The Old Vic's A Christmas Carol at the Lowry: John Thomson as Scrooge, 11 December to 10 January
The Old Vic's Tony-winning A Christmas Carol comes north for the first time: the Lowry, Salford Quays, Fri 11 December 2026 to Sun 10 January 2027, with John Thomson as Scrooge. Age guide 8+. We're at the press night on 17 December.
When and where
Family-friendlyWe're at the press night on Thursday 17 December with our ten year old. Review that weekend.
Matthew Warchus's production of A Christmas Carol has been the Old Vic's Christmas show in London since 2017, won five Tony Awards on Broadway, and has never been staged outside London until now. The Lowry has it for a month: Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027 in the Lyric Theatre at Salford Quays.
Who's in it
John Thomson (Cold Feet, The Fast Show, Coronation Street) plays Scrooge. He's a Salford lad, which makes this a homecoming of sorts, and the full company was announced in November. Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Adolescence) wrote the adaptation.
Is it for children
The Lowry's age guide is 8+. The theatre's press office told us "the ghosts are not scary", which is a relief, but it is a proper two-act play rather than a panto, and Marley's chains do rattle. Our ten year old is coming; Thomas, who is two, is not, and that is the right call. Expect carols, handbells and a great deal of snow in the auditorium.
Booking
Tickets are on sale through the Lowry's website. Family tickets are available on selected performances; check the dates when booking. Pier 8 has a multi-storey car park next door, and MediaCityUK tram stop is a two minute walk.
Image: the Lowry.