Meet Lucas, Thalia and Alexa – the trio of Tiny Tims who will share the iconic role in Leeds Playhouse’s spell-binding festive feast of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Reece Dinsdale as Ebenezer Scrooge. The production will light up Leeds Playhouse’s epic Quarry Theatre from 20 November 2025 – 17 January 2026.
Alexa Raja (10, Leeds), Lucas Kerr (9, Manchester) and Thalia Coultas (10, York) were selected as part of a call out and casting process to find talented deaf and disabled young people to join the company of A Christmas Carol.
Alexa said: “I felt very excited when I first found out that I was cast in A Christmas Carol and overwhelmed that I get to be part of this amazing experience! I am most looking forward to performing on the stage at Leeds Playhouse, because it’s been two years since I was in Oliver there and I absolutely love this theatre. Being on stage is my happy place and I just can’t wait! It means the absolute world to me to be part of the show this Christmas. Christmas is my favourite time of year so it’s very special to be in a show as it’s going to be so magical!”
Lucas said: “I found out I was cast in A Christmas Carol when I was in my musical theatre class and cried! I was really shocked but super happy. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone but mostly I can’t wait to perform on the stage. It will be really nice as lots of people go to see shows at Christmas with their families so it will be like you are part of their Christmas traditions. Hopefully watching the show will make lots of people happy and I’m glad I get to be part of that.”
Thalia said: “When I first found out, I was in shock. When I did the audition, I felt that it went really well but I never dreamt that I would actually get the part. I’ve wanted to be an actor for such a long time and I’m excited to get into the character of Tiny Tim and improve my acting skills too. I’m so lucky to be given such an amazing opportunity and to be able to work with more experienced actors and a wonderful theatre team. I think it will make this Christmas the best!”
Directed by Olivier Award-nominated Amy Leach and adapted by Deborah McAndrew, A Christmas Carol will be set in Victorian Leeds, drawing inspiration from the city’s woollen industry heritage. This spine-tingling, music-filled celebration of community, compassion and festive cheer features a glorious cast of actor-musicians and original composed music.
“Tim Cratchit is a brilliant role for a young performer – a cheeky, playful and positive character who is central to the story,” said Amy Leach, Director of A Christmas Carol. “We had a wonderful time meeting lots of talented deaf and disabled children for the part, exploring the character and the play through workshop-style auditions. I am thrilled that we’ll be welcoming Alexa, Lucas and Thalia to the cast of A Christmas Carol. All of them showed great acting ability, enthusiasm and maturity and I know they will all be brilliant at warming the heart of both Scrooge and our audience.”
The trio will join previously announced cast: Reece Dinsdale as Ebenezer Scrooge (Through It All Together, Leeds Playhouse); Stephen Collins (Oliver Twist, Leeds Playhouse) as Bob Cratchit and Nadia Nadarajah (Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Mrs Cratchit; Claudia Kariuki (Pearl in Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; Jane Seymour in Six – The Musical, West End; Sister Act The Musical, West End) as Christmas Present; Obioma Ugoala (George Washington in Hamilton, Cameron Mackintosh Ltd; Kristoff in Frozen) as Marley/Fezziwig; Bea Glancy (What If If Only, Royal Exchange) as Christmas Past; Paul Brown (Mr Snow and Macbeth, Leeds Playhouse) as Dick Wilkins/Topper; Danny Colligan (Jackie!! Gilded Balloon Patter House, Edinburgh) as Fred/Young Scrooge; Finton Flynn (Shooting Star: A new musical, Ryan Lenney) as Peter Cratchit; and Amy Forrest (After the Flood ITV; Small Island National Theatre) as Belle/Mrs Fred.
Completing the adult cast are actor/musicians: Jon Bonner (The Flood AKA Theatre Co/Leeds Playhouse); Music Captain Matthew James Hinchliffe (Toxic Town, Netflix; As Long as we are breathing, Arcola Theatre); Esther Lim (making her stage debut); and Rosie Strobel (42nd Street, Kilworth House Theatre).
The children’s casting directors Keston & Keston. The Playhouse previously worked with Keston & Keston on the casting of Oliver! and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, both of which received critical acclaim and national recognition
Children’s casting directors Keston & Keston said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Leeds Playhouse for another Christmas season. It’s been a joy to see so many talented young people and to collaborate with Amy on this inclusive audition process, culminating in the casting of the very talented Lucas, Alexa and Thalia.”
Families are at the heart of the theatre experience at Leeds Playhouse this festive season where, alongside A Christmas Carol, audiences can also enjoy Stick Man. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, Stick Man will play in the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 with tickets on sale now. As well as enjoying the theatrical delights on offer, families can make use of the theatre’s child-friendly facilities, including its free creative play area, baby changing facilities and family toilets, highchairs and special catering options.
