Un canto di Natale

The production tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Londoner who receives three ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve. Each spirit shows him a different chapter of his life, from the losses that shaped his cold heart to the suffering his selfishness causes in the present, and finally to a bleak future that awaits him if he does not change. By morning, Scrooge is a transformed man. Jack Thorne's adaptation centres the emotional warmth of Dickens' original novella while bringing the Old Vic audience into the story through live carol singing and immersive staging.

The adaptation is written by Jack Thorne, whose stage credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The production is directed by Matthew Warchus, best known for bringing Matilda The Musical to the stage. The creative team also includes composer and arranger Christopher Nightingale, designer Rob Howell, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Simon Baker and movement director Lizzi Gee.

The running time is approximately two hours in total, including a twenty-minute interval. This makes it a comfortable length for families and theatregoers of all ages, and the interval provides a natural break to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Old Vic foyer.

The production carries an age guidance of 8 and above. It is an excellent choice for families looking to introduce younger members to live theatre, though the storytelling and production values are equally rewarding for adults. Some of the ghostly sequences may be intense for very young or sensitive children, so parental judgement is always encouraged.

The Old Vic is on The Cut in SE1, central London. Waterloo station, served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City lines as well as National Rail services, is approximately a two-minute walk. Southwark station on the Jubilee line is a similar distance in the other direction. Waterloo East station also provides a convenient arrival point for those travelling from south-east London and beyond.

You can see availability and book tickets through tickadoo, built by the founders of London Theatre Direct. Tickets start from £29.38, with a variety of price bands to suit different budgets and seating preferences. Early booking is advisable, as performances during peak festive dates and school holidays tend to sell out well in advance.