★★★★★
Benn brings the abridged text of A Christmas Carol to life in a one-person show. It is no easy feat, with the performer covering the voices and mannerisms of various characters in 70 minutes. With a minimal set, the production relies heavily on the power of imagination, but with an enchanting storyteller at the helm, it is so easy to get transported to Victorian England through spoken word. Supported by some subtle but impactful lighting choices, Benn single handedly takes on the enigmatic story that continues to charm audiences today.
- Kat Masterson,​ Dec 2023
★★★
In his one-man storytelling of Dicken’s much loved seasonal tale, comedian, satirist and songwriter Mitch Benn cuts a monumental figure in top hat and thick overcoat. Taking on all characters from Charles Dickens’ intricate morality tale, this is an ambitious project, but Benn brings his own particular aura, with only a lonely coat stand for a prop.
- Heather Moulson, Dec 2023
Despite being known for his satirical songwriting, I was aware that this would be a serious performance. However, there was a good infusion of humour which helped make it such an entertaining evening. The script he was working from - and (top) hats off to him for remembering the entire thing without a stumble and also being consistent with the voices of the twenty-seven individual characters of the story - was Dickens’ own travelling script which the author would use when touring the country giving readings of the Christmas tale.
- Gayle Ramage, Dec 2025
★★★★
The fantastic story telling, brilliant character distinction, and energetic facial expressions envelop the audience in Scrooge’s world, bringing a richly told story to life and fully animating the rich emotional lives of every single character. A feat of story telling that is a delight to experience.
- Bianca,​ Dec 2024
★★★★★
Leaving behind the gimmicks and spectacles that have previously attached themselves to this title and really focusing in on the original text, here, A Christmas Carol is not an opportunity to showcase a creative eye and dream up fantastical cinematic portrayals, as much as we all love the projects that have emerged from those endeavours. Here, A Christmas Carol is simply a story and Benn reminds us of the joy of being told a story.
In many ways, the entire show rests on its star in a way that could easily overbear an actor, but Mitch Benn wears it with style and grace. He brings an effortless humour, of course, and it can be argued that the peak of his performance is in his expert asides to the audience. Speaking directly to them, he connects with his audience beautifully as delightful pockets of laughter can be heard from the crowd; joyful, charmed, chuckled, squeaked, burst in powerful unison. He is perfectly believable and entrancing, in character, voice and physicality, as all of the characters in the tale, but it also allows hints of modern scenes, outside impressions and a great deal of himself into the reading, to great comical and heart-warming effect.
- Louisa Clarke, West End Best Friend, Dec 2023
Mitch tours his acclaimed one man production of A Christmas Carol every December. If you would like him to bring his performance to a venue near you, please get in touch.