The Ghosts of Scrooge (a musical)
By Charles Way
Book by Charles Way. Music by Richard Taylor.
Synopsis
Based, of course, on A Christmas Carol, this text uses the famous story to argue with Dickens about the plausibility of a man like Scrooge becoming ‘nice’ overnight. Here it is the will of Bob Cratchit and wife plus some politically motivated ghosts that engineer the turnabout in Scrooge’s character.
None of the famous scenes are lost however and the adaptation stays true to Dickens beginning, middle and cathartic end.
Cast
The cast included all the characters you would expect, the younger ones played by local school children.
Characters
- Scrooge
- Fred / Older Dick
- Mrs Cratchit / Charity lady
- Bob Cratchit
- Jacob Marley / Old Joe
- Fran/ Belle / Belinda / Josephine
- Mrs Fezziwig / Mrs Dilber
- Mr Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Past
- Peter Cratchit
- Martha Cratchit
- Tiny Tim
- Young Dick
- Belle’s eldest child
- Urchin Want
- Urchin Ignorance
Reviews
‘A Christmas carol has been staged many times before, though never quite like this. Charles Way (Words) and Richard Taylor (Music) have crafted a contemporary retelling that proves to be both psychologically acute and harmonically audacious. It’s the children’s Christmas treat that even the discerning Sondheim fan can enjoy. 4 Stars.’ The Guardian
‘Highly Recommended.’ Manchester Evening News
Production history
The Ghosts of Scrooge was commissioned by Library Theatre, Manchester, directed by Roger Haines and choreographed by Liam Steele.
Available from
To obtain the script for this play please contact Charles Way at charles@charles-way.co.uk
Age suitability
Seasonal Christmas play (musical) suitable for the whole family.
