Reading Rep Theatre announces cast for new staging of A Christmas Carol
Berkshire’s flagship producing theatre, Reading Rep Theatre, has today announced the cast for their upcoming new staging of Beth Flintoff’s acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which relocates Charles Dickens’ seminal story to Reading and the iconic Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory.
Beth Flintoff said of relocating Dickens’ classic tale, “I have always loved Dickens, and I was so excited to adapt A Christmas Carol - its message is so warm and generous and full of heart. I immediately knew that I wanted to translate Dickens’ much-loved characters to their respective jobs at the Huntley and Palmer’s Biscuit Factory, as it’s such an important part of the town’s past. Audiences will still get to see the old favourites like Tiny Tim and the Cratchits, but this time you’ll find them popping up in recognisable places on the cobbled stones in the heart of old Reading. Christmas shows are about bringing the whole family together, and celebrating our community, and I really hope this does that.”
The adaptation, which had past sell-out runs in 2021 and 2022 in Reading, runs from Friday 28 November 2025 - Saturday 3 January 2026.
There’s magic in the air – everywhere except the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, where Ebenezer Scrooge remains as bitter as ever. But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come pay him a visit, will Scrooge finally discover the true meaning of the season?
Step into Victorian Reading for a heartwarming journey of redemption, wonder, and joy. Featuring beloved characters and brimming with Dickensian charm, A Christmas Carol is the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
Step into Victorian Reading, brought vividly to life in a production brimming with live music, heart, and festive wonder. Full of local pride, community spirit, and Dickensian warmth, A Christmas Carol promises to be Berkshire’s must-see festive treat for all ages.
Beth Flintoff is Associate Playwright and Young Writers Associate at the Royal Court Theatre in London and an Associate Artist at RABBLE Theatre Company. Her play The Ballad of Maria Marten (for Eastern Angles) is regularly produced around the world and was Nick Hern Books’ second most performed play of 2024.
Chris Cuming (Peter Pan, The Snow Queen) returns to direct the new staging of Reading Rep’s Christmas show, who was previously co-director and movement director on the prior incarnations of the show.
The cast will comprise of George Eggay (The Wife of Willesden – Kiln Theatre, The Last King of Scotland – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield), Orla O’Sullivan (The Snow Queen, It’s A Wonderful Life, Potted Panto – Reading Rep Theatre), Charlotte Warner (The Snow Queen, It’s A Wonderful Life, Potted Panto – Reading Rep Theatre), Sam Amestoy (Rainbow Rescue, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Reading Rep Theatre), and Mark Desebrock (Hedda Gabler, The Snow Queen – Reading Rep Theatre).
Alongside Cuming on the creative team will be Nicky Bunch as Set & Costume Designer, Aaron J Dootson as Lighting Designer, Joe Dines as Sound Designer, Tabitha Stock as Costume Designer, Nathan Storm as Associate Lighting Designer, Louis Ling as Children’s Manager, Sarah Hawkins as Casting Designer, and Jordan Harris as Production Manager.
Chris Cuming said of the production, “Christmas at Reading Rep is always something special. A true highlight of the town’s festive calendar. It’s a joy to revisit Beth Flintoff’s home-grown adaptation, bringing together familiar faces from our company and new talent to celebrate Reading’s history through Dickens’ most enduring tale. This A Christmas Carol is funny, moving, and full of heart, a story about community, compassion, and the power of change. It’s everything Christmas at the theatre should be.”
Casting for the role of Tiny Tim will be announced at a later date. More information on the production can be found at www.readingrep.com.
