WHAT’S ON TV

New adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic from Steven Knight, writer of Peaky Blinders and Taboo.

WHAT IS IT?

Guy Pearce as Ebeneezer Scrooge, Andy Serkis as the Ghost Of Christmas Past and Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley.

WHO’S IN IT? WHAT’S THE STORY?

Misanthropic businessman Ebenezer Scrooge (Guy Pearce) refuses to treat Christmas as different to any other day, much to Bob Cratchit’s (Joe Alwyn) chagrin, as he is desperate to leave work and get home to his family on Christmas Eve.

Scrooge’s dead former business partner Jacob Marley (Stephen Graham) begs for peace in his coffin.

Having repented himself, the Spirits have news for him. He will linger in purgatory until Scrooge himself repents, something Marley knows he will never do.

“It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to offer a new interpretation of a timeless classic. This story has resonated with people all over the world for over one-hundred-and-fifty years, and that is proof that there is something as durable as a diamond at its heart. As someone in awe of Charles Dickens’ ability to create narrative and

WRITER STEVEN KNIGHT SAYS:

invent universally recognised characters, I have tried to stay faithful to the text. However, this has involved a close examination of what is written to find elements that perhaps Dickens in his own time was not allowed to write about due to contemporary sensibilities. I have asked why Scrooge is the man he is, what caused him to be so, and I have offered what I hope are challenging answers. Every generation hands Dickens on to the next generation, and

GUY PEARCE SAYS:

Guy Pearce as Scrooge. this evocation is offered with respect for whatever is deep and significant, and for all the many things that are fun, seasonal and festive. Expect some surprises, and lots of snow.”

“The consistently beautiful dialogue that Steven has written ensures you never lose track of the journey that Scrooge is on. Steven’s ability to write in this big, but also very intimate way, was so impressive to me.”