Ifans puts a new spin on Scrooge

Rhys Ifans will star in a radical reworking of a Christmas Carol in which his Ebenezer scrooge will have to really earn his redemption.

Jack Thorne, who wrote the acclaimed harry Potter and The Cursed Child play with J.K.Rowling and John Tiffany, was asked to adapt Charles Dickens’ classic novella for Matthew Warchus, who is the artistic chief at the Old Vic Theatre.

‘Jack has dealt with what could be a rather glib ending, where scrooge says: “I’ve changed my ways!” and sits down with Tiny Tim and the Cratchits for Christmas dinner,’ Warchus said. ‘But the question is whether he deserves a happy ending . . . or not?

‘The reality is that to be redeemed, you have to earn it; and you have to show it by your actions going forward.’

Warchus told me that Thorne’s script is ‘a provocation to all of us to question whether we are sharing and giving enough, and whether we are compassionate and caring enough in our lives.’

he stressed that Thorne’s adaptation ‘doesn’t stray miles away from Dickens’; but it ‘keeps scratching away at dark corners of the story and finding interesting, psychological emotional and political points to emphasise’.

It won’t be all ‘ bah humbug’, though. The Old Vic stage will be moved to a different part of the auditorium, to create what Warchus called ‘ a more informal relationship with the audience’. Musical director Chris nightingale, one of Warchus’s frequent collaborators, will create a musical score inspired by traditional carols — and there will be singing, too; though the show won’t (strictly speaking) be a musical. ‘We’d like to have mince pies, lanterns and snow falling on the audience — and maybe get people to dance,’ the artistic director said, warming to his theme. he didn’t mention crackers and hats, but he did say he wants the show to feel like a ‘ festive celebration’ and that the production is part of his passion to make theatre ‘unintimidating and welcoming’ to regulars and newcomers alike. Ifans (left), who was last on stage — at the Old Vic as it happens — playing the fool to Glenda Jackson’s King Lear, was cast as the cantankerous Ebenezer because he’s a ‘ dangerous and visceral performer’, Warchus said. he will be joined by a diverse ensemble. Warchus said the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and future will be a surprise. ‘ They won’t be who you think they are,’ he said cryptically. The show will run at the Old Vic from november 18. Warchus added that it’s suitable for families with children aged 11 and over.