A Christmas Carol at Lowry: full cast joins John Thomson's Scrooge in Salford

John Thomson as Scrooge. Photo: Hugo Glendinning.

The full cast has been announced for the Old Vic's A Christmas Carol in Salford, where John Thomson leads the company as Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by Matthew Warchus and adapted by Jack Thorne, the production plays the Lyric Theatre at Lowry from Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027.

It is the first time the production has been staged in the UK outside London since it premiered at the Old Vic in 2017, and the Salford run brings one of the capital's best loved Christmas traditions to audiences in the North West.

The full company

Joining Thomson are Laura Baldwin as Belle, Hayley Canham as Little Fan, Marilyn Cutts as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Christian Edwards as Bob Cratchit, Emma Lucia as Mrs Cratchit, Kamilla Fernandes as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Mrs Fezziwig, and Hadrian Delacey as Father and Marley.

The company also includes Peter Dukes as Nicholas and the Schoolmaster, Seb Harwood as Ferdy and George, Annell Odartey as Jess, Ben Redfern as Fezziwig, Joe Usher as Fred and Connor Wood as Young Ebenezer, with Jamie Doncaster as swing. Rachel Moran is associate choreographer and offstage cover for Mrs Cratchit and Jess.

The role of Tiny Tim is shared by Ronan Caldwell, Chloe Gay, Franklin Gimson and Kharia Thompson.

The creative team

The set and costumes are by Rob Howell, with music composed and arranged by Christopher Nightingale. Lighting is by Hugh Vanstone and sound by Simon Baker, with movement by Lizzi Gee. Jamie Manton is associate director, casting is by Grindrod Burton Casting and original casting was by Jessica Ronane.

Warchus said: “For ten years now this production of A Christmas Carol has been delighting audiences from London and beyond and I am immensely proud of the impact it continues to have on audiences.” He added: “To now be able to share the joy of this production with the Lowry and its audiences makes this year a truly special one.”

The story behind the production

Thorne's adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel is set on Christmas Eve, when a cold hearted miser is visited by four ghosts who force him to look back at his past, face his present and see what his future holds. It is a story of second chances, generosity and the warmth of community, told with carols, bells and a famous shower of festive food.

Ten years at the Old Vic

Back in London, the production returns to the Old Vic this winter for its tenth consecutive year, running until 9 January 2027 with Giles Terera as Scrooge. Since it opened, it has played to almost one million people across London, America and Australia, and in 2020 it was streamed live as part of the Old Vic: In Camera series.

How long does it run?

It runs for about 2 hours, including a 20 minute interval.

What age is it suitable for?

It is recommended for ages 8 and over.

More to read

We first reported Thomson's casting as Scrooge. You can also read our review of the production at the Old Vic, or plan a festive trip with our guide to Manchester theatre.