English
English
2 hr with interval
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until January 10, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 8+ yrs
from
£48.75
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Why watch A Christmas Carol?
- This adaptation, by Jack Thorne and Matthew Warchus, brings Charles Dickens’s classic tale to life with immersive staging, seasonal music, and festive magic, offering a heartwarming experience ideal for families and fans of timeless tales.
- The production has earned 5 Tony awards on Broadway, including recognitions for scenic design, costume design, lighting, and sound, highlighting the technical and creative excellence behind this acclaimed staging.
- Starring Paul Hilton (The Inheritance, Lady Macbeth, Slow Horses) as Ebenezer Scrooge, the show benefits from Matthew Warchus’ direction and Jack Thorne’s adaptation (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
- Themes of redemption, compassion, and human connection are enhanced by striking visual elements such as falling snow, dramatic ghosts and carolling sequences, combining spectacle with emotional depth.
- Running for a limited season at the Old Vic Theatre, this is your chance to make this festive tradition part of your holiday celebrations. Book tickets to A Christmas Carol in London now!
Matthew Warchus’s production of A Christmas Carol (adapted by Jack Thorne) returns to The Old Vic, starring Paul Hilton as Ebenezer Scrooge. The show mixes Dickens’s original moral themes with modern touches: here the three spirits (Past, Present, Future) are female, and Little Fan (Scrooge’s sister) plays an expanded, haunting role. Expect strong ensemble work, festive soundtrack including carols interwoven with original score, richly designed sets and lighting that evoke Victorian London, and live theatrical effects (snow, flying props, audience interaction).
Storyline
Set in London in the early nineteenth century, A Christmas Carol follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser cut off from joy, visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his long-dead partner and three spectral spirits. They guide him through memories of his childhood, scenes of present joy and suffering, and a glimpse of what may come if he continues on his current path. Along the way he must reckon with regret, compassion and hope. Would a change in heart come before it’s too late? Book A Christmas Carol London tickets to discover what unfolds.
Show timings
Show timings for A Christmas Carol may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Paul Hilton as Ebenezer Scrooge
- Director: Mathew Warchus
- Set & costume: Rob Howell
- Adapted by Jack Thorne
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is recommended for ages 8 years and above.
- Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please keep in mind that the theatre does not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.
- Audio Described: Friday, December 12, 7pm (Touch Tour 5pm) and Saturday, December 13, 2pm (Touch Tour 11:45am)
- British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted: Wednesday, December 10, 7pm and Saturday, December 13, 2pm
- Captioned: Saturday, December 13, 2pm and Monday, December 15, 7pm
- Relaxed (also Audio Described, Captioned and BSL Interpreted): Saturday, December 13, 2pm (Touch Tour 11:45am)
Old Vic Theatre Read more
The Old Vic is a popular West End theatre that is located on the corner of the Cut in Lambeth, London. Established in the year 1818, it has seen diverse productions including Shakespearean classics and contemporary hits. It has also hosted many major actors (Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Laurence Olivier among them) and been home to important theatre companies including the early National Theatre company. While the theatre was fondly called “Old Vic” in the 1880s, the official renaming came much later.
Old Vic Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting there
- Tube / Train: Waterloo station is about 3 minutes’ walk away. It is served by the Northern, Jubilee, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines, plus national rail services. Southwark (Jubilee), Lambeth North (Bakerloo) are also within walking distance.
- Bus: Routes including 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 171, 172, 176, 188, and others (plus night-buses like N1, N68, N171) serve the area around Waterloo Road or nearby stops.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, cafe
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, access performances, ramp, accessible restrooms, companion seating
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
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Frequently asked questions about A Christmas Carol
How much do the A Christmas Carol London tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from £31.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is the show appropriate for?
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 8 years and above. Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Where is the show playing in London?
The show is playing at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
How long does the show run for?
The running time of the play is 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission.
What is A Christmas Carol about?
The play brings you to Victorian London, where the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge faces his lonely, greedy life and the consequences of his choices. Guided by spectral visitors representing his past, present, and future, Scrooge embarks on a journey of redemption, compassion, and human connection.
Are there access-friendly performances?
Yes. The play includes Audio Described shows on December 12 at 7pm (Touch Tour 5pm) and December 13 at 2pm (Touch Tour 11:45am); BSL-interpreted performances on December 10 at 7pm and December 13 at 2pm; Captioned shows on December 13 at 2pm and December 15 at 7pm; plus a Relaxed performance on December 13 at 2pm (also Audio Described, Captioned, and BSL Interpreted).
Q- Are there any special effects or musical elements?
Guests can expect snowfall, ghostly apparitions, carolling sequences, and an original score by Christopher Nightingale, adding atmosphere and seasonal charm.