A Christmas Carol gets a star casting
BRIAN Blessed and Penelope Keith will star in a new online adaptation of Charles Dickens’ muchloved Christmas story, this December.
This festive season, Jermyn Street Theatre in London’s West End and Guildford Shakespeare Company are set to present their online version of Charles Dickens’ wellknown and much-loved classic tale, AChristmasCarol.
The show will play online from Thursday, December 17 to until Sunday, December 27 with tickets went on sale on Tuesday, November 17.
Adapted from the original by Naylah Ahmed and directed by Natasha Rickman, AChristmasCarol will star Penelope Keith and Brian Blessed as the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present and Jim Findley (who has appeared in Jermyn Street Theatre’s TheTempest when lockdown was announced in March) will play the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge.
The show will also feature children from Guildford Shakespeare Company’s drama clubs as the Cratchit children.
Writer Naylah Ahmed has worked extensively for BBC TV and Radio and is a core script writer for The Archers and director Natasha Rickman is a Jermyn Street Associate Artist who earlier in 2020 directed The TimeMachine for Creation Theatre at the London Library and its later virtual adaptation during lockdown.
Guildford Shakespeare Company co-founder Matt Pinches said,
“We’re so excited to be creating this special adaptation of Dickens’ enchanting story.
“Its themes of compassion and community have never been more important, and this innovative production will light up the hearts of all who see it.
“We’re indebted to the imagination of the whole artistic team for bringing this heart-warming tale to your living room, and to Penelope and Brian for granting us their time and talent.”
Tom Littler, Artistic Director of Jermyn Street Theatre added, “What a festive treat!
“AChristmasCarol is a wonderful way for families and friends to get together, wherever they may be, to share in the joy of a truly Christmassy story.
“Naylah and Natasha are creating a brilliant adaptation that will be enjoyed as much by grandparents as by grandchildren.
“Put your feet up on your own sofa, pour a glass of something delicious, and take a break in Dickensian London.”