One of the great joys of Christmas is the amazing theatre we get to see, shows which offer many of our kids their first ‘live’ experience. The pandemic has robbed us of our usual mix of panto, musicals and live theatre. Here for example, the long run of Les Miserables was cancelled at the Wales Millenium Centre.

Fortunately, theatres all across the UK, have explored new ways to bring that live experience to us and at least maintain some kind of business as usual feel for our struggling arts and entertainments industry. One of those is the OLD VIC in London.

Over the last few months they brought live shows to our own homes as part of the OLD VIC: IN CAMERA series. It’s pretty straight forward really, although technically it is quite a task for the team involved. We simply pay for our tickets, pull up the best seats in the house, which happen to those in our own home, and watching amazing productions, with some of the finest acting talent around. It really is as close as we can get to the live theatre feel at the moment.

The latest of these is Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL  which is back on the stage until Christmas Eve. It is performed live from the beautiful auditorium and streamed to homes across the world.

The team here at SOUTH WALES LIFE do have some history with this show having seen it a few times now. In fact, let me share a couple of our photographs from the last time we were there. Yes, that is my foot and knee in the shot (we had incredible seats) and can you spot who was also there on opening night? Think ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ and ‘Step Brothers.’

This Christmas, you can still come together with your household or with friends and family online to take part in the music and merriment of this uplifting story, joyously adapted by Jack Thorne.

A Christmas Carol will be performed and streamed live as part of the Old Vic: In Camera series with the hope that you will join with them to support the series and feel excited to be part of a live theatre community once again. They really need your help in making sure that The Old Vic and their productions are still here to enjoy once our much-missed normal lives resume.

A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic is something really special, and this year has another top notch cast led by ‘Love Actually’ and ‘The Walking Dead’ star, ANDREW LINCOLN. We may not be able to see him perform from an Old Vic theatre seat, but let’s be honest, you really won’t get any closer than from the comfort of your living room.

Andrew spent his childhood not far from us here in South Wales. He moved to Bath when he was 10. His first big break came when he was cast as Edgar ‘Egg’ Cook in the popular drama series This Life, unbelievably almost 25 years ago now. He was a teacher in the Channel 4 series Teachers, and of course the role as Mark in the film Love Actually, which no doubt will be on our screens this Christmas.

His big role happened ten years ago when he was cast in The Walking Dead (2010), a live action drama series based on the comic of the same name. Andrew plays the lead character of Rick Grimes.

And one other little thing you may not know, his Father-in-Law is actually Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull. People of a certain era will be as impressed with that as The Walking Dead fans.

Those who are slightly younger may need a little Jethro Tull education, so enjoy LIVING IN THE PAST.

Of course, a production like A Christmas Carol really is an ensemble piece, and the cast, and crew are all at the top of their game. Take a look at the show programme at the bottom of the page for more.

Staging a show like this is a challenge at the best of times. Throw in a pandemic, and all its restrictions, then a full crew to bring the production into our homes, and you really have a tricky operation. Heres a look behind the scenes of A Christmas Carol.

Every Christmas the Old Vic encourage audiences to donate to a charity whose missions align with the themes of A Christmas Carol. This year, despite not being able to fundraise in person, they continue in their commitment and are delighted to announce FoodCycle as their Charity Partner for 2020. 

Writer Jack Thorne, together with his wife Rachel, has generously pledged to match all A Christmas Carol FoodCycle donations received from the public up to £250,000. We are sure this will inspire you to support the work of this outstanding charity.

Read more here FOODCYCLE.

There are a variety of ticket prices, just as they would be if you were going to the theatre.

PWC £10 TICKETS, £20, £30, £40, £55, £65

All ticket prices offer the same view, but the Old Vic ask you to give what you can, or consider chipping in for a higher price ticket if you’re watching on the same screen with a group. Only one ticket required per household.

A Souvenir Ticket including a limited edition souvenir poster is also available. This will be posted to you no later than January 2021 (available to UK postal addresses only).

All performance times are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). These performances are live streamed using Zoom. The running time is around two hours, including a 10 min interval and is suitable for ages 8+. Please note flashing lights will be used at different points throughout the show.

If you’d like more details about the In Camera series and to book yourself a ticket for this fantastic show, just go here. CHRISTMAS

And of course no theatre show would be complete with your very own programme, so the Old Vic have provided one of those, which you can download here. PROGRAMME