The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln will play Ebenezer Scrooge in a live version of A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale has been adapted countless times since the 1843 novella was published. A Christmas Carol remains one of the longest-running and most adapted stories to date, with Victorian England's infamous miser portrayed in many films, TV specials, and plays. The beloved book follows Scrooge's transformation from a greedy and lonely man to a compassionate and generous one after meeting the ghosts of past, present, and future. Most famously retold by the Muppets, the story has also been seen in other iconic adaptations, such as the 1983 Disney special Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Bill Murray's 1988 film Scrooged, set in New York City.
Fans were shocked when Lincoln announced he would be departing The Walking Dead ahead of its ninth season. After nearly a decade of playing protagonist Rick Grimes, Lincoln made his final appearance on the AMC apocalyptic series in season 9, episode 5, titled "What Comes After." Lincoln's reason for leaving the long-running show was due to his family. With the show's production taking place in Atlanta for several months out of the year, and Lincoln's family residing in England, the actor decided it was time to go home. However, Rick's story is far from over, as it was announced after his departure Lincoln will return as Rick in a trilogy of Walking Dead movies. In the meantime, fans will get to see the actor in a new role.
Per Broadway World, The Old Vic theater in London announced Lincoln will play Scrooge in an In Camera production of Jack Thorne's A Christmas Carol. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the full-scale play will be streamed live from the stage with musicians, theatrical lighting, and a cast of 18 performers. "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," said Warchus in a statement. The production will run for 16 live performances from December 12-24.
In an empty auditorium, Lincoln will be joined by 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. Rayhaan Kufuor-Gray, Lara Mehmet, Lenny Rush, and Eleanor Stollery will share the role of Tiny Tim. Warchus’ production first premiered at The Old Vic in 2017 before making its Broadway debut at the Lyceum Theatre in 2019, landing five 2020 Tony Award nominations.
Lincoln's exit from The Walking Dead was a sad one for fans, though many are hoping for a surprise return in the final season. It will be fascinating to see Lincoln's departure from the gritty sheriff role he's most known for to the miserly bank owner visited by three ghosts on Christmas. Additionally, Scrooge is an iconic character many well-known actors have played before. Luckily, Lincoln has certainly proven his acting abilities in the past, so A Christmas Carol will likely be a great production for him to take on.
Source: Broadway World