The Old Vic and Lowry have announced that actor and comedian John Thomson will play Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus’ celebrated production of A Christmas Carol when it arrives at Lowry, Salford this festive season.
The production, adapted by Jack Thorne from Charles Dickens’ classic novella, will run from 11 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 and marks the first time the show has been staged outside London in its 10th anniversary year.
Thomson, best known for roles in Cold Feet, The Fast Show and Coronation Street, takes on the iconic role as the production continues to delight audiences nearly a decade after its premiere at The Old Vic.
Matthew Warchus, director of A Christmas Carol and Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome John Thomson to play Ebenezer Scrooge as we bring A Christmas Carol to Salford for the very first time. John is a wonderful performer, who many will know from delighting us on screen, and I can’t wait to see him deliver this extraordinary and beloved character. As we celebrate 10 years of this production, it feels very special to bring A Christmas Carol to another part of the UK and to share the warmth, humour and magic of the story with a whole new audience.”
John Thomson said: “It’s an absolute honour to have been cast as the legendary character Scrooge, in The Old Vic’s forthcoming production of A Christmas Carol. I’m looking forward to entertaining everyone at the Lowry with my interpretation this coming Christmas.”
Set on a bitter Christmas Eve, the production follows the miserly Scrooge as he is visited by four ghosts and confronted with the consequences of a lifetime spent consumed by fear and selfishness. Filled with music, mince pies and festive cheer, the show has become a cherished part of The Old Vic’s seasonal programme.
Since its premiere in 2017, A Christmas Carol has played to almost one million people across London, the United States and Australia, as well as reaching audiences worldwide through the theatre’s OLD VIC: IN CAMERA initiative in 2020.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Rob Howell, composer and arranger Christopher Nightingale, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Simon Baker, movement director Lizzi Gee, casting director Grindrod Burton Casting and associate director Jamie Manton.
Suitable for audiences aged eight and over, the production will offer a range of accessible performances during its Salford run, including captioned, audio described and British Sign Language interpreted performances.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
