A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

This Christmas a West End stage will once again be transformed into Victorian London as Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” arrives at the Arts Theatre. It means that the venue will be the home of one of many seasonal productions in the capital this winter as it goes up against “The Snowman” at the Peacock Theatre and “Christmas with the Rat Pack” at the Wyndham’s Theatre. But with Simon Callow taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge and re-teaming with his “Being Shakespeare” director Tom Cairns it is likely to be a stand-out production when it begins its run in December.

Simon Callow is a well known English actor who has taken on many acclaimed roles on the stage and screen. He was last seen in the West End in “Being Shakespeare” at Trafalgar Studios 1 though his career has also included “The Woman in White” at the Palace Theatre, “Equus” at the Chichester Festival Theatre and “Waiting for Godot” at the Haymarket Theatre. Meanwhile, his work has also included screen appearances and he is best known for “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Shakespeare in Love” and “Doctor Who” (portraying Charles Dickens in the latter).

The plot of “A Christmas Carol” is a famous one and focuses on the miserable and grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, whose cruelness extends to forcing his employees to work on Christmas Day and uttering “Bah! Humbug” at the mere mention of Christmas. But on the night before the big day he is visited by three spirits, including his former business partner Jacob Marley and they show him his past, present and future – ultimately leadings to him changing his ways.

The novella on which the play is based was first published in 1843 and would be met with great success immediately. It can be credited with introducing many concepts relating to Christmas that remain in place to this day and is also credited for popularising the phrase “Merry Christmas”. Its legacy has been maintained by countless stage, television and film adaptations that have appeared in the years since its publication.

“A Christmas Carol” appears at the Arts Theatre from Saturday 10th December 2011 (previews from Thursday 8th December 2011) until Saturday 14th January 2012.