THE WALKING DEAD's Andrew Lincoln To Star As Scrooge in Live Streamed A CHRISTMAS CAROL as Part of Old Vic: In Camera

Today, The Old Vic in London, England announced that Andrew Lincoln (AMC's The Walking Dead) will star as Ebenezer Scrooge in this year's Old Vic: IN CAMERA version of Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the festive favorite returns for its fourth year and this time will be streamed live from The Old Vic stage. As with previous Old Vic: IN CAMERA streams, the empty auditorium will be the show's backdrop but this production will be, for the first time in the series, presented as a full-scale show with live musicians, theatrical lighting, set and costumes, and with a cast of 18 performers. In total, 80 freelance creatives, actors and musicians will be employed to create this year's production.

Cast joining Andrew this year will be, amongst others, Melissa Allan, Rosanna Bates, John Dagleish, Tim van Eyken, Sam Lathwood, Eugene McCoy, Myra McFadyen, Gloria Obianyo, Maria Omakinwa, Golda Rosheuvel, Michael Rouse, Clive Rowe and Sam Townsend. With Rayhaan Kufuor-Gray, Lara Mehmet, Lenny Rush and Eleanor Stollery sharing the role of Tiny Tim.

Matthew Warchus' production of Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol premiered at The Old Vic in 2017 and made its Broadway debut at New York's Lyceum Theatre last year. It's now nominated for five 2020 Tony Awards. A Critic's Pick, the New York Times said, "Jack Thorne and Matthew Warchus have polished the story's social conscience to a restored brightness." And, The Hollywood Reporter raves, "It's an enchanting spectacle designed to enrapture all ages with wonder and delight." Entertainment Weekly said, "you will leave the theater with a heart full of joy and light!"

Director Matthew Warchus said: "When I began my job as Artistic Director five years ago I boldly (naively) put up a neon sign in the lobby radiating Lilian Baylis' favorite quote - "Dare, Always Dare". With those galvanizing words ringing in our ears, I am delighted to announce that Andrew Lincoln has joined us in what must surely be one of the most ambitious and complex pieces of live streamed theatre attempted in the pandemic so far. The Old Vic's A Christmas Carol has moved and entertained over a quarter of a million people in London and New York over the last three Christmases and we made a pledge last spring that we would still present it, in some form or other, even in this most challenging of years. In doing a project of this size we don't expect to be able to make any profit for the theatre but rather we will be continuing our mission of staying connected to audiences of all ages, providing much needed work and income for dozens of freelancers, and generally celebrating the important role live theatre has always played in bringing us together to share amazing stories. I hope you can join us."

The production will play 16 live performances December 12-24, 2020 with 80,000 tickets available throughout the run from £10-£65 (currency exchange rates apply), with all ticket prices offering the same view. Audiences only need to buy one ticket to watch with a group on the same screen; and, if they plan on watching together on the same screen, a group of four could get to experience this production for as little as £2.50 per person or a maximum of £20 per person.

Through staging and pricing the production in this way, The Old Vic hopes that it will breakeven and any profits that are made will go towards funding the charitable activities of The Old Vic: artistic, education and community work that serves its beneficiaries. During the pandemic The Old Vic has seen a 75% reduction in box office income for live performances - its main source of income. Yet its core costs remain, supporting staff and its Grade II* listed building as well as continuing with outreach work within communities who need it more than ever.

As the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic continue we all, now more than ever, feel the need for connection, joy and hope - especially at this time of year. All those who celebrate the festive season will be preparing to do things slightly differently this year and could be facing the prospect of being separated from family and loved ones. Our hope is that we can bring a traditional Old Vic Christmas into thousands of homes across the world connecting families, friends and also strangers through this powerful story and collective experience.

On December 17 3pm ET / 2pm CT / 12pm PT (US), radio and television broadcaster Dermot O'Leary will return to host the second of our live Old Vic: IN CONVERSATION series as he is joined by Andrew Lincoln to discuss being part of this year's production.

For Booking, visit www.OldVicTheatre.com