A Christmas Carol
Audiences experience Jack Thorne's stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story directed by Matthew Warchus and starring Giles Terera as Ebenezer Scrooge. The immersive in-the-round production fills the auditorium with music, mince pies, and festive atmosphere. Live musicians accompany the performance playing instruments including the melodeon, whistle, clarinet, and cello.
What to Expect
Matthew Warchus' staging of Dickens' classic starring Giles Terera as Scrooge.
Event Details
Duration
Approximately two hours, including a 20-minute interval.
Ages
All ages (with content guidance available)
Neighborhood
Waterloo
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Old Vic
Food & Drink
The event features mince pies, and visitors can eat before the show at the Backstage cafe and bar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Theatre fans and families with children aged 8+
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
£££
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Previews £19.50–£81.50; Off-Peak £19.50–£81.50; Peak £19.50–£91.50. An access rate of £23.50–£26.50 is available for all performances; one carer/companion ticket per booking is available at the same price. – Get tickets
- Hours: Access performances: Saturday 12 December, 2pm; Monday 04 January, 7pm; Tuesday 05 January, 7pm; Monday 14 December, 7pm. Touch tours: 12 December, 11.45am; 4 January, 5pm. No general performance times are stated.
- Accessibility: Offers Audio Described (with Touch Tours), BSL-interpreted, Captioned, and Relaxed performances, with discounted access and companion tickets.
Tips & Advice
- Book early to avoid disappointment. Preview dates in November and off-peak dates in early January are also options.
- Join the free Access Membership before booking if you need access support, since it gets you the access rate and a companion ticket at the same price.
- Arrive in time for the touch tour before the audio-described performances on 12 December and 4 January if you'd like to take part.
- Book a table at the Backstage cafe and bar if you want a meal before the show.
- If you live in Lambeth or Southwark, sign up for the free OV Local Membership before booking to make the most of your visit.
Special Events & Promotions
- Preview performances run 10–23 November, and off-peak performances run 1–9 January.
- Audio-described performances on Saturday 12 December and Monday 4 January, each with a touch tour beforehand.
- BSL-interpreted performances on Saturday 12 December and Tuesday 5 January.
- Captioned performances on Saturday 12 December and Monday 14 December, plus a relaxed performance that is also audio described, captioned and BSL interpreted.
- An access rate is available for every performance, with one carer or companion ticket per booking at the same price.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for children?
It's recommended for ages 8 and up.
How long is the show?
About two hours, including a 20-minute interval.
What access performances are there?
Audio-described performances are on Saturday 12 December and Monday 4 January, each with a touch tour beforehand. BSL-interpreted performances are on Saturday 12 December and Tuesday 5 January. Captioned performances are on Saturday 12 December and Monday 14 December. There's also a relaxed performance that is audio described, captioned and BSL interpreted.
Can we eat before the show?
Yes. You can book a table at the Backstage cafe and bar for a pre-theatre meal.
What is the staging like?
The show is staged in the round, which immerses the audience in the story. Mince pies and live music fill the auditorium. The musicians play keyboard, melodeon, whistle, clarinet, bass clarinet, cello and violin.
More Christmas Events Near London
More Christmas Events near London
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.