Cast Announced for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Exeter Northcott Theatre

The Exeter Northcott Theatre and Creative Cow are delighted to announce the cast for their magical new adaptation of Charles Dickens' much-loved Christmas classic.

Leading the cast is celebrated local actor, Derek Frood, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Derek was recently seen in BBC1's Poldark and has previously entertained Devon audiences in his work with Theatre Alibi.

Derek said, "The prospect of stepping into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge fills me with delight. In 1843 Dickens intended the story as a strong condemnation of greed, and the transformation of Scrooge provided an optimistic message that proved popular and is as relevant today as it was then. Creative Cow are a young, dynamic, company and I thank them for giving me this opportunity to play the miserly old man. Amanda Knott (the Director) and I last worked together in the early 1990's and the combination of all our energies will snowball, I'm sure, creating an unforgettable festive feast on stage!"

Making his Exeter Northcott Theatre debut is Cygnet Theatre trained Ed Ferrow in the roles of both Jacob Marley and Bob Cratchit. Creative Cow co-founder Katherine Senior will play the roles of Mrs Fezziwig and Mrs Cratchit. Darren Lake will play the roles of Ghost of Christmas Present and Fezziwig. Darren has played leading roles in shows as diverse as Maggie May, Tales from the Vienna Woods, The Hired Man, Oh! What A Lovely War. Séan Aydon will play the Ghost of Christmas Past, the first of the three spirits to haunt Ebenezer Scrooge. Séan recently appeared in the world premiere of Arthur Miller's The Hook in a co-production between Northampton's Royal & Derngate and the Liverpool Everyman.

Fred and Young Scrooge will be played by George Jennings. George has worked with Creative Cow before in the role of Young Marlow in She Stoops to Conquer. South West musician Jamie Huddlestone will bring elegant music to the production.

Completing the cast is John Dunlop, from Exeter, who will play the role of Tiny Tim.

Paul Jepson, artistic and executive director of Exeter Northcott Theatre said "I am delighted with the exciting cast and creative team we have brought together for A Christmas Carol, a show that marks the Exeter Northcott's return to producing. Along with the wonderful Creative Cow, we will provide south west audiences of all ages with a magical adaptation of a Christmas classic."

Matthew Parish and Katherine Senior from Creative Cow said "Creative Cow jumped over the moon when the opportunity to co- produce A Christmas Carol with Exeter Northcott Theatre arose. It is a new venture for us to have a residency at a theatre because, as a touring company, we are so used to packing up after a week and moving on to the next venue. It is an extremely exciting time to team up with the Northcott and because we are a Devon company we have a lot of local professional artists on board from Exeter and Plymouth alongside children from various Exeter schools and Willow Tree Theatre School in Tiverton. We hope our production will be a festive feast for all the senses and we can't wait to get started."

Ebenezer Scrooge is a notoriously bitter old man who is determined not to let Christmas interfere with his miserly routine. But one Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives some unexpected supernatural visitors who are determined to show him the true spirit of Christmas and the error of his ways.

Creative Cow's artistic director Amanda Knott directs an ensemble company of actors and musicians to bring you this magical, inventive, heart-warming adaptation of a festive classic, with Dickens wit and masterful storytelling at its core. Guaranteed to appeal to young and old alike, A Christmas Carol will melt even the coldest of hearts and leave all rejoicing with Christmas spirit.

Recommended for ages 7+. Tickets: £14 - £28, family tickets from only £27. Schools £10 for groups 10+. For more information, performance times and to book tickets call the Box Office on 01392 726363 or visit www.exeternorthcott.co.uk.

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