As NSTA Representatives, I had the enormous privilege of attending Ruislip High School’s production of A Christmas Carol on the evening of Wednesday 17 December 2025. On what was a suitably chilly December night, I was lucky enough to have a front-row seat for this inventive and highly amusing reimagining of Charles Dickens’ original novella. Cleverly directed by Mr Randall, the action was relocated to a pub in (you’ll never guess) Ruislip, 2025 – a concept that immediately grounded the story in a familiar, contemporary setting while retaining the heart and moral core of Dickens’ timeless tale.

​​A Christmas Carol follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he undergoes a profound transformation on Christmas Eve, guided by a series of ghostly visitations that force him to confront his past, examine his present, and reconsider his future. From the moment I entered the theatre, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement, with the audience clearly ready to be entertained. This energy was expertly harnessed even before the action began, thanks to a light-hearted and incredibly humorous pre-show announcement delivered by the Ghost of Christmas Present. Performed with bags of charisma by Max, this moment immediately established the playful tone of the production and reminded the audience that this would be a Christmas Carol with warmth, wit and personality in abundance.

The opening monologue, shared by narrators Eva, Deeya and Jess, was a beautifully delivered reminder of the heart of the story. Their storytelling was clear, engaging and well-paced, creating a sense of tension and expectation that set the scene perfectly for our first introduction to Scrooge. This framing device worked particularly well, guiding the audience confidently into the world of the play while ensuring that the moral weight of the story was never lost beneath the humour.

Julian’s portrayal of Scrooge was a standout performance. His interpretation was brilliantly cruel, capturing Scrooge’s bitterness and miserliness with precision, yet underpinned by an emotional depth that felt far beyond his years. This was a thoughtful and controlled performance, allowing the audience to fully invest in Scrooge’s journey. Julian was wonderfully supported by Max as Young Scrooge, whose presence added clarity and emotional resonance to Scrooge’s past, helping the audience understand how this lonely figure had come to be.

Following a particularly strong ensemble movement sequence accompanying the entrance of Jacob Marley’s Ghost, played with stoic authority by James, the production introduced its trio of Christmas spirits one by one. Each Ghost was distinct in style, tone and energy, offering contrast while maintaining narrative cohesion. The eerie Clown of Christmas Past, portrayed by Katie, was unsettling and effective, while Max’s energetic Australian Ghost of Christmas Present brought warmth, humour and boundless enthusiasm to the stage. The final visitor, the macabre Ghost of Christmas Future, played by CJ, was genuinely chilling and made particularly effective use of puppetry, which enhanced the sense of dread and inevitability surrounding Scrooge’s fate. Each visit was beautifully crafted, guiding the audience smoothly through Scrooge’s journey of redemption and self-realisation.

Special commendation must be given to the Cratchit family, who created a beautiful sense of rapport on stage. Each member contributed to a portrayal of a poignantly heartfelt family that the audience could truly care about, making their scenes especially affecting. A particular highlight was Jess’s portrayal of Jenny Cratchit, which combined spectacular comic timing with a stunning all-round performance, striking the perfect balance between humour and sincerity.

The closing moments of the production were especially moving. A tear-jerking monologue from James as Marley reminded the audience of the cost of regret and missed opportunity, before a wonderful whole-cast rendition of Auld Lang Syne brought the company together in a moment of shared warmth and reflection. The cast’s heartfelt Christmas wishes to the audience provided a generous and joyful conclusion.

Every member of the cast and crew, regardless of their role, contributed to the success of this performance. As they took their bows to a brilliantly choreographed dance routine, it was clear that they truly embodied the spirit of A Christmas Carol. This production transcended the cold December night, leaving the audience wrapped in warmth and emotion, and powerfully demonstrated the transformative power of theatre within education. In true Dickensian fashion, this Christmas Carol proved that a good ghost story can still leave the audience glowing with seasonal cheer.

National School Theatre Awards

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