Christmas has officially arrived at The Old Vic. The theatre's annual production of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol — brilliantly adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne — has fast become one of the capital's favourite festive traditions and, with audiences back in the auditorium to see it live for the first time in two years, this year's outing might just be the most joyful yet.

Stephen Mangan (of Green Wing, Episodes, and The Split fame) stars as flint-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge in this fifth outing of Matthew Warchus' rave-reviewed production. Here, the festive cheer begins even before the lights go down, with the cast handing out mince pies and clementines to ticket-holders, and continues as carols, candlelight, and incredible staging bring this timeless tale of yuletide redemption to life.

 A Christmas Carol runs until 8 January, making it an excellent choice for families while school's out (or really anyone who fancies getting their spirits lifted to positively vertiginous heights). Hit the blue button to make your booking.