A Christmas Carol: Live Reading

Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Adjoa Andoh and Bella Ramsey in "A Christmas Carol: Live Reading" in support of CRISIS poster.

A star-studded cast is coming together to read the beloved festive story – A Christmas Carol. Join us for a night of superb entertainment, music and merriment in support of national homelessness charity Crisis.

The cast includes Adjoa Andoh, Jim Broadbent, Emma Corrin, Paapa Essiedu, Matthew Macfadyen, Alex Lawther, Bella Ramsey, Tanya Reynolds, Imelda Staunton and Grace Savage.

We invite you to be part of a special reading of Dickens’ enduring tale, inspired by his own public readings of the story which he performed over 120 times during his lifetime.

Travel back in time to foggy, gritty Dickensian London to visit well-loved characters brought to life in imaginative and modern ways by our all-star cast. Expect familiar scenes, as well as some surprises.

Directed by actor and producer, Bessie Carter, prepare to be dazzled and uplifted this festive season.

This production is adapted by Ron Nicol, by kind arrangement with Stagescripts Ltd.

Cast line up is subject to change. In the event that a cast member is unable to perform, we are unable to offer a refund. If a performance is cancelled in its entirety, a full refund will be offered.

Performance Date

Monday 7 December 2026 7.30pm

Tickets From

£25

Running Time

1 hour and 20 minutes, without an interval

Age Guidance

8+

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Adjoa Andoh

Adjoa Andoh is an acclaimed stage and screen actor, best known internationally as the formidable Lady Danbury in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Her distinguished career spans the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and Royal Court, alongside screen roles in Doctor Who, Casualty and Clint Eastwood’s Invictus.

Black and white portrait of an older man with short hair, looking directly at the camera.

Jim Broadbent

Jim Broadbent is one of the UK’s most celebrated actors, with an Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe to his name. Beloved for roles in Harry Potter, Paddington, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Moulin Rouge! and Iris, he has also enjoyed a distinguished stage career with the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.

A person with short brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black top, against a dark background.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to international acclaim for their Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales in The Crown. Their acclaimed stage work includes Anna X, Orlando and The Seagull, while screen credits include Lady Chatterley’s Lover, A Murder at the End of the World, Deadpool & Wolverine and Nosferatu.

Paapa Essiedu headshot; he rests chin on hands, wearing black jacket, gold rings, neutral background.

Paapa Essiedu

Paapa Essiedu gained international recognition for I May Destroy You, earning Emmy and BAFTA nominations, and has since starred in Gangs of London, The Lazarus Project, Black Mirror and The Effect. Paapa will soon be seen playing Severus Snape in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter reboot.

A person with curly brown hair and a dark jumper, looking directly at the camera.

Alex Lawther

Alex Lawther won the London Film Critics’ Circle Award for Young British Performer of the Year for his portrayal of young Alan Turing in the Oscar-winning The Imitation Game, and was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit in 2015. His acclaimed stage work includes South Downs and The Jungle, alongside screen credits including Black Mirror and The End of the F**ing World.

A man with short brown hair in a grey suit jacket against a dark grey background.

Matthew Macfadyen

Matthew Macfadyen is an Emmy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning actor, internationally acclaimed for his performance as Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s Succession. He is also known for playing Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, alongside celebrated roles in Spooks, Ripper Street, Quiz and Stonehouse, across an acclaimed stage and screen career.

Person with long hair wearing a beige and black knitted sweater, resting chin on hands, neutral background.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey is an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, best known for starring as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us and Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. A BAFTA-winning young performer, their credits also include The Worst Witch, Catherine Called Birdy, His Dark Materials and the acclaimed animated series Hilda.

Woman with long curly hair, wearing a white top, against a green background.

Tanya Reynolds

Tanya Reynolds is best known for her breakout role as Lily Iglehart in Netflix’s Sex Education. Her screen credits include The Decameron, Emma, I Hate You and Outlander. On stage, she earned an Olivier Award nomination for A Mirror and has recently finished an acclaimed West End transfer of 1536.

Imelda Staunton poses with hand on face, wearing a black top against a grey background.

Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton has five Olivier Awards, a BAFTA and an Academy Award nomination to her name. Best known for Vera Drake, Harry Potter, The Crown and Paddington, she is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, celebrated for her extraordinary achievements over five decades. Imelda is a proud Ambassador of Crisis.

Woman with red hair in yellow top, orange earrings, against grey textured background.

Grace Savage

Grace Savage is a four-time UK Beatbox Champion, singer-songwriter and actor whose work has been featured by BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and TED x London. Listed among Elle’s “100 Most Inspiring Women”, she has performed at Glastonbury and the Olympics, while also creating acclaimed music, theatre and film projects.

Woman with brown hair in orange sweater, resting chin on hand, grey background.

Bessie Carter

Director

Bessie Carter is an actor and producer, best known for her role as Prudence Featherington in Netflix’s global hit Bridgerton. Other screen credits include Howards End, Beecham House and Outrageous, and her stage credits include the acclaimed National Theatre production of Dear Octopus, and Mrs Warren’s Profession (West End).

Ron Nicol

Author

What is the recommended age guidance for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading?
8+ . For all productions at Nimax Theatres, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over and sat in seats next to each other. Audience suitability can vary depending on themes or effects in the performance. Parents and guardians are encouraged to consider the guidance carefully before booking. For further details on audience advisories and family-friendly performances, please refer to the official show information.
When is A Christmas Carol: Live Reading at Lyric Theatre running until?
The current booking period for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading at Lyric Theatre is scheduled to run until 7th December 2026. Additional dates may be added based on demand, so it’s worth checking the latest availability before planning your visit. You can view performance times and book tickets on the A Christmas Carol: Live Reading schedule.
Where is A Christmas Carol: Live Reading showing?
A Christmas Carol: Live Reading is showing at Lyric Theatre, located at 29 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 7ES in London’s West End. The theatre is easily accessible by public transport, and nearby you’ll find a range of restaurants, bars, and attractions to complete your theatre visit. For directions, access information, and facilities, see the Lyric Theatre theatre page.
How much are tickets for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading
Tickets for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading at Lyric Theatre are priced from £25 to £120, depending on seating location, performance date, and current demand. Prices may vary during weekends, holidays, and peak periods. For the latest pricing and to choose your preferred seats, visit the official A Christmas Carol: Live Reading booking page.
What is the running time for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading?
The running time for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading is 1 hour and 20 minutes, without an interval . Please note that performance times can occasionally vary slightly, so we recommend arriving in good time and checking your ticket confirmation for exact details on the day of your visit.
Does Lyric Theatre have accessibility options for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading?
Lyric Theatre caters for a range of accessibility requirements. For full details visit the accessibility information page or contact the venue directly.
Is there a dress code for A Christmas Carol: Live Reading
There is no formal dress code at our theatres, you are welcome to wear whatever is comfortable. We kindly ask that clothing is respectful, weather-appropriate, and does not obstruct the view of others.

Lyric Theatre

29 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 7ES

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Lyric Theatre

29 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 7ES

Performance Date

Monday 7 December 2026 7.30pm

Tickets From

£25

Running Time

1 hour and 20 minutes, without an interval

Age Guidance

8+

Book with
confidence guarantee

Buy directly from the theatre

Save money with no
booking fees

More flexibility with
your booking

Find the best seats

Priority access for new shows