The next production at the Theatre Royal, Washington Street, Workington will be performed, directed and produced by the Theatre Royal Youth (with members aged eight to 18).

'A Christmas Carol' follows their successful Story of Oliver Twist, which was performed in summer.

Adapted for the stage by Guy Williams, this Charles Dickens classic tells the festive story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who coined the well used phrase of bah! humbug!, played by Isaac Fillingham and also features the author, Charles Dickens, played by Emily-Rose Lane.

Seven years after the death of his business partner Jacob Marley, elderly miser Ebenezer works well into the night on Christmas Eve, as he thinks that Christmas is just an excuse for spending.

On returning home, the grumpy old man finds himself visited by four ghosts who truly turn his life around and teach him a lesson that is still valid today.

The show marks the debut of Heather Palmer, 17, as director. Heather said: “The children are working their socks off and it’s exciting to see what each individual is bringing to the performance.”

Other teenage members of TRY will be honing their theatre skills by managing the sound, lighting, wardrobe, props and stage management.

A Christmas Carol will be performed at Theatre Royal, Washington Street, Workington on December 15 and December 16 at 7pm.

Tickets are available from the website http://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk at £7 and £5 concessions, or from the box office, which is open every Monday and Wednesday from 6.45pm to 7.30pm. Tickets will also be available on the door.