Disclosure - we were invited to the press evening performance for A Christmas Carol at The Sherman Theatre, so received our tickets in exchange for this review. All opinions are honest and our own.
Every year we visit the theatre several times. It's such an important part of our lives and I think it really enriches the children's education. Obviously due to Covid we haven't been for a long time and we have really missed it. I am so glad that theatres are back open now and I took the three biggest children to The Sherman Theatre this week to see their Christmas show - A Christmas Carol.
The Sherman is one of my favourite places in Cardiff. It's a small, intimate theatre and they have a great bar and cafe area too so you can enjoy a proper night out there. They decorate the foyer for Christmas and it was wonderful to be back and enjoying the happy atmosphere there. As far as covid regulations go it was very safe. Over 18's have to show a valid covid pass before they can enter the building and everyone is asked to wear a mask when inside. There were marked gaps in the seating too so that you weren't seated next to someone not part of your group.
A Christmas Carol is a new production of Gary Owen's adaptation of Charles Dickens' famous story. Set in Cardiff 1843, we are introduced to Ebenezer Scrooge - a female version no less which was great to see. We learn through the visits of three ghosts a lot about her past and why she thinks that money is so important and watch her slowly understand that there is much more to life than money.
The cast was exceptional, made up of actor musicians they performed beautifully, singing, playing instruments and dancing too. It's actually very inspiring for my children to see musicians performing live, my daughter plays the violin and my son the piano and seeing these instruments played with such talent is very encouraging.
The costumes were fantastic, the glowing ghost of Christmas past was ethereal and enchanting, the ghost of Christmas present was the best camp Christmas tree I have ever seen and an absolute highlight of the show. Finally the ghost of Christmas yet to come was dark, spooky and scary and really drummed home the bleak ending that Dickens' predicted should Scrooge not change her ways.
The show was interactive at points and really engaged the children, despite it having one or two dark moments. My little boy (7) can't really remember going to the theatre (thanks Covid!) and he was literally on the edge of his seat for the whole thing. I don't think he's ever sat still for so long!
We left feeling really happy, festive and with a renewed sense of the real spirit of Christmas.
There are still tickets available for some performances and I would definitely recommend taking your loved ones to see it. I actually am tempted to go again as I loved it so much! A Christmas Carol is showing until the 31st December and you can book tickets here.
There is also a Christmas show for the younger audience, aimed at ages 3-6 The Elves and the Shoemaker is a relaxed performance perfect for introducing younger ones to theatre. It is showing in Welsh and English until the 31st December and you can book tickets here.
The Sherman is very accessible and offers performances that are audio described, BSL translated and relaxed, take a look online to see what they have to offer.
I hope you enjoyed this review of A Christmas Carol at The Sherman Theatre, check out my other theatre reviews here.
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