When I saw that Audible had a version of “A Christmas Carol” performed by Patrick Stewart, there wasn’t a chance in the world I would not listen to it. I made myself wait until after Thanksgiving, though, because I’m a stickler about such things. If I lived in a universe in which Stewart had not delivered a singular performance of Scrooge in the movies, I would have still leapt at this given his marvelous vocal talent regardless. As I assume everyone reading this knows the gist of “A Christmas Carol”, I won’t bother rehashing the story. It’s enough to say that Stewart fully delivers here, performing all the characters and sound effects. I must say, listening to Patrick Stewart make clock and ringing bell noises was an interesting start to the Christmas season. Stewart gives all of the characters a distinct voice, playing a bit with different accents: they sounded fine to my American ears, but I imagine British listeners might have different opinions — just as I severely roll my eyes when I hear someone putting on a southern drawl. Because of Stewart’s involvement in a Christmas Carol movie as well as this, I couldn’t help but compare his performance of Scrooge proper — and this audiobook’s Scrooge is a bit different — Stewart delivers lines in a higher register, with a bit more timidity. I much prefer the movie version, but this was utterly enjoyable, and no more so than when I got to hear Stewart pretending to be a child singing a Christmas hymn.

Now, to versions of A Christmas Carol. I understand there are different partisans, but I’ll die on the hill that Stewart’s is the best — all of the acting is superb, and to it is added the wonderful music of Stephen Warbeck.

Twelve seconds of Patrick Stewart singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

Fezziwg’s Party, one of my favorite scenes in the movie to watch.

Fran’s Theme, heart-rending in its wistfulness despite its shortness: