Typically, in the world of UK theatre, pantomime is the genre that dominates the Christmas season with some theatres citing their festive shows as the production that can financially sustain them for the year ahead. However, popular as panto might be, some might enthusiastically chant, ‘oh no it’s not’, as these types of productions aren’t for everyone.
Enter ZooNation’s Ebony Scrooge written by the company’s associate artistic director and choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, the show flips the script with a hip hop inspired, Caribbean flavoured interpretation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
In this reimagining, it’s refreshing having a female lead as Ebenezer. Ebony Scrooge (Leah Hill) is a ruthless fashionista with high standards and no time for the frivolities of Christmas -insisting her fashion show takes precedence over the office party being organised by her niece. Falling into a deep slumber whilst looking through her designs, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
Natalie Pryce’s costume designs are fierce with high fashion and sharp monochrome tailoring for our protagonist Ebony Scrooge due to loss and grief, she doesn’t see life in colour. The ensemble keep the festivities alive with kitsch Christmas jumpers and vibrant sportswear.
The spirits, take Ebony Scrooge on a journey of restoration and self-discovery as she leans into her ancestors in remembering her Dominican roots embracing the opportunity to reconnect with heritage. The main takeaway being that you need to know where you’ve come from in order to get ahead in life.
East Londoner Lecointe succeeds in telling an age old classic by giving hip hop a makeover, alongside fellow east Londoner, composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante’s incredible score with influences ranging from reggae, garage, bashment, gospel and more. The choreography is as high-end as Scrooge’s fashion – of course, vogueing is there but Lecointe draws on popping and locking too. But the real treat over here is the Caribbean folk dance and traditional dress – not appreciated or showcased enough in our opinion.
Although, there’s nothing cheesy going on here, ZooNation’s first Christmas show is a production for all the ages, and although my daughter (11) wanted dialogue, she still grasped everything that was happening on stage through the text and choreography.
I’ve seen many a curtain call, but this is one of the best I’ve seen recently – each cast member given their time to shine and show off their impeccable dance moves.
If you’re looking for something refreshing, effortlessly cool and thought-provoking this festive season, then this is the Christmas show for you and your loved ones.
NEED TO KNOW:
- The world premiere of Ebony Scrooge plays at Sadler’s Wells East until 4 Jan 2026 | See listing on Afridiziak
- Audio-described performance and accompanying touch tour on Sat 13 Dec
- Relaxed performance on Weds 17 Dec
