Behind the Scenes of A Christmas Carol at Century Theatre

December 9, 2025

The Century Theatre is thrilled to present a bold, intimate adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, performed as a one-man show by Christopher Commander. With a unique blend of storytelling, physicality, and theatrical magic, this production brings the timeless tale of love, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas to life in a fresh and engaging way.

A Personal Connection to the Story

Christopher has been connected to A Christmas Carol  for over a decade. “I’ve been performing in full productions every year since 2009,” he explains. “When I moved back to the UK in 2014, I realised Christmas just isn’t the same for me without it. It’s such a big part of my life.”

The one-man adaptation came from both practical and creative motivation. “As a creator, I live by the mantra: if there isn’t work, make the work,” Christopher says. “I took it upon myself to adapt the book into a solo performance. And in simple terms, it’s the best Christmas story ever written, full of love, hope, and a little bit of fear, which I adore.”

The production also reflects Christopher’s fascination with the macabre and Victorian ghost stories. “It ties into my love of M. R. James, the spiritualist movement, and that Victorian way of viewing spirits and death. It’s all about hope, fear, and redemption, themes that resonate as strongly today as ever.”

Bringing Multiple Characters to Life

One of the most striking aspects of this production is Christopher’s ability to embody the entire cast of characters himself. “Physicality is a massive part of it,” he explains. “Every character has a distinct posture and voice. Scrooge is hunched, Fred is light and lifted. Cratchit is subdued at work but full of warmth with his family. Even Fezziwig is larger than life. It’s like putting together a puzzle on stage.”

The challenge of keeping the audience oriented in the empty space makes the performance both demanding and rewarding. “It’s a workout, but it’s also joyful. The audience follows the characters through my movements and eyeline, and sometimes comedy emerges naturally through rapid character swaps. It’s freeing and exhilarating.”

Favourite Moments and Emotional Heart

While Christopher enjoys every character, he highlights a few moments that stand out. “Bob Cratchit’s scenes with his family are so moving, there’s a moment of loneliness even amidst love that always hits me. And Scrooge’s redemption is pure joy to perform. One of my favourite sequences is between Scrooge and Belle during the Ghost of Christmas Past. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, and it’s at the emotional heart of my adaptation.”

Ultimately, this version of A Christmas Carol centres on love and loss. “The story isn’t just about ghosts or redemption, it’s about seeing a bit of Scrooge in ourselves and recognising the chance for change. Wrapped in the magic of Christmas, that’s what makes it timeless.”

What Audiences Can Expect

Christopher hopes that audiences leave the theatre feeling touched and uplifted. “They’ll experience a range of emotions, laughter, fear, warmth and I hope they leave with full hearts and a renewed sense of the Christmas spirit. The show is a celebration, and I want everyone to feel part of it.”

A Century Theatre Experience

Set in the UK’s oldest touring theatre, this intimate venue enhances the immediacy and emotional impact of the performance. Christopher’s dynamic solo staging allows audiences to feel truly connected to the story, the characters, and the magic of the season.

Looking Ahead

With decades of experience and a deep passion for theatre, Christopher continues to innovate and inspire audiences. “Every performance is immediate and alive. The audience experiences it with me in real time, and that’s the beauty of this adaptation.”

This Christmas, don’t miss the chance to see Dickens’ classic story reimagined through the skill, energy, and heart of one incredible performer. A Christmas Carol at Century Theatre promises to be a memorable, moving, and magical experience.

See A Christmas Carol at Century Theatre from Friday 19 December at 7.30pm and Saturday 20 December at 2.30pm. Tickets are now available.