A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic: Giles Terera's Scrooge in new rehearsal photos

Rehearsal photos have been released for the tenth anniversary run of A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, with Giles Terera as Ebenezer Scrooge. Jack Thorne's adaptation of the Charles Dickens story, directed by Matthew Warchus, plays from 10 November 2026 to 9 January 2027.

Thorne's version premiered at the Old Vic in 2017 and has returned each year since, with a different star taking on Scrooge. Terera, an Olivier Award winner, is back at the theatre after appearing there earlier this year.

What do the new rehearsal photos show?

Taken by Manuel Harlan, the pictures go inside the rehearsal room. Terera appears in several shots as the miser: in a patterned red dressing gown with a lantern in hand, leading a line of cast members holding up lanterns of their own, and in a tall stovepipe hat beside a money box.

Other shots catch the cast mid dance across the taped out rehearsal floor, ringing handbells, wearing paper party hats and carrying a wreath of holly. Among those pictured are Jack North and Gleanne Purcell-Brown, who play Bob and Mrs Cratchit, and Khalid Daley, who plays Young Ebenezer.

Who is in the cast this year?

Joining Terera are Carly Bawden as Belle, Ewan Black as Fred, Annie Wensak as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Aiesha Naomi as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Mrs Fezziwig. Alastair Parker plays Fezziwig, Edward Harrison doubles as Father and Marley and Kirsty MacLaren is Little Fan, with four young performers sharing Tiny Tim.

The cast also includes Geraint Downing as Ferdy and George, Claire O'Leary as Jess and Nuwan Hugh Perera as Nicholas and the Schoolmaster, with Hollie Jane Stephens and Sam Stones as swings.

What is different about this year's staging?

Warchus's staging fills the theatre with music, mince pies and merriment, and this year it plays as part of the Old Vic's Season In The Round, with seats on every side. The Old Vic calls it London's longest running adaptation of the festive favourite, and it has now played to almost a million people across London, America and Australia.

The creative team includes set and costume designer Rob Howell, composer and arranger Christopher Nightingale, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Simon Baker and movement director Lizzi Gee, with Alan Berry as musical director.

When can theatregoers see it?

Previews run from 10 to 23 November 2026, and the show plays until 9 January 2027. It lasts about two hours, including a 20 minute interval, and is recommended for ages 8 and over. Audio described, captioned, British Sign Language interpreted and relaxed performances are scheduled in December and January.

Find dates for A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic.

What else should readers catch up on?

Read our review of the Old Vic staging, look back at Christopher Eccleston as Scrooge, revisit our interview with Giles Terera or plan your visit with our Old Vic Theatre guide.

Photos: Manuel Harlan.