A Christmas Carol: The Panto

By Ian Wainwright and Robert Wallis

Directed by Richard Seedhouse

Performances: Friday 11 to Sunday 20 December 2026 (including weekend matinees)

Venue: Putney Arts Theatre, Main Stage

Putney Arts Theatre Main Auditorium (145 seats)

AUDITION DATES:

Sunday 6 September - 6pm

Monday 7 September - 7pm

Recalls (if required): Thursday 10 September at 7:30pm

First read through Tuesday 15th September 7:30pm

AUDITION INFORMATION:

He's behind you!

Putney Theatre Company is delighted to invite auditions for A Christmas Carol: The Panto, a brand-new festive family comedy packed with songs, laughs, villains, heroes and plenty of audience participation.

Audition pieces will be provided on the day.

Auditionees should prepare:

A short Christmas cracker-style joke 

One of the songs listed: 

• It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year;
  
• Simply the Best;
  
• Money Money Money
  

Music and words for audition songs can be found here

If you would like to audition but cannot attend one of the scheduled audition dates, or if you have any questions, please contact the director, Richard Seedhouse, at ptcpantoacc@gmail.com

Please note that this is an adult amateur production open to those over the age of 18.

AUDITION FORM:

Please complete the audition form by Friday 4 September.

If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance so that we can plan the auditions effectively.

Fill out the audition form here

REHEARSALS:

Rehearsals will take place primarily at Putney Arts Theatre on evenings and weekends from late September through to the performances. Cast members should expect to be called for two to four rehearsals each week, depending on the needs of the production.

By auditioning, you are confirming that you are available for all performance dates.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

Dickens' classic tale gets the full pantomime treatment!

Will the Spirits help Ebenezer Scrooge discover the true meaning of Christmas? Or will the villainous Marley and her gang of mischievous urchins drag him into the afterlife, weighed down by chains? Can the all-singing, all-dancing Cratchit family spread enough Christmas cheer to save the day?

There's only one way to find out...

This production contains pantomime-style humour, audience participation, and family-friendly silliness.

Characters:

Scrooge (M/F)

A grumpy miser with plenty to learn.

Carol (M)

Scrooge's larger-than-life niece and the show's Dame.

Marley (F)

Scrooge's former business partner and the show's gloriously wicked villain.

Fairy (F)

Scrooge's well-meaning guardian fairy.

The Ghosts

Dr Past (M/F)

An eccentric, fez-wearing time traveller.

Piccadilly Circus of the Present (M/F)

A cheerful bear with an unhealthy obsession with piccalilli sandwiches.

Yet to Come (M/F)

Silent, mysterious and full of big spooky energy.

The Cratchits

Bob Cratchit (M)

Scrooge's loyal employee, devoted husband and father.

Mrs Cratchit (F)

Warm-hearted, overworked and determined to keep Christmas alive.

The Fezziwigs

Mr Fezziwig (M)

A larger-than-life party host.

Mrs Fezziwig (F)

His equally exuberant and delightfully saucy wife.

The Urchins

Big Urchin (M/F)

Marley's largest and most enthusiastic assistant.

Middle Urchin (M/F)

Marley's dependable second-in-command.

Little Urchin (M/F)

The smallest, cheekiest and most chaotic of the trio.

Please note: Putney Theatre Company is an adult theatre group and all roles will be played by performers aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 and looking for acting opportunities, please visit the Group 64 website.

Diversity, Inclusion & Casting Vision

PTC is committed to creating an inclusive company that reflects the diversity of London's communities. We actively encourage performers to audition for any role they feel best suits their skills and experience.

Unless otherwise stated, roles are open to performers of all ethnicities.

COSTS

Please note that this is an amateur production.

You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show. That cost is currently £30 a year. As a member you will have access to reduced ticket prices and other creative opportunities. There is no cost to audition.

There is also a show fee of £35 which will need to be paid by all actors in the production, which goes towards the cost of putting on the show and insurance.  It will include a copy of the script should those cast not have their own.

We encourage you to become a member of PTC anyway, even if not cast.

Our company is run by volunteers and we expect all actors cast in a production to volunteer for Front of House duties at least once a year. Our shows could not go up without our Front of House volunteers.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PTC knows that taking part in a show can be a significant financial burden. We are committed to being as inclusive as possible. So, if you would like to discuss how we can help you, a member of the committee will be able to confidentially assist. Please enquire for more information. Rest assured, if you have requested financial assistance, it will have no bearing on whether you are cast in the show.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

There are always other ways to be involved in the production other than auditioning.  

Backstage opportunities available include:

• Props
  
• Costume
  
• Stage Management
  
• Set Build
  
• Lighting & Sound
  
• Technical Operation
  
• Marketing
  

If you would like to join the production team or have any other questions, please email ptcpantoacc@gmail.com