Summary
Paul Cooper from This Country stars as Scrooge in a brand-new, laugh-out-loud A Christmas Carol at Cheltenham’s Parabola Arts Centre this December. Dust off your top hat and wrap up warm, because Cheltenham has a brand-new festive treat in store. This December, the Parabola Arts Centre stages its very first commercial theatre production: a gloriously unhinged, comedy-musical take on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol .
Details
And leading the merry chaos as Ebenezer Scrooge is none other than Paul Cooper, much loved as Martin Mucklowe in the BBC’s This Country. A Christmas Carol like you’ve never seen it Forget the version you studied at school.
This kitsch, mischievous retelling is packed with live music, big laughs and plenty of festive sparkle, performed by a professional actor-musician cast alongside Parabola’s own young Theatre Studio ensemble. Writer and director Kieran Mortell – who you may recognise from the BBC’s Small Prophets – has even put Dickens himself at the centre of the action. “Scrooge is a gift of a part to play,” says Paul.
“This version gives him real mischief and energy without losing the heart of the story. It’s a proper family show.” That’s the magic of this festive production – underneath all the comedy and chaos, the story still glows with Dickens’ message of second chances and the true spirit of Christmas.
It’s a fast-paced, feel-good night out that works just as well for the whole family as for friends or the office Christmas outing. Make a festive day of it The Parabola Arts Centre is a beautiful Grade II* listed, 300-seat theatre right in the heart of Cheltenham, so it’s easy to turn your trip into a proper festive outing.
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Browse the town’s shops for those last few presents, soak up the twinkling Christmas lights, and settle in somewhere cosy for dinner or a mulled wine before curtain up. With matinees on offer too, it’s a perfect excuse for a December day out in Cheltenham.
Grab your tickets – What: A Christmas Carol, starring Paul Cooper as Scrooge – Where: Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cheltenham – When: Selected dates, 10-31 December 2026, including matinees and relaxed performances – Age guidance: 7+ – Tickets: From £19 for adults. Gather your friends and family, pull on your favourite Christmas jumper and get ready for a festive night of fun.
Book your tickets today .
What You Need to Know
Book your tickets today .
Report source: Visit Cheltenham Blog
