❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Slow Horses star cast as Scrooge in this year's A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Paul Hilton has inherited the role from Doctor Who actors Christopher Eccleston and John Simm.

Paul Hilton plays David Holmes in A Very English Scandal

Published: Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 12:35 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times – 5 weeks for £2

Slow Horses star Paul Hilton has been announced as the next Scrooge at this year's production of A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic – taking over from previous actors John Simm and Christopher Eccleston.

Ad

The British actor will be leading the cast for the show's ninth year at the West End, which will run throughout the festive period from 12th November to 10th January.

Once again the classic Dickens story has been adapted by acclaimed Adolescence writer Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, who will step down from The Old Vic in 2026 after 11 years at the helm.

In a press release, Warchus 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."

Hilton added: “At its best, theatre is a transformative ritualistic experience and to play Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus's 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.”

Tickets for this year's production are already on sale, so here's how you can get yourself a spot this Christmas.

For more casting news, here's who's been cast in The Importance of Being Earnest.

When is A Christmas Carol showing in London?

Paul Hilton's time as the tight-fisted hand to the grind stone will take place at The Old Vic theatre in Waterloo from 12th November to 10th January 2025.

To get there you can head to Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee, Waterloo & City line) or Waterloo East (National Rail).

How to get A Christmas Carol tickets

Tickets are on sale now at LOVETheatre, or you can buy tickets through the brand new Radio Times Theatre Pass.

How much do A Christmas Carol West End tickets cost?

Tickets start at £26.50 and go up to £40, £53, £72 and £84 depending on where you sit. However, the starting price for peak times such as weekends will be £30.

Ad

You can also check out our Traitors Live Experience review and the best West End shows.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Authors

Olivia Garrett

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...