Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol At London’s Southbank Centre Review

Reviewed by Dee Ryz

The original ‘A Christmas Carol’ was penned by Charles Dickens back in 1843. While time has moved on, this tale of greed, ghosts and gentlemen, is still one of the most popular tales at Christmas, and has resulted in many iterations. From various theatre productions, to film and tv this story has stood the test of time, and is much loved by audiences the world over.

One such adaption which is newer than most, is ‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’, a musical version of the original story with a ‘Tennessee twist’, on stage in London’s Southbank Centre from 8th December until 8th January, with tickets available online, from £18.50 – £120.

This version of the story, adapted by David H Bell, Paul T Couch and Curt Wollan, nods to the original with some slight differences – the setting (Appalachian mountains USA), and the key one being the new original music written by the infallible country music legend that is Dolly Parton.

Set in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee in the 1930s, Ebenezer Scrooge (Robert Bathurst, famous for his roles in Cold Feet, Toast of London and Downtown Abbey) is the penny pinching owner of a mining town, tolerated by all, but despised by most, who is visited by three ghosts – past (Carole Stennett), present (Minal Patel) and future (Corey Wickens on violin) – during a horrific snowstorm which buries the town. Scrooge is urged by his spiritual visitors to change his ways for the better, lest he live the rest of his (short) life in the most miserable of manners. Aimed at ages 8 years old and up, as a big fan of Dolly Parton – and a Christmas Carol – I wasn’t sure to expect, but I’ll admit: the show was a resounding success!

Deftly woven throughout the story are the beautiful country-style songs from the rootin’ tootin ‘Down Home Country Christmas’ sung by the entire chorus to the gloriously duetted ballad of ‘Three Candles’, all with a little bit of that Dolly Parton-esque humour thrown in for good measure. The music and signing was accompanied by jolly choreography too (thanks to the styling of choreographer and director Alison Pollard).

The costumes and set design are true to the time, without being overly fussy – definitely simple yet playful. The main on stage backdrop of the general store, complete with washing powder, food, and ‘maple syrup’, which then easily transformed into Scrooge’s bedroom, the Cratchit’s residence, the church and various other scenes. Essentially, the details weren’t overlooked, and the overall design really helped transport the viewer to the small country town in 1930s, and across various scenes and sets.

Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable performance of a well-known tale – a toe-tapping, Tennessee-twisting, fun musical for all the family.

Rating: 5 Stars.

The venue, London’s Southbank Centre, is Europe’s largest centre for arts. Recently renovated (and reopened in 2018), the centre provides an optimal viewing experience for a variety of performances. The centre itself is close to Waterloo and Charing Cross train and underground stations, alongside multiple bus stops, making it an easy-to-reach venue in central London.

For more information or to buy tickets please visit Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (southbankcentre.co.uk)