Frith Street Films have announced that their brand new retelling of “A Christmas Carol”, which was set for release on 27th November will now be showing in theatres and cinemas from 4th December. The film will not be released digitally in a bid to support struggling venues this Christmas.

Simon Russell Beale, Martin Freeman, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Kaluuya and Andy Serkis lend their voices to the tale, whilst dance performances are led by former Royal Ballet soloist and BalletBoyz founder Michael Nunn as Scrooge, Jakub Franasowicz, Russell Maliphant, Karl Fagerlund Brekke, Mikey Boats, Grace Jabbari and Dana Fouras.

“A Christmas Carol” follows a Victorian family as they prepare a toy-theatre for their annual performance of “A Christmas Carol”. The audience enters the imagination of one of the children and quickly the cardboard stage transforms to reveal a magical world containing real dancers and stylised sets. The tale unfolds on screen in a rich tapestry of highly absorbing, haunting and theatrical drama with characters portrayed by dancers and voiced by an eclectic cast of incredible actors. The mix of danced action and spoken narration brings a completely new and exciting dimension to Dickens’ characters whilst remaining true to the beauty of his original narrative.

Behind “A Christmas Carol” are two of the most exciting and creative British filmmakers today. Sibling directors Jacqui Morris and David Morris first shot to prominence with their 2013 debut, the double BAFTA nominated McCullin. Their Grierson award winning film “Attacking the Devil” followed in 2016, highlighting the ground-breaking investigative work of the late Sir Harold Evans during the thalidomide scandal. Their third film, Nureyev, lifted the curtain on one of the world’s most iconic ballet dancers.

With pantomime season all but cancelled, the dual approach to release is to support both cinema and theatre industries during a time of financial hardship generated by the Coronavirus pandemic. The announcement of a second lockdown has not changed their approach towards the release of such an inherently theatrical film, best enjoyed on the big screen. Both directors see the release and supporting local cinemas and theatres as an inherent part of the importance of this film and its 2020 release.

Director and Producer Jacqui Morris said, “My career started with working backstage in the theatre. Theatre continues to inspire and influence my work as a filmmaker today and I have been devastated by the current situation theatres face. Our version of “A Christmas Carol” offers an immersive, theatre-like experience for families both in cinema and theatres, will delight to those missing out on live dance and pantomime this festive season. I am thrilled to offer theatres a chance to screen the film to help raise funds and keep doors ajar until patrons can return in full capacity.”

She added, “David and I are committed to releasing “A Christmas Carol” in cinemas this year. I know lots of films are delaying their release, and It’s a very difficult decision filmmakers have to make, but we are in the fortunate position of having made a perennial film, and as theatres and cinemas are in such dire straits at the moment, we want to be as supportive as we can.”

Choreography is by Southbank award winner and Associate Artist of Sadlers Wells, Russell Maliphant. Design is by Darko Petrovic, famed for his unique blend of high artistry and diverse contemporary style and the Score is by Tony Award Nominee, Alex Baranowski.

Audiences will be able to catch “A Christmas Carol” in cinemas and select theatre venues nationwide from December 4th. Listings are available here.