A Christmas spectacle with the wow factor, from the producers of last year's ‘Elf The Musical UK Tour’
Forget the traditional ‘A Christmas Carol’ - Charles Dickens’ much-loved festive classic gets a spectacular new twist as West End performers and world-class international cirque artists bring the famous story to life this festive season.
‘Scrooge! Cirque Extravaganza’ gives the popular Christmas tale a whole new modern look, combining musical theatre, comedy and storytelling with the jaw-dropping skills of contemporary circus set against the backdrop of Dickensian London.
The perfect family Christmas activity, especially if you’re looking for something a bit bigger and bolder than the usual festive stage offerings, the production features a 24-strong cast, led by experienced West End theatre performers alongside a spectacular ensemble of 16 highly skilled circus performers.
A Christmas classic reimagined
This showstopping show is the old Victorian classic completely reimagined…
Part musical theatre, part cirque spectacle, featuring fire breathers, awe-inspiring acrobatics, a trampoline wall, and extraordinary feats of balance and skill, rather than simply adding a few circus acts to a traditional production, the cirque becomes an integral part of the storytelling, creating a heightened, fantastical world in which Scrooge’s fascinating experience unfolds.
Fezziwig becomes a flamboyant circus owner, the supernatural world of the three Christmas ghosts is brought to life through sensational cirque artistry, and Scrooge’s journey is punctuated by aerialists, acrobats, fire performers, jugglers and other breathtaking acts.
Tiny Tim dreams of seeing the circus which, for the Cratchit family, represents a world of wonder and excitement far removed from the hardship of their everyday lives. And when Tiny Tim first appears on stage, audiences can expect a big surprise of their own!
A star cast from The Lion King, Beauty & The Beast + more
At the centre of the production is Richard Gauntlett, reprising his acclaimed role as protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge.
Richard brings extensive West End and theatrical experience to the role, with credits including Timon in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’, Lefou in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Barnum’. Richard’s career also encompasses opera, television, comedy and variety, while he has impressively performed in more than 30 pantomimes. too.
Joining him is rising star Jordan Conway as Charles Dickens, acting as narrator and guide through this extraordinary reimagining of the classic tale. His credits span theatre, film, television, comedy and animation, including the BAFTA-winning BBC series ‘So Awkward, and arena productions ‘Elf – The Musical’ and ‘Peter Pan’.
Jordan also takes on the role of Circus Director in ‘Scrooge! Cirque Extravaganza’, bringing together the theatrical and circus elements of the production, with the spectacular cirque staging led by Harvey Donnelly.
With over 17 years in the industry, Harvey has performed in seven productions with Cirque du Soleil and worked internationally with Disney, alongside an extensive career spanning live entertainment, theatre and large-scale productions. Scrooge marks Harvey’s return to the theatrical stage, where he leads the production’s 16-strong cirque ensemble, whose aerial, acrobatic and specialist skills are woven throughout the story.
An international ensemble
The cirque world is populated by a spectacular international ensemble.
Nathan Paul, a break-dancing acrobat, plays the fire-breathing circus owner Mr Fezziwig, while veteran actor Barry Bloxham plays Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner, whose appearance sets the supernatural events of the story in motion.
Nicole Clements plays Belle, the young Ebenezer Scrooge’s lost love, while Beccy Lee stars as the redoubtable Mrs Cratchit.
The international cirque ensemble includes aerialists, acrobats, fire performers, break-dancers and other specialist artists from numerous countries, including China, Morocco, Canada, Hungary and Belgium.
Panto producer Jon Conway (‘Elf – The Musical’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Peter Pan’)
Behind the production is one of the most experienced names in British family entertainment - producer Jon Conway.
Jon has enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades. Born into circus and mentored as a young magician by the legendary Paul Daniels, he went on to co-found Qdos Entertainment and became one of the country’s most respected panto producers, responsible for hundreds of pantomimes and major innovations in the genre.
His career has encompassed pantomime, arena spectaculars, musical theatre, television and international productions, his acclaimed work including the smash arena production of ‘Elf – The Musical’, following other major family spectaculars including ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Peter Pan’.
That pedigree is central to ‘Scrooge! Cirque Extravaganza’, bringing decades of experience in creating large-scale Christmas and family entertainment to a production that combines traditional storytelling with a very different visual language.
A unique Charles Dickens connection
The production also carries an extraordinary connection to its source material, with Gerald Dickins - the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens - having consulted on the show.
Gerald’s involvement has helped the creative team remain connected to the spirit of Dickens’ original story while giving the familiar tale a fresh theatrical interpretation.
Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future
Three mysterious Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunt Scrooge throughout his journey, with a bright new child performer taking on the legendary role of Tiny Tim.
Adding another dimension to the storytelling, Olly Ashmore has created a visionary new score and Dickensian soundscape, combining catchy original musical songs that move the narrative forward with celebrated classical music, from Rachmaninov to Offenbach.
Lucky seat prize drawer - your chance to win £1k!
The result is Dickens meets contemporary circus, a Christmas classic reimagined with extraordinary physical performance, visual spectacle and theatrical magic.
What’s more, there is one more exciting twist awaiting audiences…
At every performance, each ticket holder is automatically entered into a free £1,000 Lucky Seat prize draw, with one audience member selected during the show taking home the cash!
The idea even forms part of the spirit of the story, as Scrooge discovers that sharing his wealth can bring happiness to others. Everyone in the audience has an equal chance of being selected, with the winner chosen during the performance.
10-13 December Blackpool Opera House
15-16 December Derby Vaillant Live
19-21 December Bradford Live
23-24/27-28 December London Excel
1-3 January 2027 Killarney Gleneagle Arena, Ireland
Tickets available at scroogecirque.com