Illustration of a juggler and an acrobat in a small circus ring as children watch (A Christmas Carol)

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.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

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.

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.

Ages

All ages (with content guidance available)

Neighborhood

Waterloo

Food & Drink

The event features mince pies, and visitors can eat before the show at the Backstage cafe and bar.

Accessibility

Offers Audio Described (with Touch Tours), BSL-interpreted, Captioned, and Relaxed performances, with discounted access and companion tickets.

Going?

Location

The Old Vic · The Cut, London SE1 8NB Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

Theatre fans and families with children aged 8+

Vibe

Festive and immersive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

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.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

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.

Browse Christmas in 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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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