A Christmas Carol Script

CHARLES DICKENS’
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Adapted by
BRIAN WALSH
For performance purposes only. Not for sale.
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CHARACTERS
EBENEZER SCROOGE TOPPER, Fred’s bachelor friend

BOB CRATCHIT, his clerk IGNORANCE AND WANT, two miserable,
FRED HALLOWELL, Scrooge’s nephew symbolic children
JACOB MARLEY, Scrooge’s deceased part- THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

ner OLD JOE, a fence
MRS. CRATCHIT, Bob’s wife, her children: SNAGSBY, an undertaker
MARTHA, age 16 PEG, a laundress
PETER, age 13 TURKEY LAD
BELINDA, age 10 ENSEMBLE:
BEGGARS, CAROLERS, SHOPPERS,
DANIEL, age 9
MERCHANTS, PHANTOMS, PARTY
LUCY, age 7 GUESTS, ETC.
TINY TIM, age 6
THREE STOCK BROKERS
TWO PHILANTHROPIC SOLICITORS
POULTERER
BEN COLLINS, a poor, young man
CAROLINE COLLINS, his pregnant wife
MRS. DILBER, Scrooge’s maid
THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
BOY EBENEZER
YOUNG SCROOGE
RICHARD WILKINS, Scrooge’s old friend
SCHOOLMASTER
FAN, Scrooge’s sister
FEZZIWIG, an emporium owner
MRS. FEZZIWIG, his wife
BELLE, Scrooge’s former love
FIDDLER
THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT
TOY VENDOR
JANE, Fred’s wife
ALICE, her sister
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SCENES
PROLOGUE — A cemetery outside of London, December 1836
ACT ONE
SCENE 1 — the streets of London — The Scrooge & Marley Counting House,
Christmas Eve, 1843
SCENE 2 — Scrooge’s bedchambers
SCENE 3 — a schoolhouse in Devon, 1783
SCENE 4 — Fezziwig’s Emporium, 1791
SCENE 5 — a poorhouse, 1805
ACT TWO
SCENE 1 — the streets of London, Christmas Morning, 1843
SCENE 2 — The Cratchit Home
SCENE 3 — Fred’s house
SCENE 4 — the streets of London, the next day
SCENE 5 — The Cratchit Home, a few days later
SCENE 6 — a churchyard
SCENE 7 — Scrooge’s bedchambers, Christmas Morning
SCENE 8 — the streets of London
SCENE 9 — The Counting House, the next day
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A Christmas Carol was originally performed as a workshop and banquet
benefit at the Tyrone Depot on December 23rd, 2017 in Georgia with
the following cast:
Ebenezer Scrooge SCOTT COUCH

Bob Cratchit/Schoolmaster RYAN TURK
Jacob Marley/Shopper/Old Joe BRIAN WALSH
Fred/Fiddler/Grocer/Ghost of Christmas Future EVAN BARRON
Mrs. Cratchit/Ghost of Christmas Past JILLIAN PROFETA
Mrs. Dilber/Mrs. Fezziwig TAMMY BARTON
Broker 1/2nd Solicitor/Fezziwig/Christmas Present MIKE ECHEVARRIA
Broker 2/Young Scrooge/Toy Vendor NICK ABELEIN
Broker 3/Poulterer/Butcher/Topper BLAKE GWALTNEY
1st Solicitor/Alice/Peg KIMBERLY CRAWLEY
Ben Collins/Richard Wilkins/Snagsby ALEX COUCH
Belle/Drink Vendor/Jane ASHLEY BUTLER
Fan/Baker/Martha EMMA STITT
Peter DAMIEN HAAS
Belinda STEPHANIE EARLE
Daniel/Boy Ebenezer DREW DYER
Lucy/Want CARA STECHMAN
Tiny Tim ANDREW VOGLEY
Young Caroler/Schoolboy/Ignorance/Turkey Lad PHILLIP DAVIS
Lead Caroler/Caroline Collins CAITLIN WADE
Directed by Brian Walsh

Lighting by Kevin Barton
Musical Direction by Rebecca Clark
Dance and Movement by Ellen Sturgill
This play is designed for a total of twenty performers — twelve male and eight
female. Peter and Belinda only double as Schoolchildren and Party Guests in
the Past Sequence. Lucy may also be used in both scenes. Tiny Tim should not
be double cast with anyone.
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SONG LIST
PROLOGUE
Silent Night
ACT I
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Christmas Is Coming
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
The First Noel
Good King Wenceslas
Joy to the World
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Sussex Carol
Wassail
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
ACT II
I Saw Three Ships
Sing We Now of Christmas
Deck The Halls
O Come, Emmanuel
The Holly and the Ivy
O Come All Ye Faithful
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Joy to the World
Here We Come A-Wassailing
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PROLOGUE
A cemetery outside of London, December 1836
(The Lights Rise Slowly on a funeral procession. Present are a CLERGY-

MAN, an UNDERTAKER, EBENEZER SCROOGE and several MOUR-
NERS played by members of the ENSEMBLE all dressed in black with tall
hats and umbrellas. The MOURNERS sing a soulful and solemn rendition of
“Silent Night” as individual members of the ENSEMBLE step forward and
speak to the Audience in knowing voices)
MOURNERS
SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT . . .
ENSEMBLE
Marley was dead. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial
was signed by the clergyman, the undertaker, and the chief mourner Ebenezer
Scrooge. Scrooge’s name was good upon The Exchange, for anything he chose to put
his hand to. Did Scrooge know Marley was dead? Of course he did. How could it be
otherwise? They were partners for forty years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole
administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, and his sole friend. And
even Scrooge was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad event, but that he was an excel-
lent man of business on the very day of the funeral, and solemnized it with an un-
doubted bargain. Now, it must be distinctly understood that Marley was dead, or
nothing wonderful can come of the story that is about to be told.
MOURNERS
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE . . .
ENSEMBLE
It starts with a whisper. It starts with a graveyard and a length of black linen. It starts
with a prayer book and clump of frozen earth. It starts seven years ago.
FULL COMPANY
Seven years ago.
ENSEMBLE
Suffice it to say, old Jacob Marley was as dead as a doornail. Seven years past. On
Christmas Eve.
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ACT ONE
SCENE 1
The streets of London — the Scrooge & Marley Counting House,

Christmas Eve, 1843
(The Lights Come Up Full as the entire COMPANY enters. The umbrellas
close and the black clothing of the MOURNERS is stripped away and replaced
with bright-colored, festive clothing. SHOPPERS, BEGGARS, VENDORS,
MERCHANTS, and BUSINESSMEN fill the air with noisy sounds of Victo-
rian Christmas Eve excitement. The entire ENSEMBLE bursts into life, sing-
ing, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. But after the initial verse, the singing con-
tinues only with voices of a small band of CAROLERS. Their singing under-
scores the scene. SCROOGE moves downstage amidst the street life. He is
avoided by all in his path)
CAROLERS
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING . . .
ENSEMBLE
Scrooge was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone! Forty-seven years he had spent
locked away in his counting house. Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had
ever struck out generous fire. He was secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an
oyster. Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, “My dear Scrooge, how are
you? When will you come to see me?” No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle,
no children asked him what time it was, no man or woman ever once in all his life
inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men’s dogs
appeared to know him and would tug their owners into doorways and up courts
when they saw him. But what did Scrooge care? It was the very thing he liked.
(SCROOGE passes by three STOCK BROKERS)
BROKER 1
Mr. Scrooge! Are you off home to keep Christmas?
SCROOGE
Keep Christmas at bay, more like.
BROKER 2
But you’ve left your office early, surely you . . .
SCROOGE
I have not been abroad gawking at the derisions this season so generously throws in
my path. I have been abroad collecting loans that will be overdue by year’s end, and
I intend to return to my counting house and work a full day, until my usual closing
hour, at seven o’clock.
8
BROKER 3
A full day on Christmas Eve?
SCROOGE
Christmas, sir, is a humbug. Good day.
(The STOCK BROKERS exit. BEN COLLINS, a pitiful looking young man,
and his pregnant wife, CAROLINE, enter and approach SCROOGE)
COLLINS
Oh, Mr. Scrooge! Excuse me, Mr. Scrooge.
SCROOGE
Do I know you?
COLLINS
Ben Collins, guv’nor.
SCROOGE
Ah yes, a little matter of twenty odd pounds outstanding, I believe.
COLLINS
I would like to talk to you about that, Mr. Scrooge.
SCROOGE
Mr. Collins, what need is there for talk? You either have the twenty pounds or you
don’t. So far, you have missed two payments.
CAROLINE
We are dreadfully sorry for that, sir.
SCROOGE
Then remedy the situation by making your payments current. I feel that I have been
more than reasonable to wait this long.
COLLINS
You have, sir, it’s just that —
SCROOGE
You expect me to give you more time while I get absolutely nothing again? Are you
aware you could go to prison for this?
COLLINS
But my wife is expecting a young one in the Spring. The baby can’t be born in pris-
on.
9
SCROOGE
The baby can and will be born in whatever home you provide for it. Which, at the
moment, appears to be prison if I am not repaid.
CAROLINE
Please, sir, we just need more time!
SCROOGE
You have it, then.
COLLINS, CAROLINE
Thank you, Mr. Scrooge, thank you . . .
SCROOGE
You have until tomorrow.
CAROLINE
But, Mr. Scrooge! That’s Christmas Day!
SCROOGE
I am well aware of the calendar.
(He turns to leave)
COLLINS
Where will we find money on Christmas?
SCROOGE
That is none of my concern, Mr. Collins. Good day.
(COLLINS and CAROLINE exit. As SCROOGE moves his way through the
Christmas crowd, a Victorian sign — “Scrooge & Marley — Est. 1796” flies
in. Under the sign, the small band of CAROLERS starts a sprightly rendition
of “Christmas Is Coming”. Before they finish, SCROOGE charges the CAR-
OLERS with his walking stick and they stop singing and scatter)
CAROLERS
CHRISTMAS IS COMING, THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT
PLEASE PUT A PENNY IN THE OLD MAN’S HAT
IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT A PENNY, A HA’PENNY WILL DO
IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT A HA’PENNY, A FARTHING WILL DO
IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT A FARTHING —
GOD . . . BLESS . . .
SCROOGE
Bah! Humbug! Out! Out! I will not have Scrooge and Marley’s business premises
bothered by singing, Christmas or no.
(He enters the counting house through a small vestibule)
10
CAROLER 1
Which is he? Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?
CAROLER 2
(Half to the Audience)
Scrooge. Marley died seven years ago this very night, but old Mr. Scrooge wouldn’t
part with the money to have a new sign painted.
(CAROLERS exit. BOB CRATCHIT, bundled against the cold, sits at large
writing desk copying figures in a large ledger. He interrupts his work to take off
SCROOGE’S coat and hat and hang them on the rack)
SCROOGE
Waste!
CRATCHIT
Begging your pardon, sir?
SCROOGE
Five coals, it is a waste, Mr. Cratchit, a waste! I find you basking in almost tropical
warmth and discover five coals burning in our stove when three would have sufficed.
CRATCHIT
An oversight, sir.
SCROOGE
The farthing cost of a coal will be deducted from your week’s pay, Mr. Cratchit, and
we will enter the ha’penny in our books as an oversight.
CRATCHIT
Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
SCROOGE
We are here to make money, not spend it, Mr. Cratchit. If you waste my goods, you
might find yourself without employment.
(CRATCHIT continues to work and tries to warm himself at his candle, blow-
ing hot breath in his hands. SCROOGE enters his office and sits at his desk
counting coins and marking in his ledger. Enter SCROOGE’S nephew, FRED
HALLOWELL. He bounds across the street outside, carrying a wreath, and
then bursts into the counting house)
FRED
Greetings to you, Mr. Cratchit. I hope the season finds you well.
CRATCHIT
Yes, Mr. Hallowell, very well indeed. May I take your hat?
11
FRED
Thank you.
(He hands his hat to CRATCHIT who hangs it on the rack)
Is my uncle at work?
CRATCHIT
Perpetually, sir, you know that.
FRED
Indeed I do, but today I am resolute. Nothing can dampen the season’s cheer in my
heart, not even my uncle’s gloomy visage. I’m here to wish him a Merry Christmas.
CRATCHIT
It’s good of you to try, sir.
FRED
Right.
(He enters SCROOGE’S office)
A merry Christmas, Uncle! God save you!
SCROOGE
Humbug! What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.
FRED
Come then, what reason have you to be dismal? You’re rich enough.
SCROOGE
There is no such thing as rich enough, only poor enough.
FRED
Don’t be cross, Uncle!
SCROOGE
What else can I be when I live in such a world of fools as this? What’s Christmas
time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a
year older, but not an hour richer? If I could work my will, every idiot who goes
about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled in his own pudding, and
buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!
FRED
Uncle!
SCROOGE
Nephew! Keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.
FRED
Keep it? But you don’t keep it.
12
SCROOGE
Let me leave it alone then. Much good may it do you! Much good has it ever done
you!
FRED
There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not
profited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought
of Christmas time as a good time — a kind, forgiving, charitable and pleasant time.
The only time I know of when men and women seem to open their shut-up hearts
freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to
the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore,
Uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it
has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!
(CRATCHIT quietly applauds. SCROOGE mock applauds)
SCROOGE
You’re quite a powerful speaker, sir; I wonder you don’t go into Parliament. You
generate more hot hair than all the chimneys in London, I daresay.
FRED
Don’t be angry, uncle. Come have Christmas dinner tomorrow with my wife and me
SCROOGE
No thank you.
FRED
But why not? Surely a day in the warmth of family, food and conversation is prefera-
ble to the company of ledgers, numbers and a dinner of day-old porridge.
SCROOGE
That penniless vixen you chose to make your wife is certainly no family of mine.
FRED
You’ve never even met her.
SCROOGE
You have enough problems already — why in God’s name did you get married
against my wishes?
FRED
Because I fell in love. A condition you may know nothing of.
SCROOGE
Fell in love! There is most definitely something I know of that. And that is if there is
anything more nauseating than ‘Merry Christmas’, it’s the hypocrisy of a happy mar-
riage with a lovesick imbecile! Good afternoon.
13
FRED
Nay, Uncle, but you never came to see me before I was married. Why give it as a
reason for not coming now?
SCROOGE
Good afternoon.
FRED
I haven’t come to beg a mortgage or ask a loan; only to invite you to Christmas din-
ner. I want nothing from you. I ask nothing more of you but friendship.
SCROOGE
Good afternoon.
FRED
I am sorry, with all my heart to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel,
to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and
I’ll keep my Christmas humor to the last.
SCROOGE
You try my patience, Fred, must I tell you again?
FRED
For my mother’s sake, who loved you deeply, Merry Christmas, Uncle!
(He hangs the wreath over the door)
SCROOGE
Bah! Humbug!
FRED
And a Happy New Year!
(He kisses SCROOGE on the cheek)
SCROOGE
Damn you! Get out!
(A defeated FRED leaves his uncle’s office and CRATCHIT gently offers him
his hat)
CRATCHIT
Valiant effort, sir
FRED
Not very successful, I’m afraid.
CRATCHIT
Mr. Scrooge is immune to the joys of Christmas.
14
FRED
He thinks it’s the only thing that gives him character. So he clings to the attitude in
spite of his loneliness. I’m sure of it. How are Mrs. Cratchit and all the sundry little
Cratchits?
CRATCHIT
Well, sir.
FRED
And the littlest one? What’s his name again?
CRATCHIT
Tim, sir.
FRED
He’s well, I trust?
CRATCHIT
In high hopes of getting better, I assure you, sir. High hopes indeed.
FRED
And your eldest son, Peter, how old is he now?
CRATCHIT
He’s thirteen.
FRED
Old enough for an apprenticeship then. I have a position open starting at three shil-
lings and sixpence a week. If he agrees to it, he may start next Monday.
CRATCHIT
Yes, of course, thank you. I’ll be sure to let him know. Merry Christmas, Fred.
FRED
Merry Christmas, Bob.
(FRED exits as the CAROLERS take over the scene)
CAROLERS
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
SWEETLY SINGING O’ER THE PLAIN . . .
(CAROLERS continue singing as Lights Dim on the office and Rise on the
marketplace. MRS. CRATCHIT and her daughters BELINDA and LUCY
are buying a goose from a POULTERER — his birds displayed on a large pole
with crossbars)
15
POULTERER
Poultry! Geese! Turkey! Chicken! Etc.
BELINDA
Mama, look at the goose!
LUCY
It’s the biggest goose I ever saw!
MRS. CRATCHIT
I haven’t enough for the big one. I’ll take this.
(She buys the smaller goose. PETER CRATCHIT, with TINY TIM on his
back, and DANIEL running by their side, burst onto the stage, laughing excit-
edly. They see their mother and sisters and yell a boisterous greeting and run to
meet them)
PETER
Mother, it was the most wonderful Christmas window ever!
DANIEL
There were tin soldiers and the animals around the manger nodded and made such
loud noises! And the star the Wise Men followed, the star glowed with its own light!
TINY TIM
It must be magic for sure make the star glow so bright!
PETER
I’ve never seen a window like it, and I’ve been going every Christmas since before I
was Tim’s age.
DANIEL
And it snowed a fine white powder over the whole thing! It looked like real snow!
(MRS. CRATCHIT helps TIM down from PETER’S back. She holds his
crutch for him, as he stands weakly)
MRS. CRATCHIT
Look at you, child, you’re freezing cold.
(She takes off her coat and wraps TIM. To PETER):
You kept him out far too long. He’s icy clear through.
PETER
I couldn’t tear him away from the window, Mother, I hadn’t the heart to, Christmas
coming only once a year as it does.
TINY TIM
No, I wouldn’t leave.
16
DANIEL
I kept looking at the star and wondering how it glowed so.
TINY TIM
Don’t be cross with Peter. It’s not his doing.
MRS. CRATCHIT
(Showing the goose)
Look here.
TINY TIM
It’s for the feast!
MRS. CRATCHIT
The feast? Yes . . . well . . . it may seem a little scrawny now, but we’ll dress it out in
bread and onions and cook it golden brown and a feast it will become, that I prom-
ise. I think he’s warmer now. Peter, take Tim on home. Daniel, you come with your
sisters and me.
PETER
Can’t we wait until Father gets off work? He won’t be home for hours yet.
MRS. CRATCHIT
You couldn’t imagine old miser Scrooge letting your father go early. No, he’ll keep
him working in that cold little room as late as he possibly can. Christmas Eve or not.
TINY TIM
Nothing flies faster than when I ride home on Father’s shoulders.
MRS. CRATCHIT
You like that, do you?
DANIEL
Father has the strongest shoulders and the fastest legs of any man on Earth.
PETER
Come on, Tim. Let’s try my back. It’s not Father’s, but it’s a back sure enough and
it’s here. We’ll race Jack Frost home before he can freeze your toes red till they drop
off your feet.
CAROLERS
GLORIA . . . IN EXCELSIS DEO
(MRS. CRATCHIT puts TIM on PETER’S back and stands looking after
them. As they exit joyously down the street, the CAROLERS complete their
“Gloria” and exit along with MRS. CRATCHIT, DANIEL and the GIRLS.
The Lights Dim on the market and Rise on the Counting House as two PHIL-
ANTHROPIC SOLICITORS enter)
17
1ST SOLICITOR
Good day, sir. Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or Mr. Marley?
CRATCHIT
I am Mr. Cratchit, Mr. Scrooge’s clerk. Mr. Marley is deceased.
2ND SOLICITOR
Oh. Sorry.
CRATCHIT
You will find Mr. Scrooge in his office there.
2ND SOLICITOR
Thank you, Mr. Cratchit.
(They enter SCROOGE’S office)
1ST SOLICITOR
Mr. Scrooge?
SCROOGE
May I help you?
1ST SOLICITOR
We would like to take a moment of your time. At this festive season of the year, Mr.
Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that those of us with means should make
some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at this time.
SCROOGE
“Provision.” You’re seeking money from me?
2ND SOLICITOR
Many thousands are in want of common necessities; hundreds of thousands are in
want of common comforts, sir.
SCROOGE
Are there no prisons?
1ST SOLICITOR
Plenty of prisons.
SCROOGE
And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation?
2ND SOLICITOR
They are. Still, I wish I could say they were not.
18
SCROOGE
The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigor, then?
2ND SOLICITOR
Both very busy, sir.
SCROOGE
Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop
them in their useful course. I’m very glad to hear it.
1ST SOLICITOR
Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to
the multitude, a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat
and drink and means of warmth. We choose this time of the year, because it is a time
when want is keenly felt, and abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?
SCROOGE
Nothing.
2ND SOLICITOR
You wish to be anonymous?
SCROOGE
I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I
don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I
help to support the establishments I have mentioned — I’m taxed enough for them;
and those who are badly off must go there.
1ST SOLICITOR
Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.
SCROOGE
If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population —
that of which I do not know.
2ND SOLICITOR
But you might know it.
SCROOGE
It’s not my business. It’s enough for a man to understand his own business, and not
to interfere with other people’s. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, gen-
tlemen.
1ST SOLICITOR
I hope the joy and charity you share will be visited on you, Mr. Scrooge.
SCROOGE
Get out! Another word of Christmas and I’ll retire to Bedlam!
19
(The SOLICITORS withdraw. SCROOGE returns to his labors with a face-
tious temper. CRATCHIT stops the two men, humbly offering them some coins
from his pocket)
CRATCHIT
I know it’s a meager sum, but it’s all I can contribute to your worthy cause.
1ST SOLICITOR
God bless you, sir.
CRATCHIT
Now, quickly, on your way. It would cause me some small ill if my employer dis-
covers what I’ve done.
2ND SOLICITOR
Good day to you, sir.
CRATCHIT
Good day.
(As the SOLICITORS leave the street, CAROLERS appear singing “The First
Noel”. In the distance, a low sonorous voice calls SCROOGE’S name)
CAROLERS
THE FIRST NOEL, THE ANGELS DID SAY
WAS TO CERTAIN POOR SHEPHERDS IN FIELDS AS THEY LAY
IN FIELDS WHERE THEY LAY KEEPING THEIR SHEEP . . .
VOICE
Scroooooooooooooooooooooooooge . . . Scroooooooooooooooooooooooooge . . .
(SCROOGE lifts his head sharply. CRATCHIT does not hear the ghostly
voice, only the CAROLERS)
SCROOGE
What? Who is it?
CRATCHIT
It is only carolers, sir.
(SCROOGE ignores him and stands up, moving towards the door. The voice
calls again, closer and more ominous, followed by the sound of rattling chains)
CAROLERS
. . . NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL . . .
VOICE
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CAROLERS
BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL . . .
(On edge, SCROOGE flings open the door, and yells at the CAROLERS)
SCROOGE
Out on your singing! We are still attempting to do a day’s work for a day’s wages!
(SCROOGE grabs the wreath that FRED hung over the door earlier and
throws it at the CAROLERS. They flee in terror)
YOUNG CAROLER
Merry Christmas, Guv’nor!
SCROOGE
Humbug!
(SCROOGE returns to his desk. The ENSEMBLE speaks to the Audience)
ENSEMBLE
The fog and darkness thickens. People run about with flaring links, offering their ser-
vices to for horses and carriages, and conduct others on their way. The ancient tower
of a church becomes invisible, and strikes the hours and quarters in the clouds, with
tremulous vibrations as if its teeth were chattering in its frozen head. In the main
street, some laborers had gathered around a fire warming their hands and winking
their eyes against the blaze. Foggier yet, and colder. Piercing, searching, biting cold.
At length, the hour of shutting up the counting house arrives.
FULL COMPANY
(Whispers)
Seven o’clock . . .
(The bell tolls seven. CRATCHIT instantly snuffs his candle out and puts on
his hat. With an ill will, SCROOGE dismounts from his stool. CRATCHIT
patiently offers him his coat and hat, his eyes anxious with anticipation. The
two stare at each other for a moment as the bell is struck for a final time)
SCROOGE
You’ll want all day off tomorrow, I suppose?
CRATCHIT
If it’s quite convenient, sir.
SCROOGE
It’s not convenient, and it’s not fair. If I was to stop half-a-crown for it, you’d think
me ill used, I’ll be bound? And yet, you don’t think me ill-used, when I pay a day’s
wages for no work.
21
CRATCHIT
The family sets their heart so much on it and it’s only once a year.
SCROOGE
A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!
CRATCHIT
All other businesses will be closed tomorrow. You will have no one with whom you
can do business.
SCROOGE
I suppose you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier on the twenty-sixth.
CRATCHIT
Yes, Mr. Scrooge. I promise that I will.
(SCROOGE leaves the office. CRATCHIT waits until he has gone, then excit-
edly grabs his belongings and happily marches out the door humming “Good
King Wenceslas”. The scene changes to the city street. The CAROLERS pick
up with CRATCHIT’S song right where he leaves off)
CAROLERS
GOOD KING WENCESLAS LOOKED OUT ON THE FEAST OF STEPHEN
WHEN THE SNOW LAY ALL AROUND, DEEP AND CRISP AND EVEN
BRIGHTLY SHONE THE MOON THAT NIGHT, THOUGH THE FROST WAS CRUEL
WHEN A POOR MAN CAME IN SIGHT GATHERING SOME FUEL . . .
(The ENSEMBLE addresses the Audience. As SCROOGE wends his way

home, the last minute SHOPPERS hurry by him, bent against the cold)
ENSEMBLE
Scrooge took his melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern. Having read all
the newspapers and beguiled the rest of the evening with his banker’s book, he went
home to bed. He lived in chambers that had once belonged to his deceased partner.
They were a gloomy suite of rooms lit with only a single candle. Darkness is cheap
and Scrooge liked it. There was nothing at all unusual about the knocker on the
door. Scrooge had seen it, night and morning, during his whole residence in that
place. Scrooge had the least active imagination of any man in the city of London.
Scrooge had not bestowed one thought on Marley, since his last mention earlier that
afternoon . . . And yet, Scrooge, having his key in the lock of the door, saw in the
knocker, not a knocker, but Marley’s face!
(SCROOGE stands at the very center at the edge of the stage, holding a key
and turning an imaginary lock. Again we hear the haunting voice):
VOICE
22
SCROOGE
(Looks up, staring intently at the door we do not see)
Marley? Jacob Marley? Bah! All this talk of donations, days off and ‘Merry Christ-
mas’ has near addled my brain and I start to see things that exist only in my mind.
(He pushes through the imaginary door. The furniture for his bedchambers is
moved on)
SCENE 2
(There is a four-poster bed with curtains, an armchair with a footstool and a

small table next to it, a washstand on three legs, a Chinese folding screen, and a
large wardrobe. The window is also very large and prominent, descending from
the flies and occupying most of the background. MRS. DILBER, Scrooge’s
maid, a parched old crone, is laying out Scrooge’s gruel in a bowl on the table
with a spoon. She drinks from a flask and drunkenly sings)
MRS. DILBER
JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME
LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM
AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING . . .
(SCROOGE enters through the door and shuts it quickly, leaning up against it,
ashen and frightened)
MRS. DILBER
Lord, Mr. Scrooge! You startled me for sure. Took years off me life, I expect. What’s
the matter with you? You look a fright.
SCROOGE
Nothing. It was nothing. Now be gone with you, Mrs. Dilber.
MRS. DILBER
I was just putting out your supper. Would you like your gruel cold or hot?
SCROOGE
Hot.
MRS. DILBER
Hot was a ha’penny extra so I brought the cold. I’ll just run and exchange it . . .
won’t take me but a moment . . .
SCROOGE
No, don’t at a ha’penny extra; cold will suffice. Now out with you. And not a word
from you about ‘Merry Christmas’ or I’ll sack you without a word more and send
you packing in the snow.
23
(During the following, MRS. DILBER dusts the room with a feather duster.
While SCROOGE turns his back and removes his clothing, she sprinkles the
dust over his gruel)
MRS. DILBER
No, sir. I wouldn’t dream of burdening you with me good wishes this Christmas Eve,
believe you me. In fact, if you prefer it, I wish you as mean and lowly a Christmas as
ever was. There was a time I’d enjoy a bit of cheer on this blessed night — a nip of
gin, warmth and family, a bit of pudding to warm me stomach. I can’t wait till
Twelfth Night’s gone and I don’t have to listen to you grumble about how much you
hate this season.
(Under her breath)
You miserable old goat.
SCROOGE
Out with you, you impertinent wretch, and I’ll expect you tomorrow as usual,
Christmas or no.
(SCROOGE goes behind the folding screen to change and MRS. DILBER ex-
its. Outside, as we can see through the window, CAROLERS stumble through
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” as they merrily stagger home, in a festive,
raucous group. CHILDREN are seen having a snowball fight. SCROOGE
emerges from behind the screen, now in a nightshirt, cap, dressing gown and
slippers. He sits in the armchair and starts to eat his cold gruel. He dismally
looks out at the merriment through the window)
CAROLERS
ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME:
TEN LORDS A-LEAPING
NINE LADIES DANCING
EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING
SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING . . .
SCROOGE
Christmas. It’s a season when the world’s gone mad and none but fools and scoun-
drels walk about upon it. Humbug!
CAROLERS
. . . AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!
(Suddenly it becomes dark. The festivities outside have stopped and all is silent.
There is nothing but the sound of the low, ominous wind. Then, all the bells
start tolling madly: servants’ bells, clock bells, city tower bells, all creating a
wild pattern of sound. The same ghostly voice from before is heard once more.
SCROOGE looks around, confused, frightened)
VOICE
24
SCROOGE
It’s humbug still! I won’t believe it!
(In a large flash of bright light, The GHOST OF JACOB MARLEY enters the
room. He is a spindly figure dressed in solid white. He is laden with chains
made up of strongboxes, keys and padlocks. He slowly comes towards a startled,
blinking SCROOGE)
SCROOGE
How now! What do you want with me?
MARLEY
Much!
SCROOGE
Who are you?
MARLEY
In life, I was your partner Jacob Marley.
SCROOGE
Marley? No, that can’t be. You’re dead.
MARLEY
Aye, seven years dead and yet here I am. How it is that I appear in a shape that you
can see, I do not know. I have sat invisible beside you many a day these past seven
years trying to beseech you and now I finally succeed!
SCROOGE
This isn’t happening. You’re not real. I’m hallucinating is all.
MARLEY
What else would prove my existence besides your own senses?
SCROOGE
I don’t know.
MARLEY
Why do you doubt your own senses, then?
SCROOGE
Because the littlest things affect them. A slight disorder of the stomach makes them
cheat. Something I ate at the tavern tonight has given me indigestion, that’s it.
You’re just a bit of bad beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of moldy cheese and a frag-
ment of an underdone potato. There’s more gravy than grave about you, whatever
you are. Humbug, I tell you, humbug!
25
MARLEY
Moldy cheese? An underdone potato? Is that all I am to you, Scrooge, you old fool?!!
(MARLEY raises a frightful cry, shaking his chain with a dismal and appal-
ling noise. SCROOGE falls upon his knees and clasps his hands before his eyes)
SCROOGE
Mercy! Mercy, Jacob, I beg you! Forgive me! Why do you walk the earth and why
do you trouble me?
MARLEY
It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his
fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is con-
demned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world and witness
what it cannot share, but might have shared on Earth, and turned to happiness!
(Again he raises a cry, and shakes his chain and wrings his shadowy hands)
SCROOGE
Why are you bound in chains?
MARLEY
I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link-by-link, and yard-by-yard. I girded it of
my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you? Or
would you know the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was as
full and heavy and long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have labored on it
since. It is a ponderous chain!
SCROOGE
(Looks about himself)
I see no chain.
MARLEY
Mine was also invisible until the day of my death — as yours shall be.
SCROOGE
Jacob! Speak comfort to me, old friend!
MARLEY
I have no comfort to give! That comes from other spirits to be given to other kinds of
men. I am permitted very little. I cannot rest; I cannot stay; I cannot linger any-
where. In life, my spirit never roved beyond the limit of our counting house, and
weary journeys lie before me!
SCROOGE
Seven years dead . . . and traveling all the time?
MARLEY
The whole time . . . no rest, no peace — incessant torture of remorse.
26
SCROOGE
I’d imagine you’d have gotten over a greater quantity of ground in seven years.
(On hearing this, MARLEY sets up another great cry, and clanks his chain
hideously in the dead silence of the night)
MARLEY
Oh! Captive, bound and double-ironed, not to know that any kind, hard-working,
Christian spirit will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness. Not
to know that regret will never make amends for one life’s opportunities misused! Yet
such was I! Oh, such was I!
SCROOGE
But you were always a good man of business, Jacob!
MARLEY
Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity,
mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade
were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business! At this time of
the year, we suffer most.
SCROOGE
We?
MARLEY
We phantoms and spirits.
(A wall of smoke rises and SCROOGE’S window is littered with a screaming,

grasping, wretched crowd of chained PHANTOMS. They stand and hover in a
ghostly light, reaching imploringly to the frightened SCROOGE, wailing inco-
herent sounds. SCROOGE backs up, terrified. MARLEY slowly crosses to the
window. The PHANTOMS echo some of MARLEY’S words)
MARLEY
Listen to their cries of lamentation and regret! Hear their self-accusations! Have you
ever heard a sound of such sorrow? The misery with us all is that we seek to inter-
fere, for good, in human matters, and have lost the power forever. Why did I walk
through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to
that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no homes to
which its light could have led me?
PHANTOMS
Why? Oh why? Etc.
(MARLEY stands on the window seat among the pleading throng. SCROOGE
begins to quake exceedingly)
27
MARLEY
Hear me, Scrooge! My time is nearly gone.
SCROOGE
I will. But don’t be hard upon me, Jacob!
MARLEY
That is no light part of my penance. I am here tonight to warn you, that you have yet
a chance of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.
SCROOGE
You were always a good friend to me. Thank you.
MARLEY
You will be haunted by three spirits.
SCROOGE
Is that the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob?
MARLEY
It is.
SCROOGE
I — I think I’d rather not.
MARLEY
Without their visits, you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first spirit
when the bell tolls one.
SCROOGE
Can’t I take them all at once and have it over with?
MARLEY
Expect the second at the stroke of two. The third, and most important, shall appear
when the last stroke of three has ceased to vibrate. Look to see me no more; and look
that, for your own sake, you remember what has passed between us! Farewell,
Ebenezer, farewell!
(MARLEY walks backwards and disappears through the open window with
the other PHANTOMS. Their cries become increasingly louder. SCROOGE
closes his eyes and covers his ears, then bolts to the safety of his bed and closes
the curtains. The Lights Fade)
28
SCENE 3
(In the darkness, the bell strikes one. As the toll reverberates, the room fills with
the sound of ticking clocks. SCROOGE’S head appears tentatively from the
curtains of his bed to investigate. A bright figure enters the room levitating to-
wards SCROOGE. It is THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST. She hovers
in a vibrant ghostly glow. She wears a long dress of the purest white, trimmed
with summer flowers. Her skin and hair are just as white. She holds a fresh
branch of holly. SCROOGE sees the GHOST and gasps)
SCROOGE
Are you the Spirit whose coming was foretold to me?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

I am.
SCROOGE
Who and what are you?

I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
SCROOGE
Long past?

No. Your past.
SCROOGE
What is your business with me?

Your welfare.
SCROOGE
My welfare? A night of unbroken rest would have been more conducive to that end.

Your reclamation, then. I promise you redemption will not be bought so cheaply as a
night’s sleep. Come, stand with me.
SCROOGE
I am but a mortal. Not able to appear and vanish like a spirit might. I will stay here
where I am safe.

You are not safe here. Bear but a touch of my hand and I will conduct you through-
out your vigil. Now come with me, Ebenezer, we have much to see and little time.
29
SCROOGE
(Getting out of bed, only in a nightgown)
You can’t expect me to walk about in that weather dressed like this, can you? I’ll
surely freeze to death!

(Taking his hand)
Take my hand and you will not feel the slightest chill of the night air. I guarantee
you will not even know we have ever left your room. Our journey, Ebenezer, is al-
ready over.
(The scene has instantly changed from SCROOGE’S bedroom to his childhood
home and school, 1783. The stage is immediately rocked with noisy cavorting
of BOYS and letting out for school holiday — bright winter lights stream
through the countryside scenery)
SCHOOLBOY
Hurry up! The coach won’t wait for us forever!
SCROOGE
What’s happened? Where did my room go? Where are we?

Don’t you recognize this place?
SCROOGE
Why it’s — no, it can’t be! Good heavens! I know this place. It’s my old school. I
spent my boyhood in this place!
(SCHOOLCHILDREN run across the stage)
SCHOOLBOY
Come on!
SCROOGE
Look. The lads are off for holiday. They always make such a fuss . . .
(He waves to them)
Hello there, lads! It’s me, it’s Ebenezer!
(He turns to the GHOST)
Why do they not wave back?

These are but shadows of the things that have been; they have no consciousness of
us. Come, let us go on. You remember the way?
SCROOGE
Remember it? I could walk it blindfolded!
30
SCHOOLBOY
Wait for me!
(SCROOGE and the GHOST move into the schoolhouse. The voices of the
SCHOOLCHILDREN fade out with the distant sounds of “Merry Christ-
mas”)
SCROOGE
They’ve all gone now . . . I suppose.

The school is not quite deserted. A solitary child, neglected by his friends, is left there
still.
SCROOGE
I know . . .
(A little BOY EBENEZER sits all alone in the classroom reading a book.
SCROOGE sits next to his younger self and closely examines the book)
Why it’s Ali Baba. Yes, yes, I remember. One Christmas time, when I was left here
all alone, I read the tale of dear old, honest Ali Baba. And Valentine, and his wild
brother, Orson . . . and the Sultan’s Groom turned upside down by the Genie. Served
him right! What business had he to be married to the Princess? How I loved this tale.
And Robinson Crusoe! That was another favorite of mine. I read many stories alone
at Christmas.
(He tries to put his hand on the BOY’S shoulder, but cannot for him being only
a shadow)
Poor boy.

Let us see another Christmas.
(BOY EBENEZER exits. Time flashes forward seven years. YOUNG

SCROOGE, in his adolescence, enters and takes the little boy’s place. A mo-
ment later, Scrooge’s childhood friend RICHARD WILKINS enters)
WILKINS
Ebenezer, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!
SCROOGE
It’s Richard Wilkins! Good old Richard Wilkins! Very attached to me, he was!
WILKINS
You’ll miss the coach to the station if you don’t hurry.
YOUNG SCROOGE
I’m spending Christmas at school.
31
WILKINS
At school?
YOUNG SCROOGE
I’m used to it. I’ve spent every Christmas at school since I first came here. My father
and I spoke about it and decided it was best.
WILKINS
You’ve got a guv’nor . . . hard as stone and colder than a flannel night in Jersey.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Nothing of the sort — he and I both know it’s a careless waste to spend good money
bringing me home for slight a cause as goose dinner, an old fir tree and exchanging
gifts no one needs in the first place.
WILKINS
Then you must come home with me.
YOUNG SCROOGE
What?
WILKINS
My mother wouldn’t even notice the extra mouth at the table, and I could use the
help fighting off my cousins. They’re horrid, disgusting brats with drool of lemon
gumdrops falling constantly from their chins.
YOUNG SCROOGE
I can’t.
SCROOGE
Go . . . what’s the harm? Go.
WILKINS
You’re sure?
(A horn blows)
They’re calling for us now.
SCROOGE
(Calling to his young self)
Please, go!
YOUNG SCROOGE
Hurry off or you’ll miss the train and be vexed for sure. I’ll muddle through all the
night. I always have.
WILKINS
When we start our apprenticeship next year, you’ll never spend another Christmas
alone or I’ll know why. I swear it, Ebenezer.
32
(The horn blows again)
WILKINS
I’m off. Here . . . this is for you — a whistle flute.
(He gives YOUNG SCROOGE a wooden recorder)
It’s about time you learned to play the blasted thing. Merry Christmas, dear friend.
(Calling off)
Hold the coach, I’m coming!
(He runs off)
SCROOGE
Was there ever a friend like Richard Wilkins? Strange to have forgotten him for so
many years.

Your lip is trembling. And what is that on your cheek?
SCROOGE
(Wiping a tear away)
It’s nothing. The cold, nothing more.
(Both SCROOGE and the GHOST cross to the forlorn figure of YOUNG
SCROOGE, who now plays a haunting version of “The First Noel” on his new
recorder)
I wish . . . but it’s too late now.

What is the matter?
SCROOGE
Nothing. There was someone singing that carol at my door yesterday. I should like
to have given them something; that’s all.
(The SCHOOLMASTER enters)
SCHOOLMASTER
Master Scrooge, you have a visitor. It’s your sister come all the way from Devon.
(The SCHOOLMASTER exits as FAN enters tentatively, strangely shy)
SCROOGE & YOUNG SCROOGE

Fan!
YOUNG SCROOGE
What are you doing here?
FAN
I’ve come to bring you home, dear, dear brother!
33
YOUNG SCROOGE
Home, little Fan?
FAN
Yes. Home, for good and all. Home, forever and ever. Father is so much kinder than
he used to be, that home’s like Heaven. He spoke so gently to me one dear night
when I was going to bed, that I was not afraid to ask him once more if you might
come home; and he said yes, you should; and sent me in a coach to bring you. And
you’re to be a man; and are never to come back here; but first, we’re to be together
all the Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world.
YOUNG SCROOGE
You are quite a woman, little Fan.
FAN
Father misses you, I think. And I miss you too, frightfully. Will you come with me?
YOUNG SCROOGE
Yes. Yes, I would love to go with you.
(YOUNG SCROOGE rushes tearfully to his sister and throws his arms around
her in an embrace. They exit)

Always a delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered. But she had a large
heart.
SCROOGE
So she had.

She died a woman and had, as I think, children.
SCROOGE
One child.

True, your nephew, Fred.
SCROOGE
(Remorsefully)
Fred, yes.

Let us see another Christmas.
34
SCENE 4
Fezziwig’s Emporium, 1791
(The scene has changed to a warehouse. There is a fireplace with stockings

hanging. RICHARD WILKINS runs on excitedly and calls offstage):
WILKINS
Put those books away, Ebenezer! It’s Christmas Eve and those blasted numbers can
wait until a new year!

Do you know this place?
SCROOGE
This is the shop I apprenticed in!
(YOUNG SCROOGE runs on. FEZZIWIG enters. He is a portly gentleman

in a Welsh wig)
FEZZIWIG
Hilli-ho! Master Scrooge and Wilkins, front and center at the double time. I’ll have
no sluggards hanging back in this.
SCROOGE
Why, bless his heart, it’s old Fezziwig alive again!
(Both BOYS scramble to stand at attention in mock military solemnity. FEZ-

ZIWIG parades by inspecting his two young charges. A garland of pine de-
scends connected to a glittering chandelier, framing the cheery scene)
WILKINS
Now you’ve done it. We’ve kept the old man waiting.
FEZZIWIG
Now you’ve done it indeed, lads! Chins up! Stomachs in! You’ve made me keep you
working ten minutes too long and there’s none but a single remedy for that.
BOYS
Yes, sir!
FEZZIWIG
You must spend Christmas day tomorrow with me. Forced labor working on eating
turkey, ham, roast goose and one of Mrs. Fezziwig’s mince pies with spiced oranges.
BOYS
Yes, sir!
35
FEZZIWIG
And if you eat too much . . .
BOYS
Sir?
FEZZIWIG
I warrant I’ll have to give you the day after off as well.
BOYS
Yes, sir!
FEZZIWIG
But tonight . . .
BOYS
Tonight?
FEZZIWIG
. . . the Christmas party! You know where we keep the holly and the ivy?
BOYS
Yes, sir.
FEZZIWIG
Hang them about nicely, because, Master Scrooge, if my ears do not deceive me, I
heard the wife whisper something about Roger Shakley’s niece, Belle, dropping by.
YOUNG SCROOGE
(Moving from attention)
Belle?
FEZZIWIG
Attention! You were not dismissed! Here, now, both of you, I took the liberty of
warming a stocking for each of you by the hearth. They should be warm enough
now. If I were you, I’d check to see what’s in them whenever you have a moment.
Now, get on about the business at hand. The business of making merry and eating
and drinking far too much.
(MRS. FEZZIWIG enters)
MRS. FEZZIWIG
Husband! The coach with the food is at the gate and needing funds. Go on, ask the
coachman to pass the night with us. Tell him Christmas Eve is no time to be staring
at the cold haunches of a dray horse. Have him board the horse in the livery. Merry
Christmas, lads!
36
(MR. and MRS. FEZZIWIG exit in a flurry of giggles. YOUNG SCROOGE
and WILKINS check the contents of the stockings hanging by the fireplace.
They both pull out a large gold coin)
YOUNG SCROOGE
Look, a solid gold sovereign!
WILKINS
That man is a saint. Let’s clear these things for the party, eh? You heard him say that
Belle is coming?
YOUNG SCROOGE
Yes I heard.
WILKINS
Why, Ebenezer, you’ve gone red as a beet.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Never you mind about matters not of your concern. Help me with the table. And
keep the name of Belle Shakley from off your envious lips.
WILKINS
Belle Shakley? I can’t say Belle Shakley? You mean I can’t even shout EBENEZER
SCROOGE LOVES BELLE SHAKLEY!!!
(YOUNG SCROOGE playfully punches WILKINS as MR. and MRS. FEZ-

ZIWIG enter carrying large platters of food. They BOYS run off)
SCROOGE
There was never such an employer as old Fezziwig.

Not even you?
SCROOGE
I?

You have a clerk, do you not?
SCROOGE
Bob Cratchit. Yes . . . I . . . wish I had said something to him earlier this evening.
(The BOYS bring out a long table and begin to decorate the room with holly
and mistletoe. The room is transformed for a lushly and generously decorated
Christmas party)
37
FEZZIWIG
Clear away, my lads, and let’s have lots of room here. Let’s have the shutters up, be-
fore a man can say Jack Robinson. Hilli-ho, Richard! Chirrup, Ebenezer!
BOYS
Yes, sir!

And what do you wish you had said to your clerk?
SCROOGE
I’m not even sure . . .

Do you remember who it was you met this night?
(GHOST and SCROOGE move towards the background as a young JACOB

MARLEY enters)
FEZZIWIG
Come lads, quickly, our first guest has arrived. More are in their coaches and will be
here presently.
(To MARLEY)
Thank you, sir, for coming.
MARLEY
Don’t mind me. I’ll stay out from underfoot until the other guests arrive.
FEZZIWIG
(With garlands)
Come, Richard, help me with this. We’ll be up to our ears in guests with not a whit
of cheer to serve them up.
(FEZZIWIG and WILKINS finish decorating. MARLEY moves towards

YOUNG SCROOGE)
MARLEY
You must be young Master Scrooge.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Yes sir.
MARLEY
Mr. Fezziwig tells me the way you work numbers is nothing short of magical.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Mr. Fezziwig is generous in all things.
38
MARLEY
It is the accountant who controls the heartbeat of London today, master Scrooge.
Control the cash box and you control the world. A magician with numbers could
well find himself a rich man, if his associations are fortunate and his will is resolute.
YOUNG SCROOGE
That, of course, is the substance of my fondest desires — to be rich.
MARLEY
I usually shun the frivolity of Christmas gatherings, but I’ll not regret my coming this
night for I have made your acquaintance. Would you consider coming into partner-
ship with my firm? I should be lucky indeed to retain you; if you are the wizard Mr.
Fezziwig has so lavishly touted.
YOUNG SCROOGE
And you are?
MARLEY
(Offering card)
Marley . . . “Jacob Marley, accounting and money lending.” Mr. Fezziwig uses no
one else in times of need. Surely that is to my credit.
YOUNG SCROOGE
(Taking card with excitement)
I’m sure I’ll think about your offer.
(During this, GUESTS have started to enter. A FIDDLER enters and takes
Center-Stage playing the tune to “Sussex Carol.” The FEZZIWIGS reenter)
FEZZIWIG
They’re here! Front and center. Chest high. Shoulders back and smile, Mrs. Fez-
ziwig, smile!
MRS. FEZZIWIG
I’m smiling so big now my cheeks ache, husband. I cannot do more.
(FEZZIWIG clears the entryway and stands with WILKINS, MRS. FEZZI-
WIG and YOUNG SCROOGE in welcoming positions. The GUESTS as-
semble on the stairs singing a Christmas carol)
FIDDLER
Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, we’re ready to sing now!
PARTY GUESTS
ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT, ALL LONDON WILL SING
TO HEAR THE NEWS THE ANGELS BRING
NEWS OF GREAT JOY, NEWS OF GREAT MIRTH
NEWS! NEWS! OF OUR MERCIFUL KING’S BIRTH
39
(The scene freezes for a moment)

A small matter to make these silly folks full of gratitude.
SCROOGE
Small?

Yes, small. He spent but a few pounds of mortal money. Is that so much that he de-
serves your praise?
SCROOGE
It isn’t that. He has the power to render us happy or unhappy. To make our service
light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. The happiness he chose to give us is quite
as great as if it had cost a fortune.

And did you choose to repay that happiness?
SCROOGE
I . . . I did not.
(The scene resumes. Applause as the carol finishes and a rousing dance begins.
The music changes to “Wassail”. During the song, COUPLES pair up and
form a large circle around the FIDDLER while MARLEY observes from the
back of the room. FEZZIWIG addresses the entire party)
FEZZIWIG
Eat and drink your fill, but none who share the hospitality of my house can escape
without leading them in a dance to the season. Hilli-ho! Let’s go!
(Sings)
COME HITHER, SWEET MAID IN THE FRILLY, WHITE SMOCK
COME TRIP TO THE DOOR AND TRIP BACK THE LOCK
COME TRIP TO THE DOOR AND PULL BACK THE PIN
AND LET US JOLLY WASSAILERS IN
CHORUS
WASSAIL, WASSAIL ALL OVER THE TOWN!
OUR BREAD IT IS WHITE AND OUR ALE IT IS BROWN
OUR BOWL IT IS MADE OF THE GOOD MAPLE TREE
FROM THE WASSAILING BOWL WE’LL DRINK UNTO THEE
MRS. FEZZIWIG
COME, BUTLER, AND FILL US A BOWL OF YOUR BEST
AND WE HOPE YOUR SOUL IN HEAVEN MAY REST
BUT IF YOU DO BRING US A BOWL OF THE SMALL
THEN DOWN SHALL GO BUTLER AND BOWL AND ALL
40
CHORUS
WASSAIL, WASSAIL ALL OVER THE TOWN!
OUR BREAD IT IS WHITE AND OUR ALE IT IS BROWN
OUR BOWL IT IS MADE OF THE GOOD MAPLE TREE
FROM THE WASSAILING BOWL WE’LL DRINK UNTO THEE
(As the FEZZIWIGS dance, other GUESTS gather around them and the
dancing takes on secondary significance as BELLE and YOUNG SCROOGE
pull away from dancing)
BELLE
Ebenezer, this is not seemly. The Fezziwigs will see us quit the dancing and take of-
fense.
YOUNG SCROOGE
But it is seemly, M’lady.
BELLE
How so?
YOUNG SCROOGE
(Hands her a package)
Because of this. Merry Christmas, Belle.
BELLE
(As she opens the package)
Ebenezer, you shouldn’t have! I brought you nothing, and you, on an apprentice sal-
ary, you . . . it’s a ring!
YOUNG SCROOGE
I know in the ledger of things I am no prize. I have added up the figures of all life,
and find myself to be wanting in more lists than I could ever count. But if . . . if you
will consent to be my wife, we can make a mockery of mere addition and I will add
up to more than I am; more than I could ever be without you.
BELLE
Then my answer needs to be yes.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Oh, Belle . . . Dare I kiss you with all these people about?
BELLE
If you don’t, then I will.
(She kisses him)
YOUNG SCROOGE
My prospects may have changed tonight. And within a year, when my apprentice-
ship is over, I will surely have enough money to be worthy of our lives together.
41
BELLE
I find you worthy now, Ebenezer, and not a penny more credited to your name could
account you a finer man in my eyes.
(FEZZIWIG comes between them)
FEZZIWIG
If you two don’t join in the dancing, Mrs. Fezziwig and I will come over and dance
with you ourselves . . . and you know what that means!
MRS. FEZZIWIG
It means total exhaustion, is what!
(BELLE and YOUNG SCROOGE join the dancers, and the memory of a
happy Christmas slowly vanishes. The MUSIC fades away like a distant music
box. All the Christmas decorations and the revelers are taken away. The cold
pall of the warehouse returns. SCROOGE and the GHOST are alone)

What is the matter?
SCROOGE
Nothing.

Something, I think.
SCROOGE
Perhaps that was the last Christmas I can remember fondly. All that follows I wish I
might have altered somehow.

You know, then, the next Christmas we shall visit.
SCROOGE
Yes, I suppose I do.
(Time flashes forward four years. MARLEY, FEZZIWIG and MRS. FEZZI-
WIG reenter. The FEZZIWIGS are carrying crates and assorted bundles)
FEZZIWIG
Mr. Marley.
MARLEY
Let me see what’s in the crate. Not that I mistrust your intentions, Mr. Fezziwig, but
now that your inventory is my inventory, I’d hate to see any of my property walk out
on the very day I take possession of it.
42
FEZZIWIG
Yes, of course. Content yourself that I am no thief.
MRS. FEZZIWIG
We both know who the thief is, Mr. Marley.
FEZZIWIG
Come, wife. Make do with the gifts you’re given. It is Christmas, after all.
MRS. FEZZIWIG
(Exiting in tears)
Christmas, indeed!
FEZZIWIG
You must forgive my wife, Mr. Marley. She’d grown attached to the sounds this
place would make on Christmas — sounds of laughter and merry-making. The
smells of roast goose, turkey, ham and minced pies with spiced oranges. Ah, the
Christmases we’ve had in this room . . . but my thoughts wander . . .
MARLEY
They do, indeed, Mr. Fezziwig. If you are to be out by five o’clock, we’d better keep
our minds to the task at hand and save memories for our dotage.
(FEZZIWIG exits with the crate, silently avoiding looking at YOUNG

SCROOGE, who enters)
FEZZIWIG
Yes. Yes, indeed. I’ll hurry. Master Scrooge.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Mr. Fezziwig.
MARLEY
Oh, Mr. Scrooge. I was beginning to think you hadn’t the stomach for our line of
work. I’m glad to know I hadn’t misjudged you. Check the cellar inventory . . . and
keep your eyes to the task. All men become thieves during a foreclosure.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Not Mr. Fezziwig, surely.
MARLEY
(Exiting)
Well said. He always held you in highest regard as well.
(YOUNG SCROOGE crosses to the trap door, only to be met by WILKINS)
WILKINS
Hello, Ebenezer.
43
YOUNG SCROOGE
Hello, Richard.
WILKINS
I’m glad to see you’ve made a success of yourself. Glad to see you’ve managed to
acquire everything you hold so dear in life.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Fortune has smiled upon me.
WILKINS
Fortune weeps, Ebenezer. It weeps because there is no justice in the world, because
you’ve taken riches beyond reasoning and sold them off for a pittance in coin. No
justice because the goodness in life that once filled this place of a Christmas has been
shut out and packed off to a debtor’s prison. No justice because you, who should be
the very protector of this fine establishment, have become its destroyer . . . for a mat-
ter of just one hundred pounds . . . a hundred pounds, Ebenezer!
YOUNG SCROOGE
I said I’d keep you on at five shillings a week.
WILKINS
You know well that Fezziwig paid me six.
YOUNG SCROOGE
And look where he rests now. I’ll give you five.
WILKINS
I’d rather be assistant to the devil himself than to serve you, Ebenezer. And once I
thought I could hope for nothing more.
(BELLE enters, passing WILKINS who exits quickly with his eyes downcast)
BELLE
Ebenezer, tell me it isn’t true.
YOUNG SCROOGE
That what isn’t true?
BELLE
Look at this room. The room in which our eyes first met. The room where we
pledged our troth and announced our engagement. Look at it! Has it no meaning to
you, that you sell it off and move its inhabitants to the street with no more than a
shrug?
YOUNG SCROOGE
You know nothing about business.
44
BELLE
Don’t tell me what I know. I know that which provided you warmth of heart and
spirit is more than a commodity — and whatever it’s worth on the open market is a
pittance when compared to the vast fortune you are throwing out the door.
YOUNG SCROOGE
It’s not me that’s throwing anyone out. It’s life. Life and the hardness of it. Were I to
bow to its excess, I would fall victim to it as surely as I stand here. It is only the
strong and resolute who survive it. And survive it I will.
BELLE
You survive it and fall victim to it all at the same time. Relent, Ebenezer. For me,
soften the harshness of life . . . and for me, if nothing else, let them stay.
YOUNG SCROOGE
No, Belle . . . I cannot.
BELLE
I have watched your nobler aspirations fall away from you one by one, until the one
master passion, gain, engrosses you.
YOUNG SCROOGE
If I have grown so much the wiser, what of it? I am not changed towards you, am I?
BELLE
Our contract was made when we were both poor and content to be so. You are
changed. When our contract was made, you were another man.
YOUNG SCROOGE
That was four years ago.
BELLE
And if it were today, do you think you would be so unwise to choose a girl with no
dowry to share your love and your life? I think not. My worth obviously pales next to
the golden idol of gain, upon whose altar you now worship. And so . . . with a full
heart for the love of the man you once were, I release you.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Belle, you’re being foolish.
BELLE
(Bursting into tears, taking off her ring and dropping it on the floor)
I am not being foolish. If it is riches you covet, then here is another piece of gold to
protect you from the hardness of life. Sell it for coin and count it nightly, for you can
expect no other company to warm you. May you be happy in the life you have cho-
sen!
(She exits. YOUNG SCROOGE kneels, holding the ring. MARLEY enters)
45
MARLEY
Are you coming, Mr. Scrooge?
YOUNG SCROOGE
Yes, partner, I am.
(They exit)

We have but one shadow more.
SCROOGE
Spirit, please, no more. Show me no more.
SCENE 5
(The Lights Rise on a shelter for the poor, ten years later. A group of BEG-
GARS is gathered. An OLD WOMAN sits in a chair. Her face cannot be seen.
BELLE enters carrying buckets of gruel and is besieged by the hungry BEG-
GARS attempting to get a bowlful)
BELLE
No need for shoving, there’s plenty of food for all.
SCROOGE
Belle . . .

She eventually married another man. In her spare time, she chose to right the wrongs
which greed and poverty cause.
(BELLE finishes passing out gruel to the BEGGARS who sit on the floor and
eat. BELLE brings a bowl to the OLD WOMAN in the chair — it is MRS.
FEZZIWIG. She quickly eats the gruel)
BELLE
Slow down, Mrs. Fezziwig, slow down. I brought you a special treat for Christmas
tonight. Don’t show it to the others, I could only get one. Look, a spiced orange!
MRS. FEZZIWIG
A spiced orange. Just smell it. We used to have these by the platter-full, do you re-
member? Spiced oranges and roast goose and potato stuffing and pies . . . you re-
member my pies?
BELLE
The best in all London!
46
MRS. FEZZIWIG
“Make do with the gifts you’re given.” That’s what Mr. Fezziwig always used to say.
BELLE
He was a wise man.
MRS. FEZZIWIG
Pity how he met his end. Christmas was always Mr. Fezziwig’s favorite holiday. I
can still hear him saying: “Make do with the gifts you’re given.”
(MRS. FEZZIWIG starts a version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”,

which BELLE and the BEGGARS slowly join. MRS. FEZZIWIG offers or-
ange sections to all the miserable, poor and destitute around her. They each
grab a piece of orange greedily, and then slowly share their portion with others)
MRS. FEZZIWIG
GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN, LET NOTHING YOU DISMAY
REMEMBER CHRIST OUR SAVIOR WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
TO SAVE US ALL FROM SATAN’S POWER WHEN WE WERE GONE ASTRAY
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY, COMFORT AND JOY
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY
CHORUS
FROM GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, A BLESSED ANGEL CAME
AND UNTO CERTAIN SHEPHERDS BROUGHT TIDINGS OF THE SAME . . .
(As the song continues, Lights illuminate SCROOGE and the GHOST, while
the memories of his past step forward and speak lines)
FEZZIWIG
Master Scrooge and Wilkins, front and center at the double time. I’ll have no slug-
gards hanging back in this.
WILKINS
When we start our apprenticeship next year, you’ll never spend another Christmas
alone or I’ll know why. I swear it, Ebenezer.
MARLEY
It is the accountant who controls the heartbeat of London, Master Scrooge.
CRATCHIT
(Holding TINY TIM on his shoulders)
The family sets their heart so much on it, and it’s only once a year, sir.
FAN
Father is so much kinder than he used to be, that home’s like Heaven.
47
FRED
For my mother’s sake, who loved you deeply, Merry Christmas, Uncle!
CHORUS
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY, COMFORT AND JOY . . .
SCROOGE
Enough! I’ve seen enough! Please, Spirit, remove me from this place!

I told you, these are shadows of the things that have been. They are what they are.
Do not blame me.
(The MUSIC becomes increasingly louder and more menacing)
CHORUS
O TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY . . .
SCROOGE
Oh my God, deliver me!!
(He falls, and the Lights Fade as the FIGURES OF HIS PAST reach out to
him)
END OF ACT ONE
48
ACT TWO
SCENE 1
(In the darkness, CAROLERS can be heard singing):
CAROLERS
I SAW THREE SHIPS COME SAILING IN
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, ON CHRISTMAS DAY
I SAW THREE SHIPS COME SAILING IN
ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING
WITHER SAILED THOSE SHIPS ALL THREE

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, ON CHRISTMAS DAY
WITHER SAILED THOSE SHIPS ALL THREE
ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING
(The Lights Rise on SCROOGE sprawled across the floor in the position he
ended Act One. The CAROLERS, in the background, exit. The clock chimes
two and a small light builds, smoke creates a cascade of clouds Center Stage.
The lusty, jovial figure of the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT sits up-
on the cloud. He wears a large green robe bordered with white fur and a holly
wreath with shining icicles on his head. In one hand he carries a cornucopia
and from his belt hangs a scabbard with no sword)
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT

(Laughing)
Meet me, Scrooge! I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. Look upon me and know
me better, man. You have never seen the likes of me before.
SCROOGE
(Rising)
Never.

Nor have you ever walked forth with the younger members of my family, nor my el-
der brothers born these later years.
SCROOGE
I don’t think I have, I’m afraid I have not. Have you many brothers, Spirit?

More than eighteen hundred!
SCROOGE
A tremendous family to provide for. Forgive my bitterness, but I had indefinitely
postponed the pleasure of meeting you.
49
Then you tire of your path of redemption.
SCROOGE
Yes, I do. Redemption is far more important to a younger sort of sinner than I, one
whose catalogue of ills can still be reversed. I am old. Old and used to the scorn of
strangers in the street and the derision of noisy children mocking my miser ways. It
might be a lonely life, but it’s mine. And my life, such as it is, is far too progressed in
years to tolerate such an altered course.

Scrooge, know that a life can change in an instant — and just as a brilliant star once
led the world to a manger in Bethlehem, Christmas Eve exists to light up the dim
path of redemption even to such as yourself.
SCROOGE
Spirit, conduct me where you will. I went forth earlier tonight on compulsion, and I
learned a lesson which is working now. If you have aught to teach me, let me profit
by it.

Touch my robe.
(SCROOGE’S room disappears once more. The entire COMPANY enters sing-
ing “Sing We Now of Christmas” as overlapping thoughts of an imminent
Christmas create a tapestry of Christmas Present. A gigantic, ornately carved,
rectangular Victorian picture frame is lowered, filling the acting area. VEN-
DORS sell their goods to SHOPPERS weaving through the crowd. The CAR-
OLERS continue singing amid the festive shouting. SCROOGE and the
GHOST become background for a moment)
SCROOGE
What day is it now?

Don’t you know? Christmas morning!
CAROLERS
SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS! NOEL SING WE HERE
HEAR OUR GRATEFUL PRAISES TO THE BABE SO DEAR
SING WE NOEL, THE KING IS BORN, NOEL
SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS! SING WE HERE NOEL
GROCER
Cherry-cheeked apples! Juicy oranges! Luscious pears! Red-hot chestnuts . . .
50
DRINK VENDOR
Tea and coffee! Seething bowls of punch! Hot soup . . .
BUTCHER
Long wreaths of sausages! Great joints of meat and pheasants! Barrels of oysters . . .
BAKER
Mince pies! Plum puddings! Immense twelfth cakes . . .
GROCER
. . . fat Spanish onions! All clustered high in bloomin’ pyramids! Urgently entreating
and beseeching to be carried home in paper bags . . .
BUTCHER
. . . sucking pigs and brawn, all good to eat in their Christmas dress.
DRINK VENDOR
Blended scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves — so grateful to the nose!
BAKER
Candied fruits caked and spotted with molten sugar, begging to be eaten after dinner!
CAROLERS
FROM THE EASTERN COUNTRY, CAME THE KINGS AFAR
BEARING GIFTS TO BETHLEHEM, GUIDED BY A STAR
(SCROOGE and the GHOST move through the crowd, invisible to everyone
else)
SCROOGE
There’s an awful lot of buying, isn’t there?

Oh, Scrooge, is that all you can see?
SCROOGE
Perhaps when most of my life has revolved around money. Spirit, if I’m not being
too inquisitive, I notice you carry a scabbard and yet have no sword. Is there a rea-
son?

Of course — peace on Earth! Good will toward men!
CAROLERS
SING WE NOEL, THE KING IS BORN, NOEL . . .
51
(COLLINS and CAROLINE briefly enter in a spotlight)
COLLINS
Look at these hands, Caroline. They’re hard hands, they’ve done hard work. I want
to have bread for us. It’s not right that a hardworking man can’t even feed his family
and must pay his debts on Christmas Day.
CAROLINE
We’re together, Ben. That’s the important thing.
COLLINS
I love you, Caroline. I’m going to be a good father for our child. What else could we
have done, gone to a parish poorhouse?
CAROLINE
No! I’d rather we be drowned in a river than to go to one of those and be separated
forever.
COLLINS
Until I can rebuild our home. Just two more weeks was all I needed and I could’ve
paid back the money properly. If I could earn more than such a lowly pay every
week, none of this would have happened.
CAROLINE
We’re a family. We’ll stay together.
CAROLERS
SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS! NOEL SING WE HERE
(The ENSEMBLE bears witness to a scene with MRS. DILBER and a

SHOPPER)
MRS. DILBER
Out of my way, sir. I been standing here the better part of an hour.
SHOPPER
Well you left your spot in the queue so it ain’t your spot anymore I reckon.
MRS. DILBER
Well you reckon wrong. Stop your shovin’.
SHOPPER
If you think you can traipse off leavin’ no one to mark your place and then waltz
back in line la-de-da like the bloomin’ Queen of England herself then you’re very
much mistaken.
MRS. DILBER
I left you to mark my place, you bleedin’ rotter!!
52
(The GHOST opens his arms passing the cornucopia over the quarrelers’
heads)
SHOPPER
Of course you did — sorry. The cold, you know, and all the waiting. I lost my head
for a moment.
MRS. DILBER
Imagine us goin’ on like school children on Christmas Day too.
(Hands him her flask)
Here. Brandy will warm you up quick enough.
SCROOGE
(To the GHOST)
What did you do to them?

I gave them kindness.
SCROOGE
Would it be given to anyone on this day?

To any kindly given. The poor most of all.
SCROOGE
Why to the poor most?

They need it most.
CAROLERS
(The singing of “Sing We Now of Christmas” continues as the ENSEMBLE

creates the illusion of being in a different part of London on Christmas Day.
Enter a TOY VENDOR, BOB CRATCHIT and TINY TIM)
TOY VENDOR
Toy trains! Locomotives so real you could take ’em to Waterloo Station! Hold ’em
up to the genuine article and see no difference! Toy trains!
TINY TIM
Look, Father. You can almost see the steam coming out of this one.
TOY VENDOR
(Handing a toy train to TIM)
Go ahead and hold it, young master — you’ll never find a truer reproduction.
53
CRATCHIT
How much is it?
TOY VENDOR
Five shillings it is — but seeing the lad’s so keen on it, I’ll give ’er to you for four.
CRATCHIT
(Hesitating)
Four shillings . . .
TINY TIM
(Handing it back)
Thanks for letting me hold it. It’s a beauty for sure — come, Father.
(Once away from the TOY VENDOR)
I didn’t want to hurt the man’s feelings, Father, but the paint was chipping off the
engine. I was afraid you might have bought it . . . then where would we be?
CRATCHIT
Where would we be? Where would we be, indeed.
(The singing fades out as TIM and CRATCHIT exit)
SCROOGE
Where are they going?

To the same place that awaits us. Home.
CAROLERS
54
SCENE 2
The Cratchit Home
(The scenery for the streets of London is cleared away as a table with eight
chairs is brought on. Enter MRS. CRATCHIT, PETER, DANIEL, BELIN-
DA and LUCY)
MRS. CRATCHIT
Look what we have here. A centerpiece as clever as any gentry would want. I
thought these ribbons were goodly show for a sixpence last year when they made my
old hat into a new one, now a centerpiece as well. ’Tis too much bounty from a sin-
gle reel of ribbon I warrant.
BELINDA
It’s wonderful, Mother.
LUCY
I will save it throughout the New Year.
SCROOGE
(Entering with the GHOST)
Is this the Cratchit’s home, Spirit?

None other.
SCROOGE
These children his?

These and more.
SCROOGE
On his meager earnings. He’s a fool to have that which he cannot provide for.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Daniel, watch for your sister Martha. She wasn’t as late last Christmas by half an
hour.
PETER
And Father and Tim should be here soon.
MRS. CRATCHIT
They’ll all be here just in time for goose.
LUCY
The goose! The goose!
55
PETER
With onions and sage and an ounce of good cheer.
DANIEL
(Looking out the window)
It’s Martha, Mother. She’s here.
BELINDA
Martha’s home!
(MARTHA bursts through the door)
MARTHA
I’m home!
ALL
Hurrah!
LUCY
Wait till you see the goose, Martha! It’s the biggest ever!
BELINDA
Did you take the city coach?
MARTHA
(Taking off her coat)
Let me catch my breath. I ran all the way from the milliner’s shop.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Bless your heart alive, my dear. How late are you!
MARTHA
We had a great deal to finish up last night. I was up much past midnight with my
piecework and Mr. Brumby wouldn’t open the gates till all was tidy as a pin this
morning.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Mr. Brumby’s getting more like old Miser Scrooge every year. Next Christmas he’ll
forget the day altogether most likely.
(SCROOGE reacts negatively to this. The GHOST chuckles)
MARTHA
Don’t say that. I still have two years’ apprenticeship to serve with the old goat.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Never mind, so long as you’re here. Sit by the fire and have a warm drink.
56
PETER
(Looking out the window)
It’s Father and Tim. They’re coming down the path.
BELINDA
Hide, Martha, and let Papa think you’re not coming.
MARTHA
Should I?
CHILDREN
Yes, yes. Please let us, Mother —
MRS. CRATCHIT
Then we can see his face when he finds you with us after all. Off with you.
(As they hide MARTHA)
Now hush, the four of you, or you’ll be giving away the whole thing.
SCROOGE
All these children on but fifteen shillings a week. It’s madness.

The pleasure he takes in his family defies price, Scrooge. Whatever you think.
(CRATCHIT enters with TIM on his shoulders)
CRATCHIT
We’re home now.
MRS. CRATCHIT
At long last, too!
DANIEL
Hello, Father!
LUCY
Smell the goose cooking, father!
CRATCHIT
It smells wonderful, Lucy! Is it time for goose already? Why, where’s our Martha?
MRS. CRATCHIT
Not coming.
CRATCHIT
Not coming?
57
MRS. CRATCHIT
Mr. Brumby has all his charges working at his factory through the night and day as
well. We’ll be lucky to see her by year’s end the way the sewing has stacked up.
CRATCHIT
Not coming on Christmas Day?
MARTHA
Papa!
(MARTHA is revealed amidst screaming, hugs, and good cheer)
DANIEL
We fooled you, Papa.
LUCY
We fooled you totally.
BELINDA
It was my idea.
MARTHA
I wouldn’t miss Christmas Day with my father in spite of all the Brumbys and
Scrooges in the world.
(The CHILDREN chatter amongst each other as MR. and MRS. CRATCH-
IT move Downstage)
MRS. CRATCHIT
How did Tim behave in church this morning?
CRATCHIT
As good as gold and better. He thinks of the strangest things you’ve never heard. He
told me coming home that he hoped people in church made notice that he was a
cripple because it would be pleasant for them to remember of a Christmas who it was
that made lame beggars walk and blind men see. But every day he gets stronger,
Emily. Stronger and more of life.
MRS. CRATCHIT
(Unconvinced)
He does, indeed. Of course he does. Stronger and more full of life, indeed. Belinda,
come help me with the goose.
BELINDA
Yes, mother.
(MRS. CRATCHIT and BELINDA exit. CRATCHIT pulls PETER aside)
58
CRATCHIT
Peter, I have some good news for you. Yesterday, a fine gentleman stopped by the
office — Fred Hallowell by name — he’s a nephew of our own Mr. Scrooge. He re-
membered that I have a son coming of working age and he told me that he had a po-
sition open starting at three shillings and sixpence every week.
PETER
Three shillings and sixpence? Every week?
CRATCHIT
So, if you are agreeable, you may start work on Monday next.
PETER
Now I’ll be able to help you and mother!
CRATCHIT
More important, you shall be embarking on a fine career.
SCROOGE
To start a boy on three and sixpence a week. Tsk tsk tsk. Typical of my nephew; it’s
no wonder he’s never been able to put by a penny.

Perhaps he’s put by more than money.
SCROOGE
Fred? He’s doing this to spite me, you know. Employing the son of my employee . . .
at an exorbitant wage.
(MRS. CRATCHIT and BELINDA reenter. BELINDA carries a platter of

side dishes and passes them around to each plate. MRS. CRATCHIT brings
the goose. The other CHIDREN shout excitedly and take their seats. They help
TIM into his seat, leaving his crutch propped by the fireplace. CRATCHIT sits
at the head of the table)
BELINDA
The goose is here and is begging to be eaten!
DANIEL & LUCY

The goose! The goose!
TINY TIM
There never was such a goose.
SCROOGE
Rather small goose for such a large family.
59
It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford on fifteen shillings a week.
CRATCHIT
Come on, Tim. It’s time for you to say the blessing.
(TIM is helped to stand up as all bow their heads in prayer)
TINY TIM
AWAY IN A MANGER, NO CRIB FOR A BED
THE LITTLE LORD JESUS LAY DOWN HIS SWEET HEAD
THE STARS IN THE SKY LOOK DOWN WHERE HE LAY
THE LITTLE LORD JESUS ASLEEP ON THE HAY
(The Lights Dim on the CRATCHIT FAMILY for a moment)
SCROOGE
Tell me, Spirit. Will Tim live?

I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney corner and a crutch without an owner, care-
fully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.
SCROOGE
Oh, no, kind Spirit. Say he will be spared.

What then. If he be likely to die, he had better do it and decrease the surplus popula-
tion. If you be a man in heart, then forbear that wicked phrase until you have discov-
ered what the surplus is and where it is. Will you decide what men shall live and die?
It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are less fit to live than millions like this
poor man’s child.
(The Lights return to normal)
TINY TIM
God bless us, everyone!
FAMILY
(SCROOGE hangs his head in shame. The FAMILY at the table bursts into
applause and begins to eat)
DANIEL
This goose is even better than last year’s!
60
MRS. CRATCHIT
Do you really think so, Daniel?
CRATCHIT
I agree, my dear, it’s a triumph! Another great success of yours!
MRS. CRATCHIT
Oh, Bob! I dressed it up myself in onion, sage and breadcrumbs. It does look like
quite a banquet if I am saying so myself.
CRATCHIT
It’s not a banquet — it’s a veritable feast, Mrs. Cratchit; a veritable feast!
TINY TIM
It’s magic, just like the day.
BELINDA
And just wait until the pudding. No one makes pudding like Mother does!
CRATCHIT
Well said, Belinda. That pudding will warm fire in me the better part of the week.
PETER
And if that doesn’t, the Christmas punch surely will.
CRATCHIT
Oh, yes, the punch! Peter, bring us the jug so that I may propose a toast.
PETER
Yes, Father.
(He goes to get a punch jug, and then pours some in everyone’s glass)
This is for one toast, and then I’ll pour another.
CRATCHIT
Another? Haha! Look at us. It’s not every family can boast two rounds of the finest
Christmas punch — not every family, indeed.
(Rises)
I’ll give you Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast.
SCROOGE
Why does he raise a glass to me?
FAMILY
Scrooge?!
MRS. CRATCHIT
The founder of the feast, indeed. I wish I had him here. I’d give him a piece of my
mind to feast upon. And I hope he’d have a good appetite for it.
61
CRATCHIT
My dear, Christmas Day.
MRS. CRATCHIT
It should be Christmas Day, I am sure, on which one drinks the health of such an
odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge and nobody knows it better than
you do.
CRATCHIT
Emily, would you have your children learn nothing of charity at our dinner table? It
is Christmas. God’s day. And on God’s day we must give out all that we expect to
get throughout the new year.
MRS. CRATCHIT
I’ll drink his health for your sake then, and the day’s but not for this. A Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year to him, if he can be merry or happy, which I
mightily doubt
(They all drink)
I suppose you’ll have me drinking to Old Man Brumby next.
MARTHA
Never!
(The CRATCHIT FAMILY laughs heartily, and then starts to sing as they
clear the table)
FAMILY
DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY
FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA
’TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY
DON WE NOW OUR GAY APPAREL
TROLL THE ANCIENT YULETIDE CAROL

Look at them, Mr. Scrooge. Not a handsome family by any means. Not well dressed;
their shoes far from waterproof and their clothes far from warm. When they walk
together down the street, which they rarely do, with Bob Cratchit occupying all
hours keeping your counting house and young Martha serving time as a milliner’s
apprentice . . . but when they do walk all together, no one remarks their brilliance.
And when they lift their voices in song, it is not the remarkable sound of brilliant or
handsome voices. And yet, Mr. Scrooge, they do sing, and that is remarkable. They
do sing.
62
SCENE 3
Fred’s house
(The CRATCHITS rise and the COMPANY joins in singing “Deck the
Halls”. One Christmas celebration becomes another as FRED, his wife JANE,
her sister ALICE and their friend TOPPER enter. There is much screaming
with delight and clapping)
ALICE
Come on, Fred. One more. The last was far too simple.
TOPPER
Here, here! Whatever Alice demands must be hers, by all means.
FRED
I will leave it to my goodly wife to decide. She is hostess after all.
JANE
I say, one more will not do irreparable damage to the dinner.
(The GUESTS squeal with delight as FRED starts groaning and miming his
character. SCROOGE and the GHOST enter. SCROOGE stands behind
FRED, following him closely, unaware that he is being mocked by his nephew)
ALICE
An animal?
(FRED nods)
TOPPER
A large animal?
(FRED shrugs)
JANE
A savage animal?
(FRED shakes his head)
ALICE
A rather disagreeable animal, anyway.
(FRED nods, then starts grunting)
TOPPER
An animal that growls.
63
JANE
More grunts.
TOPPER
Grunts, then.
ALICE
Lives in London?
(FRED nods)
JANE
Does it walk about the streets?
TOPPER
Is it led by someone?
Ridden perhaps?
Does it live in a menagerie? Perhaps killed in market, begging your pardon, Alice?
(FRED gets on his knees and pantomimes counting coins and marking in a
ledger)
JANE
An animal. Large, rather disagreeable, which is neither ridden nor led nor killed, and
it doesn’t live in a menagerie. I give up.
FRED
No, don’t give up! Just look!
TOPPER
A fox. A badger. An ass. Is it an ass?
FRED
To an extent.
TOPPER
A horse. A cow. A bull. A pig. A lamb. A goat. Is it a goat?
ALICE
You’re just guessing.
TOPPER
Certainly I’m guessing. We’re meant to guess. It’s a guessing game after all. Dog.
Cat. Bear. Well, I’m not at all certain at what that’s supposed to mean. This whole
thing is most vexing. A three-toed sloth. Is it a three-toed sloth?
64
ALICE
I know what it is! I’m certain of it. I don’t know why I didn’t guess it straight away.
FRED
What? Tell me.
ALICE
It’s your Uncle Scrooge!
FRED
Right-o! Clever girl.
TOPPER
By Jove, she is a clever girl. What the hell is an Uncle Scrooge?
ALICE
A frightfully parsimonious old geezer who positively loathes Christmas.
FRED
I saw him just yesterday. He said that Christmas is a humbug; and what I find funny
is that he believed it to be true.
ALICE
More shame for him.
TOPPER
Yes, I quite agree, Alice. More shame for him.
FRED
He’s a comical old fellow, that’s the truth. However, his offenses carry their own
punishment and I have nothing to say against him.
ALICE
I’m sure he’s very rich. At least you always tell me so.
TOPPER
Oh, yes, he must be very rich if you think so, Alice.
FRED
And what if he is? His wealth is no use to him. He won’t do good with it. He won’t
make himself comfortable with it. What good is a fountain full of the finest cham-
pagne if all your life you’re too scared to drink?
TOPPER
What say you to that, Alice?
ALICE
I have no patience with him, no patience at all.
65
TOPPER
Nor do I. Although I’ve never met the fellow.
FRED
Oh, I have. I am sorry for him. I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried. He is the only
one who suffers by his ill whims. He takes it into his head to dislike us, and he won’t
come and dine with us. What’s the consequence? He won’t lose much of a dinner.
JANE
Indeed, I think he loses a very good dinner, and if you say otherwise, Fred, you can
eat yours in the stable with the other asses.
FRED
I can’t say I have much faith in these newlywed wives and their ability to cook or
keep house. What say you, Topper?
TOPPER
I say a bachelor is a wretched outcast who has no right to express an opinion on the
subject.
(Bending a knee and kissing ALICE’S hand)
But were it Alice who conquers the wifely task as thoroughly as she has captivated
my heart, no meal could be more splendid, no house more finely kept.
ALICE
Now look what you’ve done. You’ve made him spout poetry. I blush, Mr. Topper,
and so should you. Your amorous protestations are shameful.
JANE
Do go on, Fred.
(To the others)
He never finishes what he begins to say. He is a ridiculous fellow.
FRED
I was only going to say that the consequence of his taking a dislike to us, and not
making merry with us, is that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him
no harm. I am sure he loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own
thoughts, either in his moldy old office, or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him the
same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him. I’ve taken it upon
myself to apprentice his clerk’s son at my shop next week. He may rail at Christmas
till he dies, but he can’t help thinking better of it. My uncle has given us plenty of
merriment I am sure, and it would be ungrateful not to drink to his health. Here is a
glass of mulled wine ready to our hand at the moment; and I say, “Uncle Scrooge.”
(ALL raise a glass)
JANE, TOPPER, ALICE

Uncle Scrooge!
66
Two Christmas dinners raising a glass to your health in one day, Ebenezer.
SCROOGE
It’s the least they can do after laughing at my expense.

Come now, even you must see some humor in this. He is your family, after all.
SCROOGE
True. He looks so much like Fan. I had forgotten until seeing her again earlier to-
night. How could I not have noticed all these years?
JANE
(Putting a blindfold on TOPPER)
Come, it’s time for Blind Man’s Bluff!
(All spin TOPPER around and dodge him squealing. At one point, TOPPER
takes hold of ALICE. She removes his blindfold and gestures to the mistletoe
hanging above them. They kiss. The blindfold is placed on JANE and the game
begins again)
FRED
Well if the Blind Man doesn’t get you, the mistletoe will!
SCROOGE
Listen to them laugh!

We must complete our appointed rounds.
SCROOGE
But I want to stay. Must stay and hear the laughing and the games. Please.

My life on this globe is very brief. It ends tonight.
SCROOGE
Tonight?

Tonight with the toll of the great clock in Lancaster Gate.
(There is a clap of thunder and the stage darkens. The party scene disappears.
Two wretched CHILDREN appear holding alms bowls to SCROOGE)
SCROOGE
Whose children are these?
67
They are man’s. Their names are Ignorance and Want. Beware them both and all of
their degree, for on their brow I see that written which is “Doom”.
SCROOGE
Have they no refuge or resource?

Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
IGNORANCE & WANT

BEGGARS
FULL COMPANY
(The Lights Dim. The entire COMPANY continues to condemningly echo

SCROOGE’S earlier words, becoming increasingly louder. He covers his ears)
SCROOGE
No! Stop!
(The GHOST and CHILDREN disappear. A SOLO CAROLER appears in

the darkness)
SOLO CAROLER
O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL
AND RANSOM CAPTIVE ISRAEL
THAT MOURNS IN LONELY EXILE HERE
UNTIL THE SON OF GOD APPEAR
(The SOLO CAROLER is joined by offstage voices in ominous, haunting

harmonies. When the carol finishes, the bell tolls three and SCROOGE is alone
onstage. From behind him appears a terrifying, hooded figure with long cur-
tained arms reaching for SCROOGE. It is the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS
FUTURE. SCROOGE faces it, frightened)
SCROOGE
Am I in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? You are about to show
me shadows of the things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before
us. Is that so, Spirit?
(The GHOST does not respond)
Ghost of the future, I fear you more than any specters I have yet seen. But as I know
your purpose is to do me good, I am prepared to bear you company and to do it with
a thankful heart. You come to do me good, do you not? Will you not speak to me?
68
(The GHOST does not respond)
SCROOGE
Please, I’m too old. I cannot change.
(The GHOST extends a long arm)
Lead on then. Lead on. The night is waning fast and it is precious time to me, I
know.
SCENE 4
The streets of London, December 26th
(Two of the three STOCK BROKERS enter)
BROKER 1
I don’t know much about it either way. I only know he’s dead.
BROKER 2
When did he die?
BROKER 1
Last night, I believe.
SCROOGE
They’re business associates of mine. They’re chattering the morning away as usual,
paying no mind to their duties. Idle men in the marketplace while the world makes
money without them.
BROKER 3
(Entering)
Have you heard?
BROKER 1
It seems that Old Scratch has got his own at last.
BROKER 3
So I’m told. It’s been all over The Exchange since morning. What was the matter
with him? I thought he’d never die.
BROKER 1
God knows.
BROKER 2
What has he done with his money?
BROKER 1
Left it to his company, perhaps. All I know is that he hasn’t left it to me.
69
SCROOGE
It seems that someone has died in the night.
BROKER 3
It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral. For upon my life, I don’t know of anyone who
will be going to it.
BROKER 2
Suppose we make up a party and volunteer.
BROKER 3
I don’t mind going if lunch is provided. But I must be fed if I’m to go to the trouble.
BROKER 1
Well, I am the most disinterested among you all, after all. For I never wear black
gloves and I never eat lunch. But I’ll offer to go if anybody else will. When I come to
think of it, I’m not sure I wasn’t his most particular friend; for we sometimes would
stop for a short word, if we happened to meet by chance. Well, back to The Ex-
change, gentlemen. Grieving should never occupy our tie when we’ve business to
transact. Good day.
BROKER 2 & 3
Good day.
(The STOCK BROKERS exit as three shadowy FIGURES creep furtively on-
to the stage, one of which is MRS. DILBER)
MRS. DILBER
Joe? Joe, are you here?
(OLD JOE lights a match, revealing himself sitting on a stool amidst a collec-
tion of bundles, smoking a large pipe. He uses the same match to light a lamp)
SCROOGE
Who were my associates speaking of? And what is this dark place that surrounds us?
MRS. DILBER
There you are. You keep this place darker than the Thames and smelling even more
foul, if that’s possible.
OLD JOE
We ain’t exactly meeting with the blessing of the authorities, my dear. Who you got
standing with you?
MRS. DILBER
(To the other two)
Come show yourselves then. I assure you, Joe, we’ve all met here by chance and
without meaning it.
70
OLD JOE
Why these ain’t strangers at all. Peg the laundress and Snagsby the undertaker.
Come into the parlor then. You weren’t followed were you?
SNAGSBY
Not to my knowledge. Just come back from the funeral.
OLD JOE
Old Joe knows who to trust. Come into the parlor.
PEG
We come bearing untold wealth, just like the Wise Men into Bethlehem. It is Christ-
mas, after all! Ha!
OLD JOE
Keep your voices down. The Beadle Watkins has been trying to uncover this hole for
weeks.
MRS. DILBER
And a hole it is too, Joe. A little whitewash to cover the rat droppings might do
wonders, mind you. No room’s hopeless.
OLD JOE
Who goes first?
(No one responds)
MRS. DILBER
Now look at us, all gone shy.
SNAGSBY
You can’t be too careful. I’ve seen people’s throats slit for less.
MRS. DILBER
Every person has a right to take care of themselves. He always did.
PEG
That’s true indeed. And who’s the worse for the loss of a few things such as these?
Not a dead man, I suppose.
SNAGSBY
I should hope not. I don’t suppose we’re going to pick holes in each others’ coats.
MRS. DILBER
If he wanted to keep these things after he was dead, why wasn’t he natural in his life-
time? The wicked old screw. If he had been, he’d have had somebody looking after
him when he was struck with death, instead of lying there gasping out his last alone,
by himself.
71
SNAGSBY
That’s the truest word ever was spoke. It’s a judgment on him.
PEG
I wish it was a heavier judgment, if I could have laid my hands on anything else.
SCROOGE
Who are they talking about?
SNAGSBY
All right then, I’ll go first. Just to show we trust one another. I’m not afraid to be
first, nor afraid for them to see it.
OLD JOE
(Going through SNAGSBY’S bundle)
Let me see, Mr. Snagsby. A seal, a pencil case, fob, watch, and some sleeve buttons.
Eight shillings, sixpence, and I wouldn’t give you another sixpence if I was to be
boiled for not doing it, Mr. Snagsby. Done?
SNAGSBY
Done.
(OLD JOE shakes SNAGSBY’S hand and pays him. MRS. DILBER opens
her bundle)
MRS. DILBER
A pair of boots, two silver teaspoons, sugar tongs, a whistle flute . . . and look, here’s
an engagement ring, still in a box, good as new.
SCROOGE
These are my things she has stolen! I’ll have her before a magistrate!
OLD JOE
Good as new like it’s never been worn. I always give too much to the ladies. It’s a
weakness of mine, and that’s how I ruin myself. Seventeen and six. If you ask me for
another penny, I’ll repent my being so liberal and knock off half a crown. Done?
MRS. DILBER
Done.
(OLD JOE shakes MRS. DILBER’S hand and pays her)
PEG
And now, undo my bundle, Joe.
OLD JOE
(Pulling something out)
What’s this?
72
PEG
Bed curtains, and fine ones at that.
OLD JOE
You don’t mean to say you took ’em down, rings and all, with him lying there?
PEG
Yes I do. Why not?
OLD JOE
You were born to make your fortune, Peg, and make it you will, I’m sure.
PEG
I certainly can’t wring my hands when I can get something in them by just reaching
out, for the sake of such a man as he was, I promise you, Joe.
(As JOE pulls out blankets, holding them too close to the lamp)
Careful, don’t get lamp oil on the blankets.
OLD JOE
His blankets?
PEG
Who else’s do you think? He isn’t likely to take cold without ’em. I dare say.
OLD JOE
I hope he didn’t die of anything catching.
PEG
Don’t you be afraid of that. I ain’t so fond of his company that I’d loiter about him
for such things if he did.
(OLD JOE pulls a shirt out of PEG’S bundle)
You may look through that shirt till your eyes ache, but you won’t find a hole in it,
nor a threadbare place. It’s the best he had and they’d have wasted it if it hadn’t been
for me.
OLD JOE
Wasted it?
PEG
Put it on him to be buried in, I shouldn’t wonder, as if muslin ain’t enough for such a
purpose. What will you give me for the lot?
OLD JOE
One pound, eight and six.
PEG
Done.
73
(OLD JOE pays PEG, then piles all of the belongings into one sack. Everyone
counts out all their money, then stands up ready to leave)
MRS. DILBER
This is the end of it, you see. He frightened everyone away when we was alive . . . so
he could profit us when he was dead!
(They laugh and exit)
SCROOGE
Spirit, I see the case of this poor, unfortunate man and how it could very well be my
own someday. My life tends that way now. I wish to see some tenderness connected
with death. There must be someone in this city who shows compassion for whoever
has died. I demand to see them!
SCENE 5
The Cratchit Home, a few days later
(PETER reads from The Bible. MRS. CRATCHIT sits, sewing. MARTHA,
DANIEL, BELINDA and LUCY are sadly gathered near)
PETER
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the
Kingdom of Heaven?’ And Jesus called the little child unto him, and set him in the
midst of them, and said, unless ye be converted and become little children, ye shall
not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child
in my name shall receiveth me.” Shall I go on, Mother?
SCROOGE
It’s the Cratchit household once again.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Yes, go on. It’s nothing. Just the small stitching hurts my eyes, but they’re better
now.
PETER
You’re sure you are all right?
MRS. CRATCHIT
Small stitching by candlelight makes them weak and I wouldn’t show weak eyes to
your father for the world. Not tonight. It must be near his time.
PETER
Past it, rather. I think he’s been walking a little slower than usual these past few eve-
nings.
74
MRS. CRATCHIT
I have known him walk very fast indeed. Walk like the wind with Tiny Tim perched
upon his shoulder.
PETER
So have I. Often.
LUCY
So have I.
DANIEL
So have I.
MRS. CRATCHIT
So have we all. But he was very light to carry. Here’s your father now. I will not have
him looking at long faces and sad eyes, so do your best.
CRATCHIT
(Entering, taking off his coat)
I’m a little late, my dear, please forgive me.
BELINDA
Let me bring you some tea, Father.
MRS. CRATCHIT
You wandered off without your comforter and here the coldest Christmas in near
five years. I should scold you for your carelessness.
MARTHA
Sit down, Father, and put on your slippers. Your feet must be frozen through and
through.
CRATCHIT
You’re all fussing over me like new mothers.
BELINDA
Here’s tea, Father.
CRATCHIT
Thank you, Belinda, sweetheart.
(He kisses BELINDA on the cheek, takes the tea from her and sits in a chair)
LUCY
Father, why are you late?
DANIEL
Yes, Father, why?
75
CRATCHIT
The reason I am late . . . is because I walked by there today.
MRS. CRATCHIT
Today? You went again, Robert?
CRATCHIT
I promised him I’d go there every Sunday. You should come with me sometime. We
should all walk there together. You should see how green a place it is — fir trees
against pure white snow. As I sat there I felt his hand slip into mine, comforting me,
and I heard a whispering telling me to cease my grieving. The world he rests in was
all Christmas green and sparkling white, so how could he not be happier there than
he was with us? My child. My little, little child.
(He starts to cry. The other CHILDREN start to cry as well. MARTHA and
BELINDA rush by their father’s side)
MARTHA
Don’t cry, Father. We’ll go there with you. We will see it often.
BELINDA
We’ll make the same promise as you did, Father.
CRATCHIT
(Standing up, calming)
I saw Mr. Scrooge’s nephew again today — the extraordinary kindness of that man.
He passed me in the street and saw that I looked just a little down, you know. He is
the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you have ever heard. He inquired what had hap-
pened to distress me. I told him. He said, “I am heartily sorry for it, Mr. Cratchit,
and heartily sorry for your good wife.” Fred also said that if he can be of service to us
in any way, to come by his house sometime. It really seemed as if he had known our
Tiny Tim, and felt with us.
MRS. CRATCHIT
I’m sure he’s a good soul.
CRATCHIT
You would be surer of it, my dear, if you saw and spoke to him. I shouldn’t be at all
surprised if he got Peter a better situation.
MARTHA
Peter will be keeping company with someone, and setting up for himself.
CRATCHIT
It’s just as likely as not, one of these days; though there’s plenty of time for that, my
dear. But however and whenever we part from one another, I am sure we shall none
of us forget poor Tiny Tim, or this parting that there was among us.
76
CHILDREN
Never, Father!
CRATCHIT
And I know, my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was; al-
though he was a little, little child; we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves, and
forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it.
CHILDREN
No, never, Father!
CRATCHIT
I am very happy . . . very happy.
(The entire FAMILY embraces. MR. and MRS. CRATCHIT kiss. The Lights
Fade on them)
SCROOGE
Please, Spirit. I’ve seen enough. Let us leave them alone. I wish to see no more.
SCENE 6
A churchyard
(Fog rolls across the stage. A tombstone slowly rises out of the fog. The writing
cannot be seen)
SCROOGE
Specter, something tells me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I
know not how.
(The GHOST points at the tombstone which continues to rise with a grinding,
earth wrenching sound)
Before I draw nearer to that stone, answer me one question. Are these the shadows
of the things that will be, or are they only shadows of the things that might be?
(The GHOST points again)
I know that deeds will foreshadow certain ends, but if the deeds be departed from,
surely the ends will change. Say it is thus with what you show me.
(SCROOGE crosses to the tombstone, which lights to reveal his name,
“Ebenezer Scrooge — 1773-1843”, engraved in its stone)
So I was the corpse my associates spoke of! I was the one whom the laundress
robbed! No! No, oh, Spirit, I am not the man I was! Believe me! Why show me this if
I am past all hope? Pity me, Spirit, pity me. I will change. The shadows you have
shown me have altered my life. I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it
all the year. You spirits will strive within me and I’ll not shut out the lessons that you
teach. Tell me that I may sponge away the writing from that stone. I beseech thee;
say that all hope for me is not lost. I’m not the man I was. I’m not the man I was.
I’m not the man I . . .
77
(SCROOGE collapses on the floor and the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FU-
TURE exits. In the darkness, the ENTIRE COMPANY enters, only seen
when the stage is illuminated by flashes of lightning. Then, all goes silent)
SCENE 7
(SCROOGE remains on the floor. CAROLERS start to sing softly as the thun-
der and lightning ceases. The ENSEMBLE speaks to the Audience once again)
CAROLERS
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY
WHEN THEY ARE BOTH FULL GROWN
OF ALL THE TREES THAT ARE IN THE WOOD
THE HOLLY BEARS THE CROWN . . .
ENSEMBLE
It snowed during the night. In the morning, the bells rung merrily. People woke in
their beds at daybreak and saw the white snow dimly through the frost on the win-
dowpanes and then remembered — it is Christmas Day. Some tried to sleep late, but
tossed and tumbled and couldn’t sleep. No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring,
although cold, but piping for the blood to dance to. Golden sunlight . . . heavenly sky
. . . sweet fresh air . . . glorious . . . Christmas morning . . .
(The ENSEMBLE and CAROLERS exit. MRS. DILBER enters. The scene
becomes SCROOGE’S bedchambers)
MRS. DILBER
Good day to you.
SCROOGE
(Waking)
Day? What’s the day?
MRS. DILBER
Eh?
SCROOGE
The day! What’s the day?
MRS. DILBER
Today? Why, it’s Christmas Day.
SCROOGE
Christmas Day? Then I haven’t missed it!
MRS. DILBER
Not so far as I can tell.
78
SCROOGE
The spirits did it all in one night! Of course they did, they can do anything they like!
MRS. DILBER
Who did what?
SCROOGE
It’s not too late!
MRS. DILBER
Too late for what?
SCROOGE
(Touching the curtains)
They are not torn down. The laundress didn’t tear them down, rings and all. They
are there and I am here. The shadows of the things that would have been may still be
dispelled. They will be dispelled; they must be! What must I do?
MRS. DILBER
I wouldn’t know. Are you feeling all right, Mr. Scrooge?
SCROOGE
I’m as light as a feather! I’m as happy as an angel! I’m as merry as a schoolboy! I’m
as giddy as a drunken sailor! It’s Christmas! Merry Christmas, everybody! Happy
New Year to the world!
MRS. DILBER
Are you feeling quite yourself?
SCROOGE
No, not myself at all, Mrs. Dilber! I will be content to never feel myself again in my
life.
(He kisses MRS. DILBER on the cheek and she screams. He then crosses to the
fireplace)
There’s the bowl with the gruel in it. The place where Jacob Marley entered. The
corner where the Ghost of Christmas Present sat. The window where I saw the wan-
dering phantoms. It’s all right. It’s all true. It all happened.
MRS. DILBER
If you go on another minute, I shall run out of this room screaming like nobody’s
business for the beadle.
SCROOGE
Don’t scream, Mrs. Dilber. Giddiness is the price of redemption, that is all. I am not
crazy. Here.
(He gives her a coin purse)
79
MRS. DILBER
What’s this for?
SCROOGE
Guess.
MRS. DILBER
To keep my mouth shut about you running around all daft like Mad Queen Bess?
SCROOGE
No. It’s a Christmas present.
MRS. DILBER
A Christmas present?
SCROOGE
Of course.
MRS. DILBER
Are you sure you don’t want me to fetch the doctor?
SCROOGE
The doctor? Whatever for? What do I pay you?
MRS. DILBER
Two shillings a week.
SCROOGE
And now you get five! Now, off with you. And have a wonderful day!
(He goes behind the folding screen)
MRS. DILBER
Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge. In keeping with the situation.
(She looks inside the purse he has given her in amazement, almost singing)
Five shillings a week! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Five shillings a week!
(She exits. During the next speech, SCROOGE runs around the room throwing
on his good clothes)
SCROOGE
How new the world seems. It is as if I know nothing and am again a baby. Well, I
don’t care. A baby then I’ll be; born anew on Christmas Day . . . and like all children
born on Christmas, the day warms in my heart, making me over in the image of the
season. And buried deep in my soul I find . . . I . . . find . . .
(He starts to giggle)
A laugh. A giggle, a chortle, a laugh buried deep within me and churning for release.
(He laughs uproariously)
80
SCROOGE
I am drunk with laughter. I cannot think for it nor move for it. I am too weak to even
dress myself and go abroad. Oh, but I must see this day, I must greet the morning!
(SCROOGE opens the window. A LAD walks by outside)
Hello there, my fine fellow! Would you like to earn a shilling, lad?
LAD
Yes, sir. A shilling! More than anything in the world, it being Christmas and all.
SCROOGE
(Still laughing)
Fine fellow. Do you know the poulterers in the next street but one on the corner?
LAD
I should hope I did.
SCROOGE
An intelligent boy. A remarkable boy. Do you know whether they’ve sold the prize
turkey that was hanging up there?
LAD
What, the one as big as me?
SCROOGE
What a delightful boy. It’s a pleasure talking with you. Yes, my buck, the one as big
as you.
LAD
It’s hanging there now.
SCROOGE
Is it? Go buy it!
LAD
Blimey. You’re joking.
SCROOGE
No, no, I am in earnest. Go and buy it and tell them to bring it here, that I may give
them the direction where to take it. Come back with the man and I’ll give you a shil-
ling. Come back with him in less than five minutes and I’ll give you half-a-crown!
(The LAD runs off like a shot. SCROOGE closes the window and grabs a piece
of paper and a pen)
I’ll send it to Bob Cratchit’s. He shan’t know who sends it and it’s twice the size of
Tiny Tim! Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob’s will be! Oh, I’m
so overcome with excitement my hands cannot even write steadily. Oh if only I
could see the look on Bob’s face when he receives that turkey!
81
(SCROOGE finishes writing and puts on his hat and coat. The LAD reenters
with the POULTERER, carrying the turkey. The front door is moved on)
POULTERER
If this be a prank, boy, I’ll box your ears.
LAD
But I swear it, the man was right there in that window!
(The LAD knocks on the door and SCROOGE opens it)
SCROOGE
Hello there! Ah, here’s a turkey!
POULTERER
This boy here says you want to purchase it.
SCROOGE
That’s quite right! And, as promised, here is your half-a-crown, my boy.
LAD
(Taking it and running off)
Thank you, sir!
SCROOGE
(Handing money to the POULTERER)
Here, sir, is for the turkey and here’s a little something for your troubles.
(Hands him the paper)
Now, here is an address and directions. You must take this fine bird to Bob Cratchit
in Camden Town. Leave immediately this very moment, you are not to say whom it
comes from, and it must be there in time for Christmas dinner!
POULTERER
It will be, sir! Thank you! Merry Christmas to you!
(Exits)
SCROOGE
Merry Christmas!
(Sighs)
Lovely day!
82
SCENE 8
(Scene shifts to the city streets. CAROLERS enter)
CAROLERS
O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
JOYFUL AND TRIUMPHANT
O COME YE, O COME YE TO BETHLEHEM . . .
(The CAROLERS move to the background, still singing. SCROOGE enters

and passes by the PHILANTHROPIC SOLICITORS)
SCROOGE
A Merry Christmas to you both.
1ST SOLICITOR
The man from Scrooge & Marley’s, I believe.
SCROOGE
I hope you succeeded in your goal, yesterday.
2ND SOLICITOR
Yes, Mr. Scrooge. No thanks to you.
SCROOGE
I fear my name may not be pleasant to you, but allow me to ask your pardon and
give you this.
(He hands them a coin purse. They open it and look inside)
2ND SOLICITOR
Lord bless me, are you serious?
SCROOGE
Quite serious, and you’ll not take a farthing less. A great many back payments are
included in it, I assure you.
1ST SOLICITOR
I don’t know what to say.
SCROOGE
Then say nothing at all and do me this one favor: during the course of the days to
come, just come sometime and see me in my offices.
1ST SOLICITOR
Of course, we will.
2ND SOLICITOR
God bless you, Mr. Scrooge.
83
(The SOLICITORS exit. COLLINS and CAROLINE enter)
SCROOGE
Mr. Collins.
COLLINS
Mr. Scrooge.
SCROOGE
There has been a change with my firm, sir. Your debts are not to be paid to me.
CAROLINE
To whom will our debts be transferred?
SCROOGE
No one. Your debts are paid in full.
COLLINS
What?
SCROOGE
Yes I’m afraid I made a terrible mistake and I beg you not to sell any of your posses-
sions. Consider it not a loan, but a gift. Caroline, is it?
CAROLINE
Yes, sir.
SCROOGE
You’re expecting a young one in the Spring, are you not? You need the money now
more than ever. I wish you the best of luck with starting your new family. As for
you, Ben, if I can further assist you in any way, please stop by the Counting House
whenever you can.
COLLINS
Mr. Scrooge! Do you really mean that?
SCROOGE
I do. Merry Christmas.
CAROLINE
Thank you, Mr. Scrooge! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!
(SCROOGE exits)
COLLINS
We may sleep tonight with light hearts, Caroline.
84
(COLLINS and CAROLINE exit. A door is moved on, it is the front door to
the CRATCHITS’ house. The POULTERER enters and knocks. CRATCH-
IT answers)
POULTERER
Are you Bob Cratchit?
CRATCHIT
Yes.
POULTERER
This is for you.
(He hands him the turkey. CRATCHIT almost drops it)
CRATCHIT
There must be some mistake!
POULTERER
You are Bob Cratchit, aren’t you?
CRATCHIT
Yes.
POULTERER
And this is Camden Town, isn’t it?
CRATCHIT
Yes.
POULTERER
Then there ain’t no mistake!
CRATCHIT
But I didn’t order this!
POULTERER
This here prize turkey was bought and paid for by a gentleman to be delivered to Bob
Cratchit and Family in time for Christmas dinner.
MRS. CRATCHIT
(Entering through the doorway)
What gentleman? What’s his name?
POULTERER
Anonymous! He wishes to be anonymous!
85
CAROLERS
OH COME LET US ADORE HIM
CHRIST THE LORD . . .
(POULTERER and MR. and MRS. CRATCHIT exit. The door is moved to
the other side of the stage and turned around. It is now the door for FRED’S
house. He and JANE sit in the parlor opening presents. JANE holds up a neck-
lace)
JANE
Oh, Fred, but this is far too expensive!
FRED
But do you like it?
JANE
I love it! It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen!
FRED
Well then, it belongs around your neck, my darling.
(He places it around her neck)
Merry Christmas!
JANE
Oh, Fred, I do love you!
(They kiss. There is a knock at the door)
FRED
Who could that be? No one is expected this early.
(He opens the door to reveal SCROOGE)
Uncle Ebenezer?!
(JANE stands up sharply, somewhat uncomfortable with SCROOGE)
SCROOGE
Yes, Fred, it’s me. May I come in?
FRED
Yes, please come in.
SCROOGE
(He enters, takes off his hat and looks at JANE)
Good afternoon, madam, Merry Christmas to you.
JANE
Merry Christmas to . . . you.
86
FRED
Uncle Ebenezer, this is my wife Jane. Jane, this is my Uncle Ebenezer Scrooge.
JANE
It’s a pleasure.
FRED
More like a surprise! When we spoke yesterday, Uncle, you made it quite clear that
you had no intention of accepting my annual invitation.
SCROOGE
I made other things clear, too: that Christmas is a humbug and a waste of time and
money. I’ve come for three reasons. First, to beg your pardon for the things I said
about Christmas. That was a humbug, Fred. I didn’t know it then, but I know it now.
Secondly, I’ve come to meet your new wife . . . and a very beautiful woman she is.
JANE
Thank you.
SCROOGE
I was in love once. Would you believe that? But I possess neither the courage, nor
the optimism, nor the depth of feeling that you two have. Thirdly, if the invitation to
dine with you today is still in force . . . I accept!
FRED
Of course it’s still in force! Hurrah!
(He hugs him)
I was sure of this one day!
SCROOGE
You were sure of it one day? Apparently you were right! Forgive my saying so, but I
see the shadow of my sister in your face. I loved your mother . . . for a time I forgot
just how much. Well then, if it’s no trouble, I should like to spend the entire day with
you and your friends, playing games and drinking punch and laughing like a child
throughout the whole of it!
JANE
You will be more than welcome! You’ve made us both very happy, Uncle Ebenezer.
SCROOGE
Have I?
FRED
Yes.
SCROOGE
God forgive me for the time I have wasted.
87
SCENE 9
The Scrooge & Marley Counting House, the next morning
(SCROOGE sits alone in his office. The ENSEMBLE stands outside)
ENSEMBLE
Scrooge enjoyed his time at his nephew’s house very much. Wonderful party, won-
derful games, wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness. But he was early at the of-
fice next morning. If he could only be there first, and catch Bob Cratchit coming late.
That was the thing he had set his heart upon. The clock struck nine. No Bob. A quar-
ter past. No Bob. He was a full eighteen minutes and a half behind his time.
(CRATCHIT hurries across the stage, into the office, taking off his hat and
scarf and sitting at his desk as fast as he can)
SCROOGE
Hello. What do you mean by coming in here at this time of day? You’re late.
CRATCHIT
I’m sorry, sir. I am behind my time.
SCROOGE
You are? Yes, I think you are. Step in here, sir, if you please.
CRATCHIT
It’s only once a year, sir. It shall not be repeated. I was making rather merry yesterday,
sir.
SCROOGE
Now, I’ll tell you what, Mr. Cratchit. I am not going to stand for that sort of thing
any longer. And therefore . . . therefore . . . I am going to double your present salary.
(SCROOGE turns away, trying not to laugh. CRATCHIT stands in silence)
CRATCHIT
I beg your pardon, sir?
SCROOGE
Not good enough, you say? All right then, Mr. Cratchit. You drive a hard bargain. I’ll
triple it.
CRATCHIT
Have you taken leave of your senses, Mr. Scrooge?
SCROOGE
No, Bob! I’ve come to them! A Merry Christmas, my good man, than I have given
you for many a year. Why, what’s the matter?
88
CRATCHIT
Nothing, sir, nothing. It’s just . . . I . . . you . . .
SCROOGE
Never mind, then! We’ll discuss details later over a bowl of Christmas punch. You be
sure to buy more coal to put in that stove to warm this cold, old office every Winter,
before you dot another ‘i’, Bob Cratchit!
(FRED enters with the whole CRATCHIT FAMILY)
FRED
I brought them along, Uncle. Just as you requested.
SCROOGE
There they are!
CRATCHIT
What is my family doing here, sir? I’m sorry, sir. I had no idea.
MRS. CRATCHIT
We’ve been invited, husband. I swear it.
TINY TIM
I’ll warrant that it was Mr. Scrooge who sent us the turkey.
SCROOGE
It was indeed, Tim, my boy! I was the mysterious turkey-sender! Bob, there are going
to be some drastic changes around here. From now on, you will no longer be my
clerk, but my partner. There will be a new sign painted: “The Office of Scrooge &
Cratchit.”
(Outside, the CAROLERS start to sing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”)
CRATCHIT
Mr. Scrooge! Whatever has given you this idea?
SCROOGE
A change in me, Bob. A chance at hope and redemption I’ve been given. As for now,
we’ve a Christmas fair to attend in Surrey. Supper at the Cheshire Cheese and a pan-
tomime this evening. “Cinderella”, I think, at the Drury Lane. And all of you will be
my family and we shall savor the richness of this life and of this season together. The
carriage awaits!
MRS. CRATCHIT
A carriage? I think I’m dreaming.
CRATCHIT
But the office. Our business . . .
89
SCROOGE
Mankind is our business, Mr. Cratchit, and never you forget it. I shan’t. Come, Tim.
You’re riding on top of the hansom with me. It will be an adventure you’ll not soon
forget.
CAROLERS
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS . . .
TINY TIM
CAROLERS
. . . AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(As TINY TIM hugs SCROOGE, his face transforms from happiness to pro-
found gratitude. The Lights Fade. The ENSEMBLE sings the final chorus to
“Joy to the World” during the Curtain Call, followed by “Here We Come A
Wassailing” during the Encore)
THE END
90
FULL COMPANY
HERE WE COME A WASSAILING AMONG THE LEAVES SO GREEN
HERE WE COME A WANDERING SO RARELY TO BE SEEN
LOVE AND JOY COME TO YOU
AND TO YOU YOUR WASSAIL TOO
AND GOD BLESS YOU AND SEND YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR
AND GOD SEND YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR
GOD BLESS THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE, GOD BLESS THE MISTRESS TOO
AND ALL THE LITTLE CHILDREN THAT ROUND THE TABLE GREW
LOVE AND JOY COME TO YOU
AND TO YOU YOUR WASSAIL TOO
AND GOD BLESS YOU AND SEND YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR
AND GOD SEND YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR
91
PROPERTY PLOT
PROLOGUE
On stage C:
Tombstone
Hand Properties:
Umbrellas (MOURNERS)
Prayer Book (CLERGYMAN)
Shovel (UNDERTAKER)
Optional coffin carried in by Mourners
ACT ONE — SCENE 1

[COUNTING HOUSE]
On stage R:
Scrooge’s desk
On stage C:
Cratchit’s desk, Stove
On stage L:
Door
Hanging from Flies:
Scrooge & Marley Sign
Hand Properties:
Ledgers, Ink and Quills (SCROOGE, CRATCHIT)
Coins (SCROOGE)
Wreath (FRED)
Book, Pen (SOLICITORS)
[STREET]
Hand Properties:
Poultry Pole (POULTERER)
Raw Goose (MRS. CRATCHIT)
Crutch (TINY TIM)
ACT ONE — SCENE 2

On stage R:
Folding Screen, Armchair, Footstool, Table
On table: Bowl, Spoon
On stage C:
Window
On stage L:
Washstand, Basin, Bed
Hand Properties:
Feather Duster, Flask (MRS. DILBER)
Snowballs (CAROLERS)
ACT ONE — SCENE 3

On stage R:
Stool
92
PROPERTY PLOT (CONT’D)
ACT ONE — SCENE 3 (Cont’d)

Hand Properties:
Holly Branch (GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST)
Book Bags (SCHOOLCHILDREN)
Whistle Flute (WILKINS, YOUNG SCROOGE)
ACT ONE — SCENE 4

[1791]
On stage R:
Fireplace, Stockings
Off stage L:
Table
On table: Turkey, Goose, Ham, Candles, Plates, Utensils
Hanging from Flies:
Garlands, Chandelier
Hand Properties:
Gold Sovereigns (WILKINS, YOUNG SCROOGE)
Business Card (MARLEY)
Ring (YOUNG SCROOGE)
[1795]
Hand Properties:
Crates (MR. and MRS. FEZZIWIG)
In Crates: Fiddle, Candlesticks, Blankets
Ring (BELLE)
ACT ONE — SCENE 5

On stage C:
Footstool
Hand Properties:
Buckets, Ladle, Spiced Orange (BELLE)
Bowls, Spoons (BEGGARS)
Crutch (TINY TIM)
ACT TWO — SCENE 1

Hand Properties:
Cornucopia (GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT)
Meat, Fish (BUTCHER)
Bread, Cakes, Pies (BAKER)
Fruit, Vegetables (GROCER)
Cups, Bowls (DRINK VENDOR)
Flask (MRS. DILBER)
Toy Trains (TOY VENDOR)
Crutch (TINY TIM)
93
PROPERTY PLOT (CONT’D 2)
ACT TWO — SCENE 2

On stage L:
Table, Eight chairs
Off stage L:
Cooked Goose
Hand Properties:
Plates, Glasses, Utensils (CRATCHIT FAMILY)
Jug (PETER)
Crutch (TINY TIM)
ACT TWO — SCENE 3

On stage R:
Loveseat, Armchair
Hand Properties:
Glasses (PARTY GUESTS)
Blindfold (JANE)
Alms bowls (IGNORANCE & WANT)
ACT TWO — SCENE 4

On stage L:
Four Seats, Table
On table: Lamp
Hand Properties:
Matches, Pipe (OLD JOE)
Bundles (MRS. DILBER, SNAGSBY, PEG)
In Bundle 1: Seal, Pencil Case, Fob, Watch, Sleeve Buttons (SNAGSBY)
In Bundle 2: Sheets, Towels, Spoons, Sugar Tongs, Flute, Ring (MRS. DILBER)
In Bundle 3: Bed Curtains, Blankets, Shirt (PEG)
ACT TWO — SCENE 5

On stage R:
Rocking Chair, Armchair
Hand Properties:
Bible (PETER)
Needle, Thread (MRS. CRATCHIT)
Teacup, Plate (BELINDA)
ACT TWO — SCENE 6

On stage C:
Tombstone
ACT TWO — SCENE 7

On stage R:
Folding Screen, Armchair, Footstool, Door, Table
On table: Bowl, Spoon
94
PROPERTY PLOT (CONT’D 3)
ACT TWO — SCENE 7 (Cont’d)

On stage C:
Window
On stage L:
Washstand, Basin, Bed
Hand Properties:
Feather Duster (MRS. DILBER)
Coin Purse, Paper, Pen (SCROOGE)
Turkey (POULTERER)
ACT TWO — SCENE 8

[STREET]
Hand Properties:
Coin Purse (SCROOGE)
[CRATCHIT HOME]
On stage L:
Door
Hand Properties:
Turkey (POULTERER)
[FRED’S HOUSE]
On stage R:
Door, Loveseat
Hand Properties:
Necklace (FRED)
ACT TWO — SCENE 9

On stage R:
Scrooge’s desk
On stage C:
Cratchit’s desk, Stove
On stage L:
Door
Hanging from Flies:
Scrooge & Marley Sign
Hand Properties:
Ledgers, Ink and Quills (SCROOGE, CRATCHIT)
Crutch (TINY TIM)
95

A Christmas Carol Script

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CHARLES DICKENS’

EBENEZER SCROOGE TOPPER, Fred’s bachelor friend

JACOB MARLEY, Scrooge’s deceased part- THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

PROLOGUE — A cemetery outside of London, December 1836

Ebenezer Scrooge SCOTT COUCH

Directed by Brian Walsh

A cemetery outside of London, December 1836

(The Lights Rise Slowly on a funeral procession. Present are a CLERGY-

The streets of London — the Scrooge & Marley Counting House,

(SCROOGE passes by three STOCK BROKERS)

(He enters the counting house through a small vestibule)

(CRATCHIT quietly applauds. SCROOGE mock applauds)

(FRED exits as the CAROLERS take over the scene)

(They enter SCROOGE’S office)

(SCROOGE returns to his desk. The ENSEMBLE speaks to the Audience)

(The ENSEMBLE addresses the Audience. As SCROOGE wends his way

(There is a four-poster bed with curtains, an armchair with a footstool and a

(A wall of smoke rises and SCROOGE’S window is littered with a screaming,

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(SCHOOLCHILDREN run across the stage)

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(BOY EBENEZER exits. Time flashes forward seven years. YOUNG

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(The SCHOOLMASTER enters)

(The SCHOOLMASTER exits as FAN enters tentatively, strangely shy)

SCROOGE & YOUNG SCROOGE

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Fezziwig’s Emporium, 1791

(The scene has changed to a warehouse. There is a fireplace with stockings

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(YOUNG SCROOGE runs on. FEZZIWIG enters. He is a portly gentleman

(Both BOYS scramble to stand at attention in mock military solemnity. FEZ-

(MRS. FEZZIWIG enters)

(YOUNG SCROOGE playfully punches WILKINS as MR. and MRS. FEZ-

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(GHOST and SCROOGE move towards the background as a young JACOB

(FEZZIWIG and WILKINS finish decorating. MARLEY moves towards

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(FEZZIWIG comes between them)

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

(FEZZIWIG exits with the crate, silently avoiding looking at YOUNG

(YOUNG SCROOGE crosses to the trap door, only to be met by WILKINS)

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST