The Albany Theatre’s returning adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella comes hot on the heels of the RSC’s much-feted version, but while there’s a temptation to compare the two, it’s largely a pointless exercise, as there are almost as many differences as there are similarities between the productions.

The plot and characters are the same of course, but there’s a huge disparity in terms of scale, style and even substance - David Edgar’s RSC version takes a few liberties with Dickens’ work, but Albany artistic director Kevin Shaw sticks faithfully to the source material.

“He’s a master storyteller - who are we to think we are better than Dickens,” he told me recently - little wonder the show has proved popular with teachers and school groups - but the production’s authenticity goes beyond sticking to the original text, and if anything it’s those style and scale elements that are the most impressive and best reflect the heart and soul of a tale essentially about community and making the most (and doing the best) with what you’ve got.

Production manager Dan Tilley’s wonderfully inventive lighting and stage design, which includes cupboards containing sections of the set that disappear when not in use, does just that (and is even more remarkable given it’s largely put together by volunteers), the period backdrop and costumes look terrific and there’s a real zip to nearly every scene and set piece.

None of this would work without a talented cast of course, and while each member of the excellent seven-strong company - all local to the area - gets a turn in the spotlight, there’s a genuine ensemble feel to the production as the actors switch between roles (often at lightning speed), move around in choreographed routines, narrate scenes and handle props. They can all sing a bit too, and while Aidan Cutler is the obvious standout vocalist, the harmonies during the unaccompanied musical numbers - all Christmas Carols of course - were outstanding throughout.

But if the protagonists sing like angels, they make no attempt to speak that way. Shaw’s production might feature Victorian dialogue, but it’s no stuffy costume drama, and he employs pronunciation and intonation to great effect. Familiar working-class accents, from the cheery Caribbean lilt of Andrea Crewe’s Ghost of Christmas Present to the Black Country twang of launderers ripping off Scrooge’s belongings after his apparent death, add colour as well as help the audience identify and empathise with the characters, and even the reviled Scrooge (Paul Nolan partly channelling Albert Steptoe) becomes a figure to pity as his enunciation drifts from gruff to grief.

All of which ensures we’re ready to cheer the old miser’s redemption and the story’s happy ending all the more, evidenced on this night by roars of approval and a standing ovation at the finale of a wonderful show with more than its share of festive spirit(s).

Four stars

Reviewed by Steve Adams at Albany Theatre, Coventry, on Thursday 8 December. A Christmas Carol continues to show at the venue until Mon 26 December.