Reading Rep Theatre today announces the full cast of A Christmas Carol – a world première adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novella, written by local born playwright Beth Flintoff – the first Christmas production in the new theatre that runs as part of the Reading Rep: Reborn season.
Artistic Director of Reading Rep Paul Stacey directs Beth Eyre, Dave Fishley, Samuel Kyi, Rose McPhilemy and Rick Romero in this family friendly production set on the cobbled streets of Reading. The production opens on 8 December, with previews from 3 December, and runs until 31 December. A 15ft tall Christmas tree is set to be erected outside the theatre to honour the festive season and the first Christmas production at Reading Rep’s new state-of-the-art theatre.
Completing the creative team are Anna Lewis (Designer), Joe Dines (Sound Designer), Simeon Miller (Lighting Designer) and Sheree Paton (Costumer Designer and Supervisor).
The production is accompanied by Reading Rep’s largest ever participatory project, Dear Mr Scrooge, which aims to bring literature to life through performing arts, encouraging creative expression for some of Reading’s communities who find it hardest to access the arts. The project will engage over 300 participants across Reading including an SEN school, 5 primary schools, Bounce Back 4 Kids and Purley Park Trust, who will create their own versions of Dicken’s timeless tale.
A fire is crackling, a hot chocolate brewing, and there is a ghost (or two) ready to tell you a story…
Ebenezer Scrooge is the miserable boss of Huntley and Palmers, Reading’s world-famous biscuit company. With a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to feel the festive joy this year? Step back in time with your favourite characters and enjoy the whimsy and wonder of this yuletide production, drawn from the cobbled streets of Reading.
