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a large stage with several actors dressed as christmas baubles, a man in the middle in a nightgown and a woman at the top of some steps in a dress under a spotlight

News.

FIRST LOOK: Stunning new images from Leeds Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol reveal a magical Victorian Leeds brought to life on stage

1st December 2025

Leeds Playhouse has released captivating new images from its festive staging of A Christmas Carol brimming with warmth, wonder and seasonal spirit. Directed by award-winning Amy Leach and adapted by Deborah McAndrew, this enchanting reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic tale runs in the Quarry Theatre until 17 January 2026.

cast of actors on a large stage with a lit up analogue clock above them

(c. Helen Murray)

“It’s one of the best-loved Christmas stories – indeed, one of the best-loved stories – of all time,” said Amy Leach. “It reminds us of the power of community and of human connection, which, unfortunately, continues to be incredibly relevant. In a time of great disconnection and division, having stories that highlight the power of people coming together and of love, of welcome, of acceptance, and inclusion, feels particularly important.

several actors on a stage in bright colourful Victorian outfits dancing

(c.Helen Murray)

“It’s also an innately theatrical novella, which makes for really creative, exciting storytelling on stage. It welcomes talented ensemble companies, encourages a great central performance from Scrooge and feels completely synonymous with Christmas.”

actors on a stage in party hats running and dancing around whilst another looks forlornly at them from up some stairs

(c. Helen Murray)

Set & Costume Designer Hayley Grindle found inspiration for her phenomenal set design when she uncovered a fascinating early sketch of Yorkshire’s iconic mills, showing huge industrial chimneys starting to rise and take over the landscape.

actors holding up old fashioned lanterns whilst a young boy stands in front singing

(c. Helen Murray)

“The audience’s first glimpse of Scrooge’s world in our version is a theatrical visualisation of those Yorkshire mills,” she said. “As the workers begin to pile in through the factory gates, audiences feel the excitement and the danger of the machinery, the looming smoking chimneys, and the gigantic crushing wheels.”

two actors stood in front of a large moon, one an elderly man in a long coat and another a woman in a top hat and large colourful dress

(c. Helen Murray)

The new images show Reece Dinsdale as Ebenezer Scrooge as he is whisked on a transformative journey alongside the vibrant company in a world of festive colour, cheer and magic. Leeds Playhouse’s A Christmas Carol features exhilarating dance numbers, live music performed by actor-musicians, and original compositions by John Biddle. The production also stars a trio of Tiny Tims – Alexa Raja (10, Leeds), Lucas Kerr (9, Manchester) and Thalia Coultas (10, York) – bringing heart and hope to this timeless story.

three actors on a set, an elderly man in a suit sat at a desk and two women stood either side in bonnets and colourful cloaks

(c. Helen Murray)

The full cast includes Stephen Collins (Oliver Twist, Leeds Playhouse) as Bob Cratchit and Nadia Nadarajah (Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Mrs Cratchit; Claudia Kariuki (Pearl in Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Jane Seymour in Six – The Musical, West End; Sister Act The Musical, West End) as Christmas Present; Obioma Ugoala (George Washington in Hamilton, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd; Kristoff in Frozen) as Marley/Fezziwig; Bea Glancy (What If If Only, Royal Exchange) as Christmas Past; Paul Brown (Mr Snow and Macbeth, Leeds Playhouse) as Dick Wilkins/Topper; Danny Colligan (Jackie!! Gilded Balloon Patter House, Edinburgh) as Fred/Young Scrooge; Finton Flynn (Shooting Star: A new musical, Ryan Lenney) as Peter Cratchit; Amy Forrest (After the Flood ITV; Small Island National Theatre) as Belle/Mrs Fred; Adam Bassett as Cover Bob Cratchit and Xolani Crabtree as Cover Mrs Cratchit.

Joining Deborah, Amy and Hayley on the creative team are Choreographer EJ Boyle; Composer John Biddle; Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria; Sound Designer Ed Clarke; Musical Director Jonathan Mitra; BSL Consultant Adam Bassett; Audio Description Consultants Hear The Picture – Dan Parr and Esther Irving; Associate Director Xolani Crabtree; Casting Director Lucy Casson CDG; Children’s Casting and General Management Keston & Keston; and Lead BSL Interpreter Sarah Cox.

Book your tickets here.

 

A Leeds Playhouse Production

By Charles Dickens  

A Christmas Carol

Adapted by Deborah McAndrew

Leeds Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre

Age guide 7+

20 November 2025 – 17 January 2026.

Access Performances

As part of the Playhouse’s ongoing commitment to creative access, all performances from Thursday 27 November will feature Creative Audio Description, available via headsets which can be collected from the Box Office.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted: Thursday 27 November 7pm; Friday 12 December 7pm; Thursday 18 December 1.30pm; Saturday 27 December 7pm; Sunday 21 December 12.30pm  Wednesday 7 Jan 5pm; Thursday 15 Jan 1.30pm

Audio described and Touch Tour: All performances from Thursday 27 November – Saturday 17 January  

Captioned: Friday 12 December 7pm; Saturday 13 December 1:30pm; Thursday 18 December 1:30pm; Thursday 15 January 1:30pm

Relaxed Performance: Wednesday 7 January 11am

Dementia Friendly: Tuesday 13 January 12.30pm

Access productions at Leeds Playhouse are sponsored by Principal and Access Partner Irwin Mitchell