In what has quickly become a Melbourne festive season tradition, the blockbuster production A Christmas Carol returns for a third year this Christmas, with the first cast announced today.
Joining the production for 2024 will be beloved stage and screen actor Alison Whyte, fresh from starring alongside Anthony LaPaglia in the much-lauded Death of A Salesman, as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Tim Wright – who recently played Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day the Musical and Bill Austen in Mamma Mia! – as Bob Cratchit; and Kaori Maeda-Judge, who starred as Meg in Little Women and Bertha in Hello Girls at Hayes Theatre this year, as Jess.
Returning cast include Aisha Adara as Little Fan, also recently seen in Death of A Salesman; Kaya Byrne as Fred, direct from A Streetcar Named Desire at MTC and Groundhog Day the Musical; Sarah Morrison as Belle, currently performing in the international tour of Miss Saigon; Stephanie Lambourn as Mrs Cratchit; Samantha Morley as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Grant Piro as Fezziwig; Cameron Taylor as Nicholas; Benjamin Colley as George; and Jack Van Staveren and Jasmine Vaughns as swings.
The role of Scrooge will be announced shortly.
Winner of five Tony Awards®, the smash-hit Old Vic production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic is conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), audiences are welcomed into an immersive experience, brimming with music and merriment.
After premiering at London’s The Old Vic in 2017, A Christmas Carol has become a much-loved festive staple over the past seven seasons. The role of Scrooge has been performed by a raft of celebrated actors including Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), Stephen Mangan (The Split), Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks), Paterson Joseph (Vigil), Owen Teale (Games of Thrones, Line of Duty) and Christopher Eccleston (Accused, The Leftovers).
With scenic and costume design by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, music and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Christopher Nightingale, lighting design by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Tony Award® winner Simon Baker and movement by Lizzi Gee, A Christmas Carol is a festive delight.
Filling the Comedy Theatre to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment, there’s no better way for families to get into the holiday spirit than immersing themselves in this classic story of greed, love and redemption.
“With so much joy emanating from the stage even the coldest of hearts will find warmth in this production of A Christmas Carol.” – Australian Arts Review
A Christmas Carol will play at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 22 November 2024. For more information, visit: www.christmascarolaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: The Cast of A Christmas Carol – photo by Jeff Busby