A Christmas Carol

About this event

Frankfurt English Speaking Theatre (F.E.S.T.) stages Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas tale in a lively adaptation by Brian Kurtas and Bill van Horn, directed by Carina Stubenrauch. Set in Victorian London on a bitter Christmas Eve, the story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of ghostly encounters that whisk him from past regrets to present-day warmth and finally to chilling glimpses of a lonely future – all laced with wit and festive wonder. The production is powered by a large, mixed cast of Frankfurt-based amateur actors who bring the iconic characters to vivid life, from the clanking Jacob Marley and the kindly Cratchits to the fragile Tiny Tim. Jeff Book anchors the show as Scrooge; Alex Hemus plays Bob Cratchit, while Chase Drivas and Martha Reece serve as narrators leading the audience through the tale, and a supporting ensemble doubles and triples roles to keep the action brisk and visually varied. Because the entire play is performed in English, it’s a natural fit for English-speaking families, expats, or anyone who enjoys experiencing live theatre in English. The classic story and warm-hearted performances make the evening suitable for audiences from about age 6 upwards, giving children enough humour and visual magic to stay engaged while adults appreciate the emotional depth. It’s a straight-ahead telling that leans into the material’s generosity and redemption without shying away from its darker shadows – a bit of Christmas magic without the kitsch.