Bogan Literature Presents: A Christmas Carol

Bogan Literature’s Shakespeare productions have been a stalwart of Fringe World for some nine years, and somehow, I am yet to have the pleasure of seeing one. The team have also toured the state, and it is clear that this team have a strong following.

Set in Perth during a hot summer in the present, rather than a cold London of 1843, we are greeted by Dean Lovett, writer, producer and playing Ebeneezer Scrooge, in what might be described as a red, plaid, flannelette Santa Suit. This material becomes a theme in the costuming of our Scrooge, a miserly property magnate who is stingy with everything except for his Uber Eats. An excellent central performance, this Scrooge, muttering about "bloody ghosts” is a Scrooge for our times.

The remainder of the cast play multiple roles, switching characters with skill, sometimes mid-scene, to create an 80-minute show that is slick, pacey and funny. Great work from Maiken Kruger, playing a likeable Bob Cratchitt, Felicia and Belle. Sarah Courtis is kept busy playing a plethora of roles including the Ghost of Christmas Past, and shines playing Martha and Tim Cratchitt simultaneously and with charm. Jess Lally finds her inner Bogan as the dead Jacob Marley and plays a succession of Mums and Wives with great skill, while Andrew Dawson is great as the ever-patient nephew Fred and a laconic Ghost of Christmas Present.

The set is simple but effective and serves the show well, as scene changes are swift and seamless, while Jolene Whibley gives us lighting ranging from sinister to festive.

My only regret about this show, is that it has taken me nine years to see a show from this company - and I look forward with excitement to the 2025 FringeWorld offering. A gorgeous Christmas Gift of a show.

Kimberley Shaw