A Christmas Carol reviews with Christopher Eccleston at the Old Vic

Reviews have been released for this year’s production of A Christmas Carol at London’s The Old Vic in 2023.

Based on the iconic Charles Dickens’ novel, A Christmas Carol stars Christopher Eccleston as Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus’ production, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne.

Joining Eccleston on the cast are Jeremy Batt, Rob Compton, Geraint Downing, James Hume, Hana Ichijo, Jessica Joslin, Julie Jupp, Gemma Knight Jones, Andrew Langtree, Matthew Maddison, Frances McNamee, Rachel Moran, Alastair Parker, Rose Shalloo and Samuel Townsend.

A Christmas Carol reviews

WhatsOnStage - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Eccleston, who really does feel born to play the central role, is ably supported by an ensemble that features several returning cast members. Rob Compton’s kindly Bob and a rotating cast of talented young Tims ensure the Cratchit clan exudes goodness, while Frances McNamee’s Belle shows the inner steel to tell some hard truths." - Theo Bosanquet, read the full review

iNews - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Now in its seventh annual iteration at the Old Vic and, with Christopher Eccleston in harness as the fearsome old miser Scrooge, it is by far the strongest outing of the show yet." - Fiona Mountford, read the full review

The Telegraph - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Like a snarling underfed dog, the former Doctor Who brings an animating furious savagery to Scrooge – a misanthrope as “solitary as an oyster” in a ragged wine-red dressing gown who in this iteration is easier to dislike than pity." - Claire Allfree, read the full review

The Stage - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ enduringly popular Christmas classic returns this year with another star turn in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. And when it comes to glowering at the poor, it’s hard to beat Christopher Eccleston’s eloquently furious eyebrows." - Tom Wicker, read the full review

The Times - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"You would need the heart of a fossilised mince pie to be immune to any of the delights of a show which still rings all the right bells in its seventh year at the Old Vic." - Tom Wicker, read the full review

A Christmas Carol is playing through to 6 January 2024.