Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the haunting and moralistic tale about the true meaning of Christmas, has become so well known that it tends to elicit groans, among regular theatre-goers, of 'Oh no, not again!' However, the production at The Emlyn Williams Theatre, Clwyd Theatr in Mold which runs until December 16 and from January 1 to 6, is a completely refreshing and new take on the traditional story, delivered, amazingly, by one man playing many parts and it really brings the story to life. Acclaimed actor Robert Perkins gives a compelling and imaginative performance. His talent, combined with Emma Lucia's clever and creative direction, holds the audience spellbound throughout. Perkins not only narrates the story, he lives it, becoming, in turn, not only the miserable, miserly Scrooge, but also other characters, too numerous to list but all impressively portrayed, with facial gestures and body language to match. The set is sparse but ample - a desk, a chair and a hatstand providing all the necessary props. The whole is played out against a transparent screen behind which are portrayed the ghosts, each distinguished by its garb as dictated by Dickens, with additional voices provided by other actors. For those who are initially bewildered, as we were, by Perkins' constant meanderings in one direction, it should be explained that his move-ments in a clockwise direction are meant to portray the passing of time - a nuance completely lost on us until it was explained afterwards! Another slightly irritating thing, though nothing to do with the production itself, is the programme, mostly written in white print against a black background and extremely difficult to read. Taken all in all, though, this is a truly imaginative and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre, the perfect, peaceful antidote to the seasonal madness and mayhem of the annual panto going on in the main auditorium. It is a heart-warming story, beautifully told, and one which reminds today's consumer society about the true meaning of Christmas. | 
