Magic, music and merry mischief come together in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, the Musical, a festive reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, staged by the Young Performers Project at the Playhouse Drama Theatre from 5-21 December.

This family-friendly production cleverly blends beloved fairytale characters with Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption. The Big Bad Wolf takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by James Armstrong from ISPA (formerly Donkey in Shrek). He is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Midas, who could turn anything into gold. Midas warns him of three magical visitors – Christmas Past, Present and Future – portrayed by the Fairy Godmother, Old King Cole and the Queen of Hearts. Through these encounters, the Big Bad Wolf discovers that it’s never too late to change.

Directed and choreographed by Daisy Spencer, the show features original songs, well-loved carols and a few festive surprises.

The Young Performers Project has nurtured young talent for 24 years, growing from a single annual production to three full-scale musicals each year. This year’s cast features 80 children from 45 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, including strong North Coast representation: Emma Blake and Arrya Govender from Ashton International College Ballito, Mzwakhe Bultitude from Reddam House Ballito, Azania Mavimbela and Oratilwe Mthiyane from Crawford International North Coast, Nina van den Heever from Umhlali Prep and Mackenzie Jahnig from Koa Academy.

A special relaxed performance will be held on Friday, 5 December, where traditional theatre rules of silence and stillness are eased, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals and families with different accessibility needs.

The musical runs for 75 minutes, including an interval. Tickets are R180-R230 per person and available via Webtickets.

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