A Faithful To The Original Audio Version Of ‘A Christmas Carol’ That Is Well Worth Your Time

Ever since Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol was published on December 19, 1843 it has been read, repeated, recited, reenacted, and performed at Christmastime in all manner of media because of the underlying beauty of this tale that it never is too late for anyone to turn from their wicked ways while they are still alive. Scrooge, Marley, Bob Cratchett, Tiny Tim and company, etc. stick to our souls because of the vividness of their descriptions and all the chances in life that we think we have thrown away.

The latest attempt at this classic may be the most earnest attempt in quite some time as The Merry Beggars audio version welcomes us into jolly old London in 1843 filled with the sounds of horse drawn carriages and children’s laughter while bringing us along for a reading of the tale by Charles Dickens. Yes, the literal Charles Dickens, as the conceit is that “you the radio listener” is a character in the story that is trying to get inside a theater for a live performance of “the book that’s been so popular these last few days.” As we enter the theater, we hear perfect strangers speak to each other in the most respectful and civilized way imaginable and are reminded of what perfect harmony feels like.

It is, for this reviewer, the most faithful reading/performance of the story I have ever witnessed as the 25-part version puts back in some shorter sequences that every modern retelling omits for brevity. The theme song at the top of each episode is quite uplifting to go along with the Christmas theme of church bells and carolers, and as befitting a Christian company creating tales for the whole family, clearly designed to create an atmosphere of delight and wonder.

It alternates between a reading of the book by a British-voiced narrator and fully voiced performances of all the characters. The actors are excellent and bring Scrooge to life in a way that feels faithful to the text as he quivers and quakes in fear from his old partner Marley and the three ghosts that follow. Truly, you haven’t heard the Ghost of Christmas Present say “come in and know me better man!” until you have heard it here.

I was engrossed while listening and my only real complaint was that each episode was so short, averaging about 9 minutes each, that I had to fast forward through credits all too often. Still, I can understand why they broke it up that way for the 25 days of Christmas and the Advent calendar. A perfect tale for families with and without children to remind them of what is good and true, and in the end possible, when we are filled with the spirit of gratitude and goodwill towards all men.