Charles Dickens’ classic comes to QPAC this Christmas

Right: Eugene Gilfedder who will star as Scrooge

Shake & stir theatre company, known for their popular adaptations of classic fiction, is bringing the world premiere of a new theatre production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the Playhouse to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 7 to 16 December following recent page to stage co-productions with QPAC including George’s Marvellous Medicine and Dracula.

Directed by award-winning Michael Futcher and adapted for stage by co-Artistic Director for shake & stir Nelle Lee, audiences can expect a surprising reimagining of Dickens’ classic story of compassion, forgiveness and redemption.

The tale begins on a cold and gloomy Christmas Eve. Ebenezer Scrooge is spending his evening hunched over his coals, counting his fortune and cursing the happiness of others. After a ghostly night of unexpected visitors, each with an important lesson for Scrooge direct from the grave, Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day with a whole new outlook on life.

Brisbane actor Eugene Gilfedder will star as Scrooge alongside a cast including Ross Balbuziente, Salliana Campbell, Arnijka Larcombe-Weate, Nelle Lee, Bryan Probets and Nick Skubij.

Ms Lee said she was delighted to be bringing such an iconic Christmas story to the stage this December.

“Throughout the world, theatre productions of A Christmas Carol are brought to life at Christmas time - we are excited to give Brisbane audiences the opportunity to enjoy this tradition at the Playhouse QPAC this December,” Ms Lee said.

“Audiences will enjoy the transformation of Scrooge from a greedy, selfish humbug to someone who truly understands and upholds the Christmas spirit.”

Featuring live musicians, yule-tide carolling, lavish costumes and of course, snow, A Christmas Carol will have a set designed by Josh McIntosh and video design by Craig Wilkinson. The production will also include a new atmospheric composition from composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Salliana Campbell (The Switch, Shotgun Shirleys).

QPAC has been working with shake & stir theatre co to develop new works for eight years.

Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 246. Suitable for ages eight and over.