“A comedy pathos masterclass! “
**** 4 Stars
Marking a decade since the inception of Mischief Theatre Company which debuted with the global hit “The Play That Goes Wong” which spawned “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” comes the third in the trilogy as the Cornley Drama Society return to the Cornley playhouse for “A Christmas Carol” which goes very wrong indeed to hilarious effect.
Based on Dickens classic tale of redemption of the titular “Scrooge” who is visited by the three ghosts of Christmas on the evening of Christmas eve Mischief deploy their comedy “Gone Wrong” formula, but this time rely on comedy of words as opposed to slapstick although the show does have its slapstick moments. It’s the reliance on word comedy as opposed to over the top visual slapstick that does give the show its own unique flavour but equally give rise to moments that sail close to repeating itself.
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Harry Shields with both Lewis and Sayer taking to the stage as Robert and Dennis respectively. The Christmas Carol story is present but wrapped up in the aft seething world of jealousy that often pervades the amdram world and that’s what drives the comedy. A perfect blend of university players (think that was the week that was) meeting fringe theatre in a comedic masterclass.
The 10 strong ensemble company shine without ever overplaying their roles Henry Lewis is stellar as Robert his booming voice reminiscent of Brian Blessed is pitch perfect as the ghost of Christmas present along side Robert the wannabe “Scrooge”. Daniel Fraser is also a delight as “Chris” who takes the role of Scrooge and acts to a great extent, as the straight man to the companies’ jokes, he has sublime physicality and his moment where he breaks the fourth wall are genius. The entire performing company do deliver in spades. What sets Christmas Carol goes wrong apart from its sister shows in the trilogy is this show has a gorgeous touch of pathos weaved through it which is touching and makes the show sparkly just that little brighter.
Director Matt DiCarlo has mined the script and rung every comedic moment out of it and ensures his well-drilled company deliver the play at a cracking pace that feels perfect for the 2 hour and 15 minutes run time. Libby Todd’s set design walks the line of professional theatre and amdram perfectly to the point the show would feel equally at home in a church hall as does the environs of the beautiful Festival Theatre. This is boosted by David Howe’s Lighting design and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite’s sound design. Both Lighting and Sound design cleverly blur the lines of professional and amateur theatre peppering the designs with enough technical niggles that add to the comedy but give the overall show a sense of realness. Special mention must go to Roberto Surace and their inspired Costume Design that add the cherry to top of this comedy cake.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong delivers everything it should and makes a laughter filled treat on these dark late winter nights and proves there is still much that can wrong in the funniest of ways for a company whose star is still very much on the rise! So, head to the Festival and grab those last tickets and may god bless us! Everyone!
Mischief presents Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 14th February, for more information go to: Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Capital Theatres
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong UK Tour continues until Sunday 1st March 2026 and the production will call at the King’s Theatre Glasgow from 17th to 22nd February.
ScotsGay Arts 