A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre
Lift your spirits this December
Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre is bringing back one of the city’s most loved Christmas traditions. A Christmas Carol returns for a strictly limited season from 27 November to 24 December 2025, and it’s shaping up to be one of the year’s theatrical highlights.
With its warm message, glorious staging, and a story most of us know by heart, it’s an easy and enjoyable outing—especially if you’re after a Christmas experience that doesn’t involve battling shopping crowds or wrangling the weather. And if you enjoy taking the grandkids out, this one is a lovely shared memory in the making.
Below is everything you need to know before booking your tickets, and enjoy!
A Christmas Carol: A Beloved Tradition Returns
This year, the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be played by one of Australia’s most recognisable performers, Lachy Hulme. You may know him from Offspring, Furiosa, or the AACTA-winning Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch Story—and he’s set to bring real depth and heart to the stage.
The production itself is the celebrated Old Vic version, created by Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical, Groundhog Day) and adapted by playwright Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). It’s been a smash hit in London and New York, and Melbourne is lucky to have it back again.
Expect:
- Dazzling staging and lighting
- Live music and beloved carols, including Joy to the World, Silent Night, and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
- A heartwarming message that has brought many audience members to tears in previous seasons
- A joyous atmosphere, with plenty of festive touches at the theatre itself
No wonder critics have called it “theatrical magic” and “the must-see festive event of the year.”
A Lovely Extra: Fundraising for Food Share
One special part of this production is its annual post-show fundraising tradition.
Each year, cast and crew collect donations to support a local cause, and in 2025, they’re proudly supporting FoodShare.
Remember to bring some spare change, or simply scan the QR code on your way out to donate online. It’s an easy way to share a little Christmas goodwill and support a vital community service.
Diane’s review
Who would have thought we were attending the premiere and opening night of A Christmas Carol, first published by Charles Dickens in 1843. There were beautifully dressed attendees on the red carpet getting photographed, and we felt somewhat underdressed.
I took with me my 8-year-old grandson, Cliff. Once inside the theatre, the characters from the show were waltzing up and down the aisles with lovely Christmas mince pies — he managed to have two — and they were also handing out mandarins or throwing them to the audience from the stage.
The show began with the cast as amazing bell ringers, and carols were performed throughout the performance.
Ebenezer Scrooge was played magnificently by the amazing actor Lachy Hulme. Cliff commented, “That man has been on the stage the whole time!”
The story sends out a message of how a selfish man can redeem himself by transforming into a more sympathetic character.
The staging was quite dark but very well done. It was a most entertaining stage show and highly recommended.
One of the highlights for Cliff came at the conclusion of the performance — outside on the sidewalk, it was snowing!
Who Will Enjoy It?
The show is recommended for ages 8 and up, making it a great multigenerational outing. If your knees or back prefer not to sit too long, the production includes a 20-minute interval, which is enough time to stretch the legs or grab something from the bar.
Fans of classic theatre, Dickens’ stories, and beautifully staged productions will find plenty to enjoy. And even if you’ve seen other versions of A Christmas Carol, this one brings a fresh, modern warmth while keeping the heart of the story intact.
Accessibility & Special Performances
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and ramps.
- Designated accessible seating.
- There is no lift access to the Dress Circle. Access is via 19 steps with handrails.
- Hearing loop systems and assistive listening devices. The Comedy Theatre provides free induction neck loops and headsets. Devices are available from the cloakroom in the Stalls foyer, and are compatible with standard 3.5mm headphone jacks if you prefer to bring your own.
- Accessible restrooms.
- The website provides very comprehensive and detailed information on accessibility features. Read here.
An audio-described performance will be held on Saturday 13 December at 2pm, including a tactile tour beforehand—ideal for patrons with low vision.
For accessible bookings or questions about seating, call 1300 11 10 11 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm; plus weekends from 1½ hours before showtime).
Practical Information for Your Visit
Running Time
- 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.
Content Notes
- Contains theatrical smoke, haze, lighting effects, and loud noises.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Online: Ticketek (the authorised seller)
- Phone: 1300 11 10 11
- In person:
- Princess Theatre Box Office (Mon–Fri 10am–5pm)
- Comedy Theatre (open 1½ hours before each performance)
- Also try Halftix at 208 Little Collins St
- Princess Theatre Box Office (Mon–Fri 10am–5pm)
Group Bookings
If you’re planning a Christmas outing with friends, a Probus group, or an extended family gathering:
- Call Amanda and Ella on 03 9299 9873 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
- Email groups@marrinergroup.com.au
Extra Tidbits for a smooth outing
- Arrive early. Comedy Theatre is right in the heart of the East End Theatre District, so allow time for traffic and finding your seat.
- Grab snacks beforehand. There’s a Woolies Metro right next door, perfect for picking up a bottle of water or a quick treat before you head in.
- Make a night of it. Enjoy a pre-show coffee or meal on the nearby streets—Exhibition, Bourke, and Little Collins all have great options.
- Check the weather. Queues form outside before doors open, so dress for Melbourne’s unpredictable December.
- Be mindful of casting changes. The producers can’t guarantee the appearance of any particular performer.
Comedy Theatre
240 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
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