Paul Hilton to play Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Old Vic
Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning
The Old Vic has announced that Paul Hilton (The Inheritance, Lady Macbeth, Slow Horses) will take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus’ timeless production of A Christmas Carol, which returns to the venue from 12 November 2025 - 10 January 2026.
Matthew Warchus, director of A Christmas Carol and Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: “I’m so excited that the great Paul Hilton will be joining us as Ebenezer Scrooge, taking the production into its ninth year. After decades of extraordinarily brilliant performances Paul has become one of the most highly regarded and beloved actors in the world. I’ve been in awe of his work for many years and I’m truly delighted that he’s agreed to take up the mantle of one of Dickens’ most unforgettable characters.
“At The Old Vic we are all humbled by the enormous ongoing popularity of this production; last year, in its eighth year, A Christmas Carol continued to break box office records, welcome new audiences and see a staggering number of returning faces. I’m so proud that Jack Thorne’s ingenious adaptation continues to inspire, capture imaginations and create magic for our audiences.”
Paul Hilton, on performing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, said: “At its best, theatre is a transformative ritualistic experience and to play Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus’ beautiful production of A Christmas Carol, in the magical Old Vic theatre that sings with the Ghosts and Spirits of the Past, Present and the Future, is a tremendous honour and a privilege. Living the dream.”
This role marks Paul Hilton’s debut at The Old Vic and follows his successful run in Hamlet Hail to the Thief with the Royal Shakespeare Company this summer. Paul is a Tony and Olivier award-nominated actor for his roles in The Inheritance (West End/Broadway/Young Vic) and An Enemy of the People (West End). His screen credits also include Lady Macbeth, Wuthering Heights, Slow Horses and A Very English Scandal.
The creative team includes set & costume design by Rob Howell, composition & arrangements by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker, casting by David Grindrod CDG, Ebenezer Scrooge and original casting by Jessica Ronane CDG, and movement direction by Lizzi Gee.
