“Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” Scrooge’s scornful question opens Leeds Playhouse’s lively production of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Deborah McAndrew and set in Victorian Leeds. Directed by Amy Leach, with set and costume design by Hayley Grindle, this retelling bares the heart of Dickens’ story and has a refreshing Loiner stamp.
The story follows the tight-fisted Ebenenzer Scrooge, an individual isolated by his rejection of social responsibility and warmth. One cold and lonely Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley, wearing “the chain [he] forged in life” to warn Scrooge he too, is headed for the same fate. Scrooge is whisked away on a whirlwind adventure through his past, present, and future, where he must face his lonely childhood, the joy he has frozen out and the harsh reality of his unmourned death. Will this show him the true meaning of Christmas?
Claudia Kariuki (Ghost of Christmas Present) Reece Dinsdale (Ebenezer Scrooge) in A Christmas Carol. Photo by Helen Murray
Reece Dinsdale brings his northern grit to the portrayal of Scrooge, the performance notably nuanced, presenting the sharpness of the character, while also showing his vulnerability and pain as he struggles through this treacherous adventure. You can’t help but feel his many groans and winces, taking you through his arc from bitter detachment to warmth and generosity – a convincing and earned redemption.
A further standout is the portrayal of Bob and Mrs Cratchit (Stephen Collins and Nadia Nadarajah) who are both deaf, using both BSL and spoken English within their home. This added warmth, authenticity and an even deeper sense of community, enriching scenes that are already central to Dickens’ message.
Bea Glancy (Martha) Stephen Collins (Bob Cratchit) Thalia Coultas (Tiny Tim) Nadia Nadarajah (Mrs Cratchit) Finton Flynn (Peter Cratchit) in A Christmas Carol. Photo by Helen Murray
The production’s kinetic adaptation blends the storytelling with movement and energy. While staging of this kind can leave room for error, here, the transitions were smooth and cleverly merged into the action in a way that was playful, musical and visually appealing.
Hayley Grindle’s detailed set and costume design balanced spectacle and narrative coherence; and the technical elements, which are best experienced firsthand, enhanced the magic of the play with the music further adding to the festive spirit and warmth.
This adaptation of A Christmas Carol highlights Dickens’ ever important themes that remind the audience that generosity and human connection are what Christmastime is all about. A reminder that we must all live with awareness of our past, present and future. And, as Tiny Tim would say, God bless us, every one.
A Christmas Carol is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 17 January 2026. Full details and tickets here.
This post was written by reader Fae Darling in return for two free tickets, as part of South Leeds Goes To The Playhouse.
Main Photo: Claudia Kariuki (Ghost of Christmas Present) with the A Christmas Carol company. Photo by Helen Murray
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