Scrooge The Musical at Pitlochry Theatre

Wow! Just as well I’m at chapter “W” in the Book of Superlatives. Pitlochry’s festive offering is the best-ever present from SANTA – that’s Slick, Artistic, Noteworthy, Terrific, Amazing.

You can safely assume that Scrooge The Musical is pretty good!

Of course, it has a superb pedigree – combining the genius of Leslie Bricusse (book, lyrics and music) with arguably the finest of Dickens’ offerings.

Add to that a Pitlochry dream team of Richard Baron (director), Adrian Rees (costumes and sets) and musical director Dougie Flowers. How could it go wrong?

Well, it did slightly when the lights refused to function at the start of the second act on review night, but that did nothing to detract from the complete spectacle and, in fact, a pat on the back also goes to lighting designer Matt Eagland.

The mobile settings reek of early Victorian London as Scrooge, full of misery and miserliness, goes about calling in his loans.

However, unwanted visitors in the various shapes of Christmas ghosts from the past, present and future, soon send him on the path to righteousness.

This is a lavish production with a cast of 21 complemented by a tenstrong band.

It is a tour de force from Philip Rham as Scrooge, and the musical numbers are super slick (innovative movement by choreographer Chris Stuart-Wilson).

Special mention must go to the five youngsters in the cast (three groups alternate) with Tiny Tim (Chloe Bloice, Elise Brand or Kate Laing) particularly poignant.

What a sound, what a sight. And what an on-stage team.

Wonderful festive entertainment. No better way to sum up than quote the production showstopper – “Thank You Very Much!”

Scrooge continues to mend his miserly ways at the Festival Theatre until December 23.