The beloved timeless classic returns to Rovaniemi Theatre for Christmas season 2025.
Dramatization by Patrick Barlow
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
An uplifting and touching classic
The Rovaniemi Theatre approaches Christmastime with the charming and beloved classic, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. We will see tour-de-force acting, exhilarating characters, beautiful visuals and a warm and fresh reminder of the value of the Christmas spirit and the power of sharing life together.
For people of all ages (age recommendation 7 up), this unforgettable story tells of Ebenezer Scrooge, who feels Christmas is ”humbug” and forces himself and his loyal clerk Bob Cratchit to embark on a laborious quest for making more profits – even through the Christmas holidays. After a nocturnal visit from three spirits, Scrooge is faced with his own bittersweet past. The quirky spirits challenge him to scrutinize himself, the world outside him, Christmas, and to see them with new eyes. Layer by layer, his humanity starts to reveal itself. Finally, only catching a glimpse of his future is enough to make Scrooge understand the consequences of his actions.
The play is based on Charles Dickens’ novella, published in 1843, that has since won over hearts worldwide in numerous stage adaptations and films.
In Rovaniemi, the official city of Santa Claus, we see the dramatization by the renowned British playwright Patrick Barlow. In this fast-paced yet poignant stage adaptation, Barlow skilfully uses witty British humour. Music plays an important role in enhancing the story. The adaptation received accolades at London’s West End, and the Finnish premiere took place at the Rovaniemi Theatre in November 2024.
The directing is by Johanna Freundlich and visuals by Mark Väisänen. This experienced and award-winning duo has worked together for years including, for instance, at the Finnish National Opera and the City Theatres of Turku, Helsinki, Espoo and Jyväskylä.
The play has English subtitles. Please note that subtitles are only visible from rows 6-14. For the best experience with subtitles we recommend places from rows 10-14.
Ensemble
Original text Charles Dickens
Dramatization Patrick Barlow
Directing and translation into Finnish: Johanna Freundlich (guest)
Set and costume design Mark Väisänen (guest)
Lighting design Kari Penttinen
Sound design Pekka Mikkola
Make-up and hair design Kaisa Mylläri
Vocal arrangement and coaching Minna Siitonen
Musician Kaisa Ristiluoma
Cast Kari Koivukangas, Kirsi Kärnä, Kylli Köngäs, Markku Lukka, Paula Miettinen, Marko Syysmaa and Timo Vuento as well as Samuel Heino, Ia Laiti, Juulia Poikela, Kaisa Ristiluoma and Tommi Semeri. Child extras: Alida Uurtamo, Topi Tuomikoski, Urho Kuokkanen, Matias Mylläri-Figuerola, Enna Juotasniemi ja Taimi Vuento.
Premiere
Wednesday 26 November 2025 at 18.00h
Venue
Lappia-hall, grand stage Tieva
Tickets
Adults 38 €, pensioners 34 €, children, students and unemployed persons 28 €
Family tickets:
– 3 people €92 (max 2 adults)
– 4 people €117 (max 2 adults)
– 5 people €145 (max 2 adults)
Duration
1 hour 50 minutes, including intermission
Age recommendation
7 years
Reviews and articles
Lapin Kansa newspaper / Tenka Issakainen 1.12.2024
”Kari Koivukangas is perfectly suited to the lead role. This Scrooge is not like someone who has swallowed poison, but also knows how to show a polite face, which only emphasizes his chilling hatred of humanity.
”The visual appearance created by Mark Väisänen is atmospherically stylish. The costumes are full of wrinkles and patterns, from Scrooge’s shovel to the rags of the underprivileged.”
”Minna Siitonen’s adaptations with accordion and violin cast a magical atmosphere. The concert of the poor and homeless is particularly touching.”
Uusi Rovaniemi newspaper / Marjis Ahvenjärvi 5.12.2024
”Johanna Freundlich’s direction breathes the warm glow of an old work. This performance dares to be in its own time and at the same time timeless. Mark Väisänen’s set and costume design creates a fairy tale of solid shapes and deep tones that the viewer loves to dive into.”
”It’s a joy to see the entire team succeed. The performance includes not only the theater’s own, competent staff, but also heart-melting and super-skilled child extras.”
”Rovaniemi Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is a strong and respectful interpretation of a classic work. It is a warm-hearted, touching and fresh reminder not only of the power of humanity but also of the eternal possibility of growth.”
