A Christmas Carol

One night Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge that if he does not become kinder he will have an awful fate after death. Marley tells Scrooge that in the coming nights he will be visited by three more ghosts. Initially Scrooge fails to take the warning seriously but as the ghostly visits become more terrifying, Scrooge begins to realise that he must change his ways.

By the end of the story Scrooge has completely transformed, having learnt the importance of charity, friendship and generosity. Christmas is now his favourite time of the year and he does all he can to help Bob Cratchit and his family.

GENTLEMAN 1, adult, a businessman seeking to raise funds for a charity for the poor-Non-singing

GENTLEMAN 2, his business partner-Non-singing

NARRATOR 1, adult male or female with strong acting and communication abilities, can move into other roles as needed. Non-singing

NARRATOR 2, adult male or female with strong acting and communication abilities, can move into other roles as needed. Non-singing

BOB CRATCHIT, 30s-40s, a hardworking clerk in SCROOGE’S employment. Dedicated to his family, especially his young son TINY TIM. CRATCHIT maintains a kind heart, even in the face of SCROOGE’S mean-spiritedness. Baritone or Tenor

FRED, 30s-40s, warm and compassionate, SCROOGE’S nephew, feels sorry for the old man, yet still obligated to him, being family. Baritone or Tenor

BOY ORPHAN/BOY SCROOGE, 9-11, a poor orphan, away from his destitute family. Dual role. Child’s vocal range

GIRL ORPHAN/FAN, 10-13, SCROOGE’s younger sister. Dual role. Child’s vocal range

JACOB MARLEY, 40 plus, returned from the grave to warn SCROOGE of the consequences of living the life of a miser. Strong actor/singer required. Bass-Baritone

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, a young woman or older child - twinkly, spritely apparition, full of the Christmas spirit. Non-singing

SCHOOLMASTER, adult male, harsh, severe teacher who has charge of BOY SCROOGE Non-singing

MR. FEZZIWIG, 40 plus, a portly, jolly man. A kind-hearted business owner who helps Ebenezer Scrooge get his start. Must move well on stage. (Baptist for “dance”) Baritone

MRS. FEZZIWIG, 35 plus, the cheerful wife of MR. FEZZIWIG. Happy to reach out and help others. Must move well on stage. (Baptist for “dance”) Medium Female vocal range

YOUNG SCROOGE, 20s, saving his money and running from a life of poverty is still happy and sociable and deeply in love with BELLE. However, he soon begins to war within himself between selfish pursuits or true, self-giving love. Small singing part, medium range

DICK WILKINS/BELLE’S HUSBAND, 20s-30s, YOUNG SCROOGE’s friend, handsome, friendly, optimistic. Small singing part, medium range

HOUSEMAID, female, any age Small singing part, medium range

COOK, male or female, any age Small singing part, medium range

BAKER, male, any age Small singing part, medium range

MILKMAN, male, any age Small singing part, medium range

YOUNG WOMAN, 16-18, romantic type Small singing part, medium range

BELLE, 20s, young, lovely, and goodhearted. She’s truly in love with YOUNG SCROOGE; happy with the simple things in life - friends, family, and the joy that comes from loving someone and being loved in return. Soprano

CHILD 1, 8-10, BELLE’s child Non-singing

CHILD 2, 10-12, BELLE’s child Non-singing

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT, 35 plus, a larger, jovial man who wears a long cape and has a wreath on his head – a young “Father Christmas”. Baritone – Strong singer required

MAN 1, any age, small speaking role Non-singing

MAN 2, any age, small speaking role Non-singing

MINISTER, male, any age, small speaking role Non-singing

MRS. CRATCHIT, 30s-40s, dedicated wife and mother, protective of her family. Non-singing

CRATCHIT Children:

BELINDA, 8-11

PETE, 12-15

MARTHA, 16-18

Non-singing (all three)

TINY TIM, 6-9, Weak and crippled, but full of true goodness and hope. More than anyone, TINY TIM embodies the Christmas Spirit. Boy Soprano

VIRGINIA, 25 plus, lovely, talented and sophisticated wife of FRED. Soprano

TOPPER, 30s-40s, “life of the party” guest at FRED & VIRGINIA’s Christmas party. Sings in ensemble

PARTY GUESTS, various ages, guests at FRED & VIRGINIA’S Christmas party. Forms an SATB ensemble for “The Sussex Carol”

IGNORANCE, a sad and ragged looking boy. Non-speaking, Non-singing

WANT, a sad and ragged looking girl. Non-speaking, Non-singing

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE, silent, unseen, draped in black. Non-speaking, Non-singing

GENTLEMAN 3, male, any age, small speaking role Non-singing

CHARWOMAN, 25 plus, comedienne, “Carol Burnett type” who steals from SCROOGE, strong singer/actress required. Alto or 2nd Soprano

LAUNDRESS, 25 plus, steals from SCROOGE also. Soprano or alto – medium range

UNDERTAKER’S MAN, 30 plus, also steals from SCROOGE! Baritone or tenor

OLD JOE, 50 plus, a “rough” street merchant who scavenges off the dead. Bass-Baritone

CAROLINE, 20s-30s, young wife and mother, in debt to SCROOGE Non-singing

THOMAS, 20s-30s, young husband and father, in debt to SCROOGE Non-singing

BOY, 10 plus, small speaking role Non-singing