The familiar Christmas tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge has been given a fresh lease of life in this latest production by the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society.

Based on Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol', the story has been redone for television and cinema, and modernised and reproduced in various guises since it was penned more than 150 years ago, but clever lyrics and beautiful arrangements make this musical adaptation particularly effective and the message of charity and quality of life over gain most moving and relevant.

The sets for BMDS' "amateur" production are astounding with exteriors of buildings opening to show elaborate interiors and feature flawless location changes in front of your eyes, scarcely interrupting the acting and singing. City Hall's stage was magically transformed into a Cheapside scene circa 1843.

The authentic period costumes are instrumental in transporting the audience to another time and immersing us in the fantasy.

Directed by Derek Corlett, the BMDS production of 'Scrooge' is a marvel of technical staging, fully utilising and significantly expanding the resources available at City Hall. There are plenty of clever technical touches and surprises, the visitations by the ghosts especially augmented by these.

There are many fine performers and performances in 'Scrooge'. Mark Hamilton shines as the irrepressibly optimistic Bob Cratchit. Robbie Godfrey is quite outstanding in the duel roles of Scrooge's nephew and Young Ebenezer, his smooth tenor in 'Happiness' and 'You .....You', sung in parts with Jessica Frith and Richard Dymond, respectively, making them two of the finest moments of song on Thursday's opening night. Jessica Frith is strong in the dual roles as Isabel and Helen and also has a fine singing voice. Young Ronnie Harrison as Tiny Tim elicits genuine audience sympathy.

Certainly the large cast was enthusiastic and the level of performance high, each character adding to the stage magic. Mark Dorrell's musical direction is, as usual, on target. The choreography, devised by Debbie Mello, is mostly effective and she has succeeded in creating steps that keep the show moving and can be performed by the whole cast but are not overly simplistic. In some numbers cannoning and sectioning is cleverly used to create the illusion of more complex movement.

Even with all of the aforementioned elements working so well together, Richard Dymond as Ebenezer Scrooge is an easy standout. His perfect comedic timing makes him a pleasure to watch. He is a capable singer but it is delivery, with gesture, facial expression and perfect intonation that makes this actor one of the most entertaining on the local theatre scene. Every role that I have seen him perform has been stamped with his seemingly effortless, almost perfect execution. As Scrooge he is always funny and utterly convincing and very likeable, even before his transformation.

'Scrooge', running until December 15, is a must see for local theatre-goers, perfect for children and adults. The well-worn Christmas story is nicely spruced up by the musical and the BMDS production is well realised, full of warmth and surprises. If you have not been visited by the Christmas spirit yet 'Scrooge' could be just the remedy.