“Ted Lasso” star Nick Mohammed‘s comedy creation Mr. Swallow is set to bring his unique take on a holiday classic to London’s West End this winter. “A Christmas Carol (ish),” written by and starring the double Emmy-nominated Mohammed, will run at @sohoplace from Nov. 16 through Dec. 31.
The production, which follows a successful development run at Soho Theatre in 2022, offers a comedic spin on Dickens’ tale. In this version, Santa cancels Christmas on Christmas Eve, prompting visits from three ghosts who must convince him to change his mind. With only hours to go and one working reindeer, the challenge to deliver everything on time ensues.
Rejoining Mohammed in the cast are Kieran Hodgson (“Two Doors Down”) and David Elms (“Borderline”), with Martha Howe-Douglas (“Ghosts”) making her debut with the company.
The creative team includes director Matt Peover, Tony and Olivier-nominated set and costume designer Fly Davis, lighting designer Richard Howell and choreographer Emily Holt. Oliver Birch provides the music, with Freddie Tapner as musical supervisor and Honor Halford-MacLeod as musical director. The band will feature members of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. Owen Donovan produces for Berk’s Nest.
The character of Mr. Swallow has gained popularity through appearances on Channel 4’s “Cats Does Countdown” and Prime Video’s “Backstage With Katherine Ryan.” Mr. Swallow had a sellout national tour in 2023 with “The Very Best And Worst Of Mr. Swallow” and had a run at the Duke of York’s in the West End. He will return next year with “Show Pony” – his biggest live tour yet. Mohammed is also known for his appearance on Channel 4 gameshow “Taskmaster.”
Mohammed said: “Getting to put on an all-singing, all-dancing show like this has been a dream come true and I can’t wait for everyone who saw the development run at Soho Theatre to be positively startled by how much bigger and – mostly – madder it’s got.”
Nica Burns of @sohoplace described the show as “Witty, inventive, funny, sometimes frivolous but always delightful,” adding, “Nick Mohammed and his brilliant comedy team will give you a memorable evening of laughter to spice up the coldest of wintery days.”
Donovan added: “It’s a huge honor to be working with @sohoplace, our hilarious ensemble cast and an incredible creative team on this ‘unique’ retelling, and we’re excited for fans and newcomers alike to see Mr. Swallow adapt this much-loved festive classic.”
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