READING REP THEATRE ANNOUNCES THREE LOCAL YOUNG PERFORMERS TO SHARE THE ROLE OF TINY TIMMY IN NEW STAGING OF BETH FLINTOFF’S READING-BASED ADAPTATION OF
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A BOLD ADAPTATION THAT IS REDEFINING THE REGIONAL
CHRISTMAS THEATRE EXPERIENCE
28 NOVEMBER 2025 – 3 JANUARY 2026
Berkshire’s flagship producing theatre, Reading Rep Theatre, have today announced the three young performers who will share the role of Tiny Timmy in their upcoming new staging of Beth Flintoff’s acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which relocates Charles Dickens’ seminal story to Reading and the iconic Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory.
Eli Murphy (aged 10), Emily Maclellan (ages 10), and Ned Woollatt (aged 9) will share the role of Tiny Timmy through the show’s run. All three young performers are from the local Reading area.
The adaptation, which had past sell-out runs in 2021 and 2022 in Reading, runs fromFriday 28 November 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026.
Louis Ling, Children’s Manager for the production, says of the casting, “Our young actors, Eli, Emily, and Ned – shone during auditions, delivering a wonderful interpretation of the Tiny Timmy character. It was clear they were perfect for the role in our homegrown production of A Christmas Carol. They’re all working incredibly hard in rehearsals and bringing fantastic energy and heart to the production.”
Eli Murphy says, “I like acting and want to be an actor when I’m older. The cast were fun in the rehearsal last week. Tiny Timmy is positive and kind even though he is poor.”
Emily Maclellan says, “I’m very proud to be cast as Tiny Timmy in A Christmas Carol. I can’t wait to be on stage and see all the people coming to see me. I love Tiny Timmy and the thing I like most about the character is that He is a very positive and doesn’t give up.”
Ned Woollatt says, “I’m really excited to be part of the production because I get to meet lots of new people which is great. I love the character of Tiny Timmy as he has such a positive attitude despite all his challenges.”
There’s magic in the air – everywhere except the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory, where Ebenezer Scrooge remains as bitter as ever. But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come pay him a visit, will Scrooge finally discover the true meaning of the season?
Step into Victorian Reading for a heartwarming journey of redemption, wonder, and joy. Featuring beloved characters and brimming with Dickensian charm, A Christmas Carol is the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
Step into Victorian Reading, brought vividly to life in a production brimming with live music, heart, and festive wonder. Full of local pride, community spirit, and Dickensian warmth, A Christmas Carol promises to be Berkshire’s must-see festive treat for all ages.
Beth Flintoff is Associate Playwright and Young Writers Associate at the Royal Court Theatre in London and an Associate Artist at RABBLE Theatre Company. Her play The Ballad of Maria Marten (for Eastern Angles) is regularly produced around the world and was Nick Hern Books’ second most performed play of 2024.
Beth Flintoff said of relocating Dickens’ classic tale, “I have always loved Dickens, and I was so excited to adapt A Christmas Carol – its message is so warm and generous and full of heart. I immediately knew that I wanted to translate Dickens’ much-loved characters to their respective jobs at the Huntley and Palmer’s Biscuit Factory, as it’s such an important part of the town’s past. Audiences will still get to see the old favourites like Tiny Tim and the Cratchits, but this time you’ll find them popping up in recognisable places on the cobbled stones in the heart of old Reading. Christmas shows are about bringing the whole family together, and celebrating our community, and I really hope this does that.”
Chris Cuming (Peter Pan, The Snow Queen) returns to direct the new staging of Reading Rep’s Christmas show, who was previously co-director and movement director on the prior incarnations of the show.
Joining the Tiny Timmies in the cast will be George Eggay (The Wife of Willesden – Kiln Theatre, The Last King of Scotland – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield), Orla O’Sullivan (The Snow Queen, It’s A Wonderful Life, Potted Panto – Reading Rep Theatre), Charlotte Warner (The Snow Queen, It’s A Wonderful Life, Potted Panto – Reading Rep Theatre), Sam Amestoy (Rainbow Rescue, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Reading Rep Theatre), and Mark Desebrock (Hedda Gabler, The Snow Queen – Reading Rep Theatre).
Alongside Cuming on the creative team will be Nicky Bunch as Set & Costume Designer, Aaron J Dootson as Lighting Designer, Joe Dines as Sound Designer, Tabitha Stock as Costume Designer, Nathan Storm as Associate Lighting Designer, Louis Ling as Children’s Manager, Sarah Hawkins as Casting Designer, and Jordan Harris as Production Manager.
Chris Cuming said of the production, “Christmas at Reading Rep is always something special. A true highlight of the town’s festive calendar. It’s a joy to revisit Beth Flintoff’s home-grown adaptation, bringing together familiar faces from our company and new talent to celebrate Reading’s history through Dickens’ most enduring tale. This A Christmas Carol is funny, moving, and full of heart, a story about community, compassion, and the power of change. It’s everything Christmas at the theatre should be.”
More information on the production can be found at www.readingrep.com.