The Rose Theatre have announced casting for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, which runs at the venue from 2 December 2022 - 2 January 2023.

Penny Layden (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, West End) will play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, alongside Killian Macardle (Grown Ups, UK tour) as Bob Cratchit/Marley/Fezziwig, Natasha Magigi (The Clothes They Stood Up In, Nottingham Playhouse) as Mrs Cratchit/Pawnbroker, Elexi Walker (I Think We Are Alone, Frantic Assembly) as Dickens, and Lizzie Winkler (Keith?, Arcola Theatre) as Elizabeth/Ghost of Christmas Present.

The cast also features forty young people from Rose Youth Theatre who will perform in two alternate casts.  The Rose Youth Theatre company includes: Viola Johnson, Lily Rowell (Maud), Jemima Leason, Luke Groarke (Jojo), Alex Forster, Amelie Abbott (Robin), Jacob Towey, Tom Hardman (Fred), Isobel Whurr, Chloe Nichols (Ghost of Christmas Past), Scarlett Coburn, Ellie Searle (Young Ebbie), Benjamin Haxton, Elliot Shepherd (Young Edmund), Cathra Plant, Isla Griffiths (Young Fan), Holly Schofield, Penny Bennet (Apprentice Scrooge/Ricky), Darcey Abel, Jasmine Procter–Tarabanov (Allie/Martha Cratchit), Amelia Forster, Silvia Shea (Eddie/Ernie Cratchit), Isabella Quijano, Alice Young (Spike/Vic Cratchit), Jack Fernie, Skylar Muwonge (Caroline), Sally Page, Summer Toibayeva (Micky), Audrey Johnston, Sam Step (Alex/Stevie), Louie McKillop, Max Middleton (Billy), Florence Datta, Tait Walsingham (Jack), Ted Cullen, Nico Ozag (Frankie/August), Jasmine Duman, Atticus Wright (Kit), Ren Walsingham (Bobby).

Further casting and the full creative team is to be announced.

Morgan Lloyd Malcolm said: “I am so excited to have had the chance to make this show. I adore the original story and making a version for the Rose Theatre with its rich tradition of including a large ensemble of young people has been such a fun exercise in joy and Christmassy vibes!  The whole creative team are so brilliant and this will be a festive feast for audiences young and old.”

From Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, writer of the Olivier Award-winning Emilia, comes a brand-new retelling of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic.  With all new songs by Eamonn O’Dwyer and directed by Rosie Jones, step into this heart-warming tale of generosity and forgiveness, and experience the spirit of Christmas with the whole family.

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