Hale Illness Causes Christmas Carol Cancellation

Tonight’s performance (7 January 2010) of A Christmas Carol at the Arts Theatre has been cancelled due to the illness of cast members Gareth Hale and Brian Herring.

Last night’s performance was also cancelled, though a representative of the show told Whatsonstage.com that affected ticket holders have already been contacted and offered refunds or exchanges for another performance. The run is due to finish on Sunday (10 January 2010).

Details of the illnesses weren’t disclosed, though it is hoped that both Hale and Herring will be fit to return tomorrow. Hale plays the role of Scrooge in the show, which opened on 25 November 2009 (previews from 11 November).

A Christmas Carol is adapted and directed by Susie McKenna, best known for her critically acclaimed pantomimes at the Hackney Empire. The cast also features Simon Lipkin, Rebecca Thornhill and Michael Matus, as well as the
voices of Matthew White as Charlie the Theatre Mouse and Sharon D
Clarke as Bentolina the Theatre Cat (See News, 12 Aug 2009).