Hyland so versatile

A Christmas Carol, as told by Jacob Marley (Deceased), Oldham Coliseum

IT’S that time of year when young and old can gather to enjoy Dickens’ classic fable — a one-off at the Coliseum nicely scheduled before panto fun begins.

But this is no traditional retelling of A Christmas Carol, it’s “ ... as told by Jacob Marley (Deceased)” from the perspective of Scrooge’s late business partner.

The one-man show is adapted, directed, produced and performed by the versatile James Hyland — I half expected to see him serving the tea afterwards as well.

The 90-minute production isn’t confined to just one character though. The energetic Hyland transforms into a multitude of people using a variety of voices and mannerisms — from channelling the character of Mr Burns from the Simpsons for old Ebenezer to Brian Blessed for the booming Ghost of Christmas Present.

It begins with Marley — not looking or sounding too well, unsurprisingly for someone dead for nearly two centuries — unlocking heavy chains, forged in life and that he’s condemned for eternity to carry, to narrate the familiar tale of a miserly mind redeemed by the importance of love and forgiveness.

The acclaimed Hyland leaps and shifts between characters, mixing humour and drama.

His engaging and agile performance creates an impressive piece of physical theatre.

But with just a chair between him and an empty stage, whether it’s enough to sustain everyone’s interest is open to question. Perhaps more comedy and excitement would engross even more.