This Christmas, the Old Vic is bringing a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless story about life and loss, A Christmas Carol.
This version is written by the award winning Jack Thorne (whose TV credits include the BAFTA winning series The Fades, This Is England '88 & '90, Don't Take My Baby) and directed by the Old Vic's Artistic Director Matthew Warchus (Matilda, Groundhog Day).
What is A Christmas Carol About?
On a cold Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, who transport him to the worlds past, present and future. The trip makes him realise that he has been living a lifetime of fear and selfishness, and has led him to see with fresh eyes the lonely life he has built for himself. Can Ebenezer be saved before it’s too late?
Starring Rhys Ifans (Kevin & Perry Go Large, Notting Hill) as Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is an uplifting festive story, vividly brought to the stage in a big-hearted production full of music and cheer - Make sure to book your tickets today to guarantee your place in the audience!
A Christmas Carol reviews
A truly magical experience with all the trappings of a Victorian setting - mince pies and oranges a nice touch guys. Congratulations to the entire ensemble of actors, musicians, set designers and production team for bringing such warmth and joy to what is already a national treasure. Rhys Ifan will no doubt be playing Fagin 'ere long' - what an abundance of energy and talent. Thank you all.
This was an evening we will never forget; one of my favourite books brought to life by a fantastic cast which will stay with us for a long time. The music was especially beautiful. The scene where the Christmas feast was prepared was so joyful (I never thought I could be delighted to be handed a humbecauliflower!) When the snow came down so spectacularly and unexpectedly the reaction from the audience was one of child-like wonder and delight. To quote George Eliot 'It is never too late to be what you might have been'!
A fantastic show, everyone of the cast & band were first class. If they do it again don't miss it!
Uplifting, touching, deep, dark, intense, joyous, inspiring, beautiful. Rhys Infans was amazing with an intensely powerful acting performance of Scrooge. Both Tiny Tims performances (I saw two shows) were wonderful and endearing. Bob Cratchit too was exceptional. Loved the bell ringing, the singing, the snow, the actors interaction with the audience and,,,the mince pies! Brilliant. My favourite performance on a stage ever. I defy anyone not to love it.
I thought the production was wonderful but didn’t like the rewrite. They should have stuck to the original story. The current version too complex for a younger audience. Although the acting was excellent some of the actors were hard to understand and there was a lot of shouting. The bell ringing and Tiny Tim were the highlights.
An excellent adaptation of The Christmas Carol story. Loved the combination of music including the bell ringing sections which really added to the atmosphere. The acting was excellent and reduced me to tears a number of times. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole show!
It was an amazing bit of theatre. Truly spectacular! The cast were so so so brilliant and The Old Vic was perfect for this performance! I would see it again if it were on next year. Thank you all very much. P.S Your staff are very friendly too!
Not as dark as I was expecting. But loved the creative staging and the music, that was an unexpected treat. Strong cast of course.
Not as dark as I was expecting. But loved the creative staging and the music, that was an unexpected treat. Strong cast of course.
Brilliant in every way
This was simply the best show we have seen in ages. So original and utterly perfect for our 7 year old son. He said he “will have the sweetest dreams after seeing the show.” It was just brilliant and the stage was so unique, the music/bells were enchanting and performances epic! We hope it comes back next year because we would make it an annual event. Nothing bah humbug to say here!
The play was a great adaptation of Dickens work, and the set left everything to the imagination. Really good work, but the highest praise must go to the cast especially Rhys Ifans who portrayed Scrooge in a brilliant way. Ten out of ten, get tickets anyway you can this show is excellent!!
Absolutely loved this version of A Christmas Carol. Such talent! Loved the carols being played throughout the play. Rhys Ifans was brilliant.
The Old Vic has never failed to impress. But a building is nothing without Its actors primarily followed by The people behind the scenes. The Production of Christmas Carol was outstanding., without divulging much after seeing the show twice I had to bring my daughter and on Saturday will be seeing it once again with my husband., Well done Mr Ifans you are truly A "SIR" amongst your fellow actors.,
This was the best show ever. We watched it with our three grandchildren who were transfixed by the story and the whole production. It was everything the reviews said it would be and we all loved it. Thank you to the wonderful cast and team.
Really enjoyed A Christmas Carol. The theatre was welcoming and handy for Waterloo station. The cast were excellent and engaged the audience very well. Loved the music too. A great night out.
Brilliant, laughed, cried enjoyed!
What a fantastic production, the set was clever, the atmosphere exciting, the use of hand bells and carols gave a real Victorian feel and the mix pathos and fun were to be had all evening. Rhys Ifans was brilliant and it was good to see John Dalgliesh again.
A memorable show with an excellent cast involved with the audience from the moment we arrived .:fantastic music .was a great bonus throughout and beautiful singing added to the visual experience Rhys Ifans was brilliant as Scrooge . The snow , the slide for the food and the final interplay with Tiny Tim were memorable moments. Great show!
What a brilliant show. Having loved the story in its previous forms for many years I was a little apprehensive about this approach, which was said to "take liberties with the original" Absolutely no need. It was a night of pure delight and pleasure. The cast were absolutely in the Dickensian spirit from the moment we took our seats, and delivered a great performance thereafter. I was absorbed and uplifted throughout and the fantastic final third was full of hilarity and joy. Just the perfect way to "keep Christmas in our hearts" Well done to all. Can we have another "dose" next year
Fantastic evening - so pleased we were able to get seats
What a wonderful piece of theatre! It had everything: a strong story; suspense; laughter; a serious message and lots of fun. Also a brilliant lead in Rhys Ifans with strong support from the rest of the cast.
Fabulous show! Great actors, highly atmospheric, magical staging! Bell ringing a real treat. Much more than I anticipated!
Gorgeous theatre, never been before, the production was beautiful and very moving. Rhys Ifans was spectacular ! Although.... my husband had to use the loo a few mins before curtain up and one of the ushers quite curtly told him to hurry up.......not good !
One of the best theatre performances we’ve been to in a long while. Truely magical .
Excellent retelling of the classic. I took my 10 and 14 year old nephews and both strongly recommend it.
I took my 10 year old daughter and we both loved it. Rhys was amazing and the layout of the theatre worked brilliantly. Fabulous evening
Felt battered, though not into submission, by Rhys Ifans, which made what have been a fine production into an enervating afternoon. Loved the bells.
Excellent show it was worth coming all the way from Australia to see it.
An amazing show! Great atmosphere, mince pies, excellent acting and singing, a real treat! Really enjoyed the show which transported me back in time.
From the moment we entered we were transported to a Dickensian Christmas. It made me laugh, cry, reflect and be totally engaged with every character. The live music and singing bought a magical element to the production. I cannot recommend it highly enough - I want to go again!!
Went with my 16 year old son..,both of us were so very impressed with the theatre/cast / music ...Rhys Ifans was the very best!!! Great audience participation too.. a must to see!!!
The Old Vic presentation of “A Christmas Carol,” is absolutely incredible, and left me wanting to see it once again. This is a wonderful combination of Dickens’ deeply meaningful plot, a carefully crafted staging, and of course, an incredibly talented cast! So very happy to have successfully braved the recent New York blizzard, and had the opportunity to come to London to see this performance! Karen Patricia Smith White Plains, New York
Totally magical!
It was a magical evening, very atmospheric. The hand bells are wonderful and make a beautiful sound. The story is told well, simply, traditionally but with a twist. You are immediately made to feel welcome and party to the story. Very well acted and you can't take your eyes off Scrooge. He is amazing. The snow is a lovely touch. I wish I could see it again,
What a fantastic and interesting show, captivating all the way through. Simple but very effective, loved it.
Absolutely beautiful production. Astonishing performances. Couldn't have asked for anything more. We loved it. Perfection!
Nothing miserly about this production. A wonderful evening at the theatre.
Well thought out theatre with music including handbells, use of carols, great ensemble voices and timing. as well as all this the acting and effects were superb. Lovely evening out.
Rhys Ifans and the cast were outstanding. One of the best shows we have seen. I would thoroughly recommend you going to see the show before it finishes. Our seats were in my view the best. Even got to shake Rhys by the hand as he walked off stage. Top man. Don't miss out. Absolutely fabulous. Thanks Phil
Was a lovely night out with my 18yr old.
A heart warming, emotional, beautiful version of A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic. It is wonderful and magical and they make it snow!!!!
A magical evening - loved everything about the show.
Wonderful show. Everything you want from a Visit to the theatre st Christmas
A theatrical treat that was totally amazing from start to finish.
First time at the Old Vic, lovely theatre I really enjoyed the performances great music and an amazing performance by Rhys Ifans playing Scrooge. Lots of Chrismassy extras laid on with mince pies and falling snow It was very Atmospheric with lanterns as the stage set - Dickens would have loved this!
I booked the show as my daughter is doing the play for GCSE and expected it to be the usual Scrooge / Christmas Carol good but serious - we both really thoroughly enjoyed it and would be again and again if on long run or comes back - it was a fun and refreshing change to the exact Dickens which made it a lovely surprise and a genuine fabulous experience Rhys was genious and fantastic and so were the rest of the cast and orchestra ! 10/10 fabulous !!
For some years now I have been giving my family gifts of outings and experiences rather than things. As you can imagine, any Christmas outing is particularly important. Yesterday I took two under 10s to A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic and it could not have been a better choice. The staging cleverly brought the audience in to the action and the lighting effects were incredibly effective in creating atmosphere and symbolising important messages in the text. The play was a wonderfully lively and engaging mixture of straight theatre, an interactive experience and a carol concert, with a little bit of pantomime thrown in for good measure! It was very effecting and the various stages of Scrooge's transformation were cleverly presented. The pathos of certain scenes drew a tear, the carefully calibrated knock about sections had the audience roaring with laughter. The use of bells to sing out some of the carols was captivating and magical. Rhys Ifans' performance was a tour de force, with his body language as well as the words of the play showing Scrooge's gradual change and redemption. The play drew out themes which are as relevant today as they were when the novella was written: the destructive power of selfishness, the universal need for compassion, the importance of loving and supporting others, the transforming effect of being kind to, and forgiving, yourself. Highly recommended for theatre-goers of all ages. You will not be disappointed!
really enjoyed the production of A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic yesterday-the acting was superb; supported by great music and props well done!!
Hugely entertaining from beginning to end. Superbly acted and clever involvement of audience with surprise mince pies, snow scene and bell ringing. An unforgettable production in a beautiful theatre. Thank you
FAQs
Cancellation Policy
No exchange or refund after purchase.
Cast
Starring Rhys Ifans as Ebenezer Scrooge;
Melissa Allan as Little Fan;
Jamie Cameron as Young Ebenezer / George;
John Dagleish, Bob Cratchit, Erin Doherty, Oliver Evans, Tim Van Eyken
Alex Gaumond, Siena Kelly, Eugene McCoy, Myra McFadyen, Maria Omakinwa, Alastair Parker and Golda Rosheuvel.
TINY TIM CAST: Toby Eden, Grace Fincham, Ethan Quinn and Lenny Rush.
Good To Know
Gala perfs: Sat 23 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Audio Described Perf: Tue 9 Jan 7.30pm
Captioned Perf: Thu 11 Jan 7.30pm
How Does It Work
Please bring along your printed voucher to the box office to collect tickets before the show.
Suitable For Children
Age suitability: 11 and older
Contains haunting supernatural themes, mature emotion, and some content which younger audiences may find upsetting.
When Can I Go
18 Nov 2017–20 Jan 2018
Where Do I Go
The Old Vic, The Cut London, SE1 8NB