Scrooge, The Musical @ Palace Theatre, Manchester

9:33pm Monday 10th December 2007

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Shane Richie is best remembered for his award-winning role as Alfie Moon in Eastenders.

But he plays a very different character in Bill Kenwright's production of Scrooge, The Musical, at the Palace Theatre until 12th January.

Based on 'A Christmas Carol', it has been re-written by Leslie Bricusse who created the lyrics and music.

There can't be many who don't know Charles Dickens' time-honoured tale about a mean old man who changes his ways after visits by ghosts.

But this is not just a good story. It's a spectacle. Not only are there well known tunes such as 'Thank you very much' but also stunning sets and bright costumes.

Shane's Ebenezer Scrooge is the miser of all misers. He resents giving his clerk time off on Christmas Day and hates women and children.

His conversion to a Father Christmas figure who bestows gifts on all and sundry is so moving that, when a disabled child, Tiny Tim, tried to hug him, this hardened old hack was almost reduced to tears!

Paul Kieve, the man who created the Harry Potter effects, has been brought in to create the spirits of Marley's Ghost, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come.

What a good job he does. Marley's Ghost (James Earl Adair) is so scary that if it weren't for his good intentions, he could give you sleepless nights.

The other ghosts have a habit of popping up unexpectedly. I particularly liked Robert Traynor's booming Ghost of Christmas Present.

This show is an ideal substitute for pantomime and would be suitable for older children though younger ones may be scared of the realistic ghosts.