the most fun. Even if a joke replays a bit too much or you’re wondering which stage light will fall down next, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is full of festive cheer and shenanigans. It may not be the Muppets, but this production proves it can give them a run for their money with its new interpretation of the classic story.
This show was reviewed on the 14th December at the Apollo Theatre, London where it runs until the 25th January 2026. Tickets available here: About - CHRISTMAS CAROL GOES WRONG - Mischief Comedy
Review written by Mary Condon O'Connor
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