Simon Callow to star in one-man production of A Christmas Carol

Sarah Shaffi Wednesday, October 10, 2012
6:09 PM

Actor Simon Callow is to star in a one-man production of A Christmas Carol this winter.

Charles Dickens’ famous novel follows the miserly Scrooge as he takes a transformative journey through Christmases past, present and future, accompanied by a ghostly trio who help him to see the joys of the festive season - and of life.

Based on the novelist’s own performance version, Callow becomes Dickens the storyteller for the show at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, close to Leicester Square.

The production places the words centre stage within Tom Cairns’ powerfully spare staging.

A Christmas Carol was the first play that Callow ever saw and his performance demonstrates his deep affection for Dickens.

Callow is a Dickens veteran, having previously played Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Mr Fezziwig.

This production marks his third one-man treatment of Dickens, after The Mystery of Charles Dickens and two of Dickens’ lesser known short stories, Dr Marigold and Mr Chops.

He also guest starred as Dickens in Doctor Who in 2005 and 2011, and published a biography of the novelist in February 2012, called Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World.

Callow is also know for his film work, which includes Four Weddings and A Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, Room with a View and Amadeus.

He has worked in television for over 30 years, has directed more than 30 shows, including Carmen Jones and the West End/Broadway productions of Shirley Valentine, has directed many operas and written 16 books.

A Christmas Carol is created by Callow with director Tom Cairns, with whom he also joined forces for Being Shakespeare, in the West End and on Broadway.

The show will be at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, for a limited season from November 29 to January 6.