GWB Entertainment has announced further cast for the triumphant return season of the Tony Award® winning production of A Christmas Carol at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre this November.
They include Aisha Aidara as Little Fan, Grant Piro as Fezziwig, Deirdre Khoo as Jess and Kaya Byrne as Nicholas. Also joining the cast ahead of its season opening are Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Ben Colley, Jack Van Staveren and Jasmine Vaughns.
These stellar performers join previously announced cast members Debra Lawrance (Ghost of Christmas Past), Bernard Curry (Bob Cratchit), Sarah Morrison (Belle), Samantha Morley (Ghost of Christmas Present), Anthony Harkin (Marley), Andrew Coshan (Fred) and Stephanie Lambourn (Mrs Cratchit).
With a tradition of providing assistance to those in need, GWB Entertainment has announced that FareShare would be A Christmas Carol’s charity partner for 2023. FareShare has been cooking free, nutritious meals for people doing it tough since 2001, with the belief that every Australian deserves a nutritious meal, regardless of their circumstances or location.
“The connection that Melbourne audiences felt to A Christmas Carol last year was palpable with the season playing to sell-out houses and standing ovations,” said Torben Brookman, executive producer of A Christmas Carol.
“This was reinforced by the generosity of our audiences who raised an extraordinary $234,000 for our 2022 charity partner, providing almost half a million meals to vulnerable Victorian families. We are delighted to be continuing this tradition by partnering with FareShare to support their incredible work.”
FareShare operates Australia’s largest non-profit kitchens in Melbourne and Brisbane where chefs and volunteers work hand in hand to cook the best possible meal for every person in need.
Each year, FareShare transforms rescued, donated and homegrown food into millions of delicious, healthy meals that feed dignity and wellbeing for Australians experiencing hardship.
“FareShare is thrilled to be the charity partner for A Christmas Carol. The sad truth is that hunger and hardship are as real in our community today as they were in Dickensian times,” said Marcus Godinho, FareShare CEO.
“Support from this fantastic musical will fund free, nutritious meals cooked by FareShare chefs and volunteers for Australians struggling to put food on the table. FareShare’s homestyle, ready-to-eat meals boost health and wellbeing and show people in need that somebody cares about them.”
Winner of five Tony Awards®, the Old Vic production of A Christmas Carol has delighted audiences and critics alike over seven seasons on the West End after premiering in 2017, and in its debut season in Melbourne in 2022.
From the writer of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child and the director of Matilda The Musical, it is a magical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story.
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), and Owen Teale (Games of Thrones, Line of Duty). For the Melbourne premiere season in 2022, Scrooge was played by Australian star David Wenham.
Dickens’ 1843 novella tells the story of a selfish and greedy old man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates everything related to Christmas. Ultimately a tale of compassion and redemption, after being visited by Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, Scrooge is changed into a better man.
The production is brought to life 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, movement by Lizzi Gee, and includes 12 cherished Christmas carols including Joy to the World and Silent Night.
The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol will again fill the Comedy Theatre to the brim with music and merriment. It will play 12 November – 31 December 2023. For more information, visit: www.christmascarolaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: A Christmas Carol – photo by Jeff Busby