Scrooge’s Christmas – A Christmas Carol

The beloved Christmas classic makes its much-anticipated final return at Christmas 2026.

Adapted by Patrick Barlow
Based on Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”

A delightful and moving classic

Rovaniemen Teatteri welcomes Christmas with a much-loved classic: Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Expect a celebration of acting, exuberant character portrayals and beautiful visuals. This warm and refreshingly sharp production is a reminder of the value of the Christmas spirit and the power of community.

This production for the whole family (recommended for ages 7 and up) tells the unforgettable story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who thinks Christmas is humbug and demands that he and his faithful assistant Bob Cratchit work tirelessly for financial gain—even through Christmas. After a night-time visit from three Christmas spirits, Scrooge is forced to face his troubled past. The distinctive ghosts challenge him to look at himself, the world around him and Christmas with fresh eyes. Layer by layer, his humanity begins to emerge. But only a glimpse of the future makes Scrooge understand the consequences of his actions.

The play is based on Charles Dickens’s 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, which has captured hearts around the world since its publication in countless stage productions and films. This adaptation, performed in Rovaniemi—the official hometown of Santa Claus—was created by the renowned British playwright Patrick Barlow. In this exhilarating and at times heartrending stage adaptation, Barlow skilfully weaves in nimble British humour. Music also plays an important role in supporting the storytelling.

The production was warmly received in London’s West End, and its Finnish-language premiere took place at Rovaniemen Teatteri in November 2024. It is directed by Johanna Freundlich, with visual design by Mark Väisänen. This experienced, award-winning creative team has worked together for years at, among others, the Finnish National Opera and the city theatres of Turku, Helsinki, Espoo and Jyväskylä.

The performance has English surtitles. Please note that the surtitles are visible from rows 6–14, but rows 10–14 offer the best viewing experience with surtitles.

Creative team
Original work: Charles Dickens
Adaptation: Patrick Barlow
Direction and Finnish translation: Johanna Freundlich (guest artist)
Set and costume design: Mark Väisänen (guest artist)
Lighting design: Kari Penttinen
Sound design: Pekka Mikkola
Make-up and hair design: Kaisa Mylläri
Song arrangements and coaching: Minna Siitonen
Musician: Kaisa Ristiluoma

Cast: Kari Koivukangas, Jussi-Matias Korhonen, Kylli Köngäs, Paula Miettinen, Siiri Partanen, Marko Syysmaa and Timo Vuento, as well as Samuel Heino, Ia Laiti, Juulia Poikela, Kaisa Ristiluoma and Tommi Semeri. The child performers will be announced later.

Return premiere: Wed 25 Nov at 18:00
Venue: Lappia-talo, Tieva Main Stage
Tickets: Standard ticket