Performances of A Christmas Carol spread the festive spirit to patients and staff
Performances of A Christmas Carol spread the festive spirit to patients and staff
19 December 2024
The tale tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean, miserly loner destined to spend the afterlife repenting for the poor treatment of others, until a visit from the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future set him on a different path – embracing the spirit of giving and kindness.
The story has been specially adapted by Emma King-Farlow, Artistic Director of Shadow Road Productions, who performed the play alongside three other actors.
Patients and staff alike have enjoyed the performance, which has a strong message of hope and togetherness, highlighting the possibility of change and the importance of family and friends.
Lauren Humphries, our Arts Engagement Coordinator said: “During the holiday season patient and staff morale can become lower – a time in which people would like to be at home surrounded by loved ones and an increase in workload with staff responding to the winter pressures.
“Live performances on our hospital wards can improve the hospital environment for those receiving care, visiting, and working, and will bring joy and a festive spirit which we believe will create special and memorable experiences for patients at a difficult time.”
The productions were performed in the patient day rooms on the wards, offering a space away from their bedsides for patients, and a chance for staff and visitors to pop in for a moment of respite.
Artistic Director and performer Emma King-Farlow experienced visiting Charing Cross Hospital when her mother was sick in 2021. She said: “It’s lovely to be able to give something back. It’s such a wonderful story and there’s so much in it for everyone.
“Being in hospital at Christmas, you probably feel the sense of deprivation and normal life outside that you’re missing, so being able to bring some of that in is lovely, and what’s been really surprising is how much the staff have got behind it and enjoyed it as well.”
Learn about how to support patients and staff across our hospitals through our arts programme.
