Five of the Best London Productions of A Christmas Carol

Live theatre productions of Dickens’ festive ghost story are an essential part of the season, and 2022 sees some diverse versions of the tale – with everything from an appearance by Sherlock Holmes to music from Dolly Parton. Here are five to look out for.

1. A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

The Old Vic’s annual production, adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child fame, has become an institution with mince pie sellers and plenty of atmosphere. This year, Owen Teale of Game of Thrones grabs the central role. Catch it until 7 January.

2. A Sherlock Carol, Marylebone Theatre

A must for fans of the Baker Street detective, this inventive production brings together Sherlock, Scrooge and Tiny Tim in a ghostly Victorian detective story. Also runs till 7 January.

3. A Christmas Carol, Bridge Theatre

This “cockle-warming, chestnut-roasting, heart-filling slice of Christmas” – according to the Evening Standard – features Shakespearean actor Simon Russell Beale as Scrooge. It’s on until New Year’s Eve.

4. Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Southbank Centre

The classic tale is transported to depression era Tennessee in this Southbank Centre production featuring music by the queen of country herself. Ebenezer Scrooge is the owner of a mining company with a callous greed that blinds him to the joys of the season. Catch it before 8 January.

5. A Christmas Carol, Middle Temple Hall

Enchanting promenade rendition through the cobbled courts that probably haven’t changed much since Dickens’ days. Complete with boughs of holly, mulled wine and an original score, inspired by Victorian Christmas carols. From 20 to 29 December.

Find more options to view A Christmas Carol on the Londonist website.