A Christmas Carol has returned to London’s Old Vic Theatre for another year – bringing true Dickensian charm and spirit to all who see it this Christmas.

A Christmas Carol has returned for its 8th year since first beginning in 2017, and in that time little about the production has changed, but it remains a show that never gets old.

A Christmas Carol has returned for its 8th year, but it remains a show that never gets old.A Christmas Carol has returned for its 8th year, but it remains a show that never gets old. (Image: Manuel Harlan) Produced by Matthew Warchus and adapted by Jack Thorne, this show tells the story written by Charles Dickens in 1844 of love, redemption and human compassion that still resonates with modern day audiences.

This year the headlining role of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Life on Mars star John Simm, who gives a hearty performance and really brought the character to life on stage with a smattering of humour that I really enjoyed.

This year the headlining role of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Life on Mars star John Simm, who gives a hearty performance.This year the headlining role of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Life on Mars star John Simm, who gives a hearty performance. (Image: Manuel Harlan)

The show has a lot of whimsical charm, with guests given mince pies and satsumas on arrival and the stage ceiling hung with glowing lanterns.

With a minimalist set with mainly a few props used by the actors, the show leaves it up to the audience’s own imagination to envisage Scrooge’s apartments and the dark streets of Victorian London.

The show has a lot of whimsical charm, with guests given mince pies and satsumas on arrival and the stage ceiling hung with glowing lanterns.The show has a lot of whimsical charm, with guests given mince pies and satsumas on arrival and the stage ceiling hung with glowing lanterns. (Image: Manuel Harlan)

Georgina Sadler's performance as Little Fan was both sweet and caring, whilst bringing a kind of strength to her character I hadn’t seen done before, whilst Juliette Crosbie gave a strong and wise performance as Belle and her carol singing was remarkable.

Georgina Sadler's performance as Little Fan was both sweet and caring, whilst bringing a kind of strength to her character I hadn’t seen done before.Georgina Sadler's performance as Little Fan was both sweet and caring, whilst bringing a kind of strength to her character I hadn’t seen done before. (Image: Manuel Harlan) Reprising their roles this year were Rob Compton as Bob Cratchit, who gives a deeply moving performance of the doting father, and also rejoining the cast was Alastair Parker as the merry and kind-hearted Mr. Fezziwig.

 this show tells the story written by Charles Dickens in 1844 of love, redemption and human compassion that still resonates with modern day audiences.Rob Compton as Bob Cratchit gives a deeply moving performance of the doting father. (Image: Manuel Harlan)

The music produced by Christopher Nightingale is an incredible combination of handbells, choir music and live musicians playing an ensemble of instruments that would have been found at the parties of the rich during Dickens’ time.

The show ends with a flurry of snow, music and merry dancing that you can’t help but feel Christmassy after seeing it.

The show ends with a flurry of snow, music and merry dancing that you can’t help but feel Christmassy after seeing it.The show ends with a flurry of snow, music and merry dancing that you can’t help but feel Christmassy after seeing it. (Image: Manuel Harlan)

A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic is a theatrical masterpiece and one that I, along with many theatre goers, never tire of seeing every year when Christmas comes around.

The show has a running time of 2 hours with an interval and will run up until January 4.