The beloved Christmas production of Mark Gatiss’ adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set to return to Alexandra Palace for a third festive season, with Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey joining the cast as the ghostly Jacob Marley.
The acclaimed show will run from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at the atmospheric Victorian theatre, with Matthew Cottle reprising his role as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge following his appearance in previous productions.
Star-Studded Cast Announced
Morrissey, known for his roles in Men Behaving Badly, Waterloo Road, and stage productions including Oliver! and Neville’s Island, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the production. “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Jacob Marley in Mark Gatiss’ fantastic adaptation of this evergreen Dickens classic,” he said. “A real spooky treat for Christmas, and even better at the wonderful Alexandra Palace which is my local theatre.”
The full company includes Charlotte Bate as Mrs Cratchit, Michaela Bennison as Caroline, Henry Davis as Bob Cratchit, and Elliot Douglas as Tiny Tim. Several cast members – Kalifa Taylor (Belle), Mark Theodore (Ghost of Christmas Present), and Lance West (Fred) – are returning following the show’s successful Birmingham run last Christmas.
Third Season Success
Writer Mark Gatiss, co-creator of Sherlock and The League of Gentlemen, welcomed Morrissey to what he called “this very happy Christmas family.” The adaptation has proven hugely popular since its 2021 premiere at Nottingham Playhouse, transferring to Alexandra Palace and later being filmed for cinema release and BBC4 broadcast.
The production has garnered critical acclaim, with the Daily Telegraph praising it as “irresistibly theatrical” and the Evening Standard noting that “in the hands of Gatiss, Dickens’ festive tale banishes all thoughts of ‘bah, humbug.'”
Perfect Victorian Setting
Alexandra Palace Theatre, which reopened in 2018 after 80 years of closure, provides an ideal backdrop for the ghost story. The restored Victorian venue, complete with original features and “arrested decay” décor, enhances the supernatural atmosphere of Dickens’ classic tale.
Director Adam Penford returns to helm the production, which promises “Dickensian, spine-tingling special effects” designed to both frighten and delight audiences in equal measure.
Booking Information
Performances will run Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30pm, with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2:30pm, and Sunday shows at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets start from £16.50 including booking fees, with the show recommended for ages 12 and above.
The production opens to press on November 26 at 7pm, with special accessible performances including audio description on January 3 and captioning on December 4.
Tickets are available now at christmascarolonstage.co.uk, continuing the tradition of bringing Dickens’ timeless Christmas story to life in one of London’s most atmospheric theatrical venues.
