Paul Cooper, star of the BBC comedy This Country, has been cast as Ebenezer Scrooge in a bold new reimagining of A Christmas Carol - marking the first commercial theatre production to be produced at Cheltenham Ladies' College's Parabola Arts Centre.
The production is a gloriously unhinged, laugh-out-loud new adaptation of Dickens' classic: a kitsch, comedy-musical retelling with a joyful, mischievous take on a familiar story. The professional, actor-musician cast is led by Cooper's chaotic, comic Scrooge and supported on stage by Parabola's own Theatre Studio ensemble.
Local theatregoers are invited to enjoy a professional festive production with real star power in both cast and creative team – from Cooper’s major role in the critically acclaimed This Country to Kieran Mortell's acting turn in the compelling and heartwarming BBC show Small Prophets.
Cooper is best known for playing Martin Mucklowe - father to Kerry and uncle to Kurtan - in This Country, written by and starring his own children, Charlie and Daisy-May Cooper. He also takes to the road with his own popular touring stand-up show, An Evening with Martin Mucklowe.
Paul Cooper, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge, said: “Scrooge is a gift of a part to play, and this version gives him real mischief and energy without losing the heart of the story. It's a proper family show, and I'm looking forward to bringing it to the Parabola Arts Centre for what I understand is a first for the venue.”
Fast-paced and full of festive spirit, this is Christmas theatre for everyone: a witty, high-energy night out that works as well for groups of friends and colleagues as it does for the whole family - the perfect way to kick off the season, for children and grown-ups alike.
The Parabola production is written and directed by Kieran Mortell – fresh from successes with shows for the British Americal Dramatic Academy (BADA) and Cheltenham Playhouse. It is produced by Matt Nolan, with musical direction from Rosie Weston and movement direction from Eloise Morris.
This is A Christmas Carol as you've never seen it before.
Kieran Mortell, director of the production, said: “Dickens gave us one of the greatest stories ever written about redemption, second chances and the possibility of change. We've had enormous fun turning that story inside out by placing Dickens himself at the centre of the action. The result is a fast-paced theatrical adventure full of comedy, live music and heart. The production doesn't take itself too seriously, but it also remains rooted in the extraordinary emotional power of Dickens' classic story.”
Matt Nolan, producer of the Christmas show, said: “It's a real pleasure to bring this production to the Parabola Arts Centre and to be part of its first steps into commercial theatre. I’m thrilled to give local professional actors and the exceptional youth ensemble Theatre Studio a stage this Christmas. It's a beautiful space, and we hope it becomes a regular home for shows like this - for the whole community to enjoy.”
A Christmas Carol plays at the Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham Ladies' College, on selected dates between 10 and 31 December 2026. Full schedule and performance times can be found on the website. Matinees and relaxed performances are available.Age guidance is that the show is suitable for ages 7+
Tickets start from £19 for an adult ticket and are available here.
