IF you don't much relish the prospect of Christmas this production will change your mind. Phil Lowe's adaptation of the Dickens masterpiece is superb: it captures emphatically the enduring potency of the original.

What with Tiny Tim and his crutch, it's maudlin, of course; but as a tale of love, redemption and lost opportunity it can move strong men to tears.

Martin Berry's direction is inventive and imaginative. The way he realises the potential of a totally minimal set is admirable. And, wisely, he allows old Lace Market sweats like Linda Croston and John Parker, at for instance the Fezziwigs' party, scope to do their stuff. Ensemble scenes are handled well.

Roger Newman's central character is beautifully played: Newman looks and sounds absolutely right as the unbending skin-flint. But there are also some well-judged comic touches, most obviously after Scrooge's moral awakening when he breaks into a jig. And supporting characters are well observed: Christmas Present (Mark Breach), Bob Cratchit (Paul Johnson) and Mrs Cratchit (Katherine Morrant), for example.

From the initial funeral scene, when we hear some Bruckner, music and background sound are extraordinarily well done.

This must be the Lace Market's best production in a very good year.

ALAN GEARY