To paraphrase Dr Seuss, Mr Grinch takes us “off to great places” from start to finish transporting a big Broadway production to Edinburgh.
The story first released in 1957 has lost none of its bite in the intervening 62 years and retains a freshness due to the cynical nature of the mean, green character played by Edward Baker-Duly for laughs alongside his pet sidekick Old Max (Steve Fortune). Baker-Duly’s comic timing is perfect bringing his touch to the part despite other famous depictions by the likes of Jim Carrey and the recent animation being so dominant in the culture.
There is something about the old, trout faced curmudgeon at this time of year that we can perhaps relate to. Who wouldn’t become fed up with all the sickly sweet inhabitants of Who-ville?
The show-stopping You’re A Mean One, Mr Grinch nearly brought down the house and my children sat mesmerised by the sheer energy, vivacity and colour on the stage. He’s the pantomime villain that you can’t help but like and perhaps part of the appeal is that in 2019 the people of Who-ville seem to represent all the excess of Christmas.
With some help from The Grinch, they seem to rediscover the simple beauty of the season.
