A Rhyming Christmas Carol

A 45-minute rhyming verse Christmas production for KS2 primary schools, with digital backdrops

  • The Nativity Story is a familiar end-of-term play for KS1 children and A Rhyming Christmas Carol now offers something similar for KS2, either for an end-of-term performance or for study in class.

    Our Play-in-a-Box® package has everything a teacher needs to produce and perform the play, or to use it in lessons on life in Victorian times.

    The package includes a script, a staging guide and digital backdrops (both static images and animated loops) that project from your hall's existing equipment.

  • This modern, updated version provides speaking roles for up to 20 Narrators plus 19 named character parts. Cast roles can be combined and there could be a single narrator for smaller classes.

    There is also inclusive casting guidance so every child has a role to play, from speaking parts to offstage helpers.

    There is no scenery to build. The few props you need are a desk and chairs, a black cloak (or dark sheet) for the Ghost of Christmas Future and a broom handle for Tiny Tim's crutch.

The Founding Pilot Programme

  • We are offering a small number of UK primary schools the complete Play-in-a-Box production package for A Rhyming Christmas Carol, free of charge, as Founding Pilots for autumn term 2026.

Act I: The Miser of London

Scene 1: Scrooge’s Office

At rise: Two men are working at their desks using quill pens. It is dark outside with snow falling. Ensemble performs a rhythmic “scratching” sound using sandpaper to establish the office atmosphere.

Narrator 1

Long ago in London town,
cold winter winds were blowing.
There sat two men,
each held a pen,
while outside it was snowing.

Scrooge and Marley said the sign,
that hung out in the street,
inside the cold,
had taken hold,
the fire gave little heat.

Bob Cratchit

Please Mr Scrooge, can I add coal?
The fire has nearly died.

Scrooge

No need for heat.
Just stamp your feet.
You’ll soon feel warm inside.

What we ask in return

  • In return for the free pilot package, we'd really appreciate feedback from the relevant teacher on how the play is received in your school. We'd also welcome a photo of one or more of the backdrops in your school setting, be that a classroom or a school hall (no children in that image, of course).

    Schools that join the pilot accept a short Founding Pilot Agreement. We'll send the details when you get in touch.

  • We are looking for schools to confirm interest by Friday 17 July 2026.

    Nothing substantial happens at your end until autumn rehearsals, so there is no pressure before then.

    Schools confirming after that date are still welcome.

Who we are

  • Natalie is an ex-BBC designer, creating the imagery, staging and performance guides, while Jeff is an ex-teacher with a flair for writing rhyming dialogue. You can find out more about us on our About page.

  • We have teamed up with Heidi Pyburn, LAMDA Coach and Examiner, Director of Devon Young People's Theatre, to bring this to schools. Heidi is also available to run (paid) drama workshops on this or other subjects. You can find Heidi at dyptheatre.com

The aim of the pilot

  • We'd like to validate that children find the play as much fun as we think they will and that teachers find it a delight. If this might interest your school, get in touch.
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