This Christmas, throughout December, the Rose Theatre is putting a twist on a traditional tale by adapting Dickens’ well-recognized “A Christmas Carol” into a magical musical.

You have undoubtably heard of Charles Dickens’ unprecedently popular novella “A Christmas Carol” which explores and re-evaluates past Christmas traditions. Published in 1843, Dickens wrote this novella to demonstrate the unjust treatment of the poor and criticize the selfishness of the wealthy.

The original story follows that of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly, cold-hearted miser who hates Christmas due to the emphasise it puts on his sheer isolation. Scrooge is then visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, as well as the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley who shares likeness with the protagonist’s greedy nature. Subsequently, through this otherworldly event, Scrooge flourishes into a better man which is reflective of Dickens’ message that generosity and benevolence can overcome hostile disregard if people realise their responsibility to look after the less fortunate.

However, the wonderful minds at the Rose Theatre saw it fit to add a certain twist to this well-known tale to bring it to life again in a new light. This time, the play is about a “mean and selfish woman who hates Christmas, but one day, Dickens magically appears and helps a group of children tell a ghost story about Scrooge by making four ghosts (including Marley) with the use of magic.” Lily, who plays the adventurous character of “Maud” within this changed narrative, describes the musical to be quite scary - not for the faint of heart!

Lloyd Malcolm, who adapted the story, 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."

If you would like to immerse yourself within this modern, mystical world of theatre, tickets are available on the Rose Theatre website for the shows which run from 2 December 2022 until 2 January 2023.

Don’t hesitate; as Dickens’ said himself: “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

If you do not, to that I say: Bah, humbug!