Scrooge (Tour - Sunderland)

Tommy Steele stars in Scrooge all this week at Sunderland Empire; and I for one can't think of a better reason to get to the theatre this week. Many people today are 'hyped' to stardom without the talent to back it up, they should all watch and learn from a real and genuine star.

Scrooge is of course Dickens' classic tale of a miserly old man who put money before all else, not a penny for the starving, for the correct and decent wage for his loyal clerk Bob Crachitt, even spending a few shilling's for a bowl of soup. A note not lost on the gentleman behind, who mentioned "just like Osborne" in a reference to the current political climate we find ourselves in. But that's the point of the story, and one every politician and business leader should remember; not the global economy or the next share dividend, but this tale of greed, and the forging of the links of your own demise and doom.

There are some truly spell binding stage tricks and effects, that bring this tale of ghosts past, present, and yet to come, to a thrilling finale. The company are wonderful, and the ensemble cast work tirelessly to bring the story to life. There is a genuine 'tear jerker' moment near the end of the show and it would take a very hard heart not to be moved by this production. A wonderfully enduring story that reaffirms what life should be about.

- by Damian Robson