Overview
Synopsis
Jack Thorne’s modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, is a clever piece of theatre that takes place in the midst of carols and candlelight. Traditionally staged in the round, the theatre is transformed into an immersive experience, with mince pies and satsumas distributed around the audience. We follow the well-known story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who slowly and hesitantly transforms from a lonely, miserly tyrant to be reborn as a joyful businessman with a new chance at life. Free of romantic sentiment and portraying the harsh realities of Scrooge’s childhood with full force, this adaptation offers an unflinching, atmospheric, yet joyful look at a popular tale. Music is an integral part of the ensemble production, with Scrooge at its core. This is a tour de force for a leading man, as Scrooge does not leave the stage throughout all four acts of the play.
Show Information
- Book
- Jack Thorne
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843)
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 2017
- Genres
- Dark Comedy, Drama
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- Victorian London, England
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Nick Hern Book
- Ideal For
- College/University, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Child Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher