London's festive dance scene is famously dominated by sugar plum fairies and nutcrackers, but this winter a bold new production is shaking things up. ZooNation, the UK's premier hip hop dance theatre company, has unleashed a vibrant, street-dance reimagining of Charles Dickens's classic with 'Ebony Scrooge' at Sadler's Wells East in the Olympic Park.
A Fashion-Forward Reimagining
Forget the miserly Ebenezer. Writer, director, and choreographer Dannielle 'Rhimes' Lecointe has transformed the story into a tale of a ruthless fashion mogul, played with fierce authority by Leah Hill. This Scrooge is hellbent on launching a monochrome collection on Christmas Day, vogueing onto the stage to a house beat in sparkling platform boots. The familiar ghosts are replaced by figures like the terrifying Janet Marley (a superb Sia Gbamoi), an austere mannequin ghost heralded by ripping fabric and horror strings.
The sparse set, framed by neon grids, comes alive through dynamic projections, atmospheric lighting, and moving boxes. Natalie Pryce's costumes are a highlight, blending streetwear office attire with outrageous 'fashun' silhouettes and the obligatory Christmas jumpers.
A Cast Packed with Style and Character
The show cleverly uses its characters to showcase a dazzling array of hip hop styles, from popping and locking to waacking, tutting, and KRUMP. Standouts include the mischievous content editors Tren and Dee, Scrooge's pink-clad niece Freddie, and a wonderfully fluid Malachi Welch as the kind-hearted Bob, who yearns to inject colour into Scrooge's bleak designs.
The plot is driven forward clearly by recorded narration, two rapping storytellers in overcoats, and lyrical songs, making it accessible for all ages. The audience is actively encouraged to make noise, culminating in a big, joyful dance-along finale.
Where the Production Loses a Little Steam
While the first half is strong, the resolution after the moving visit from the ghost of Christmas Past feels somewhat abrupt. A hinted romance between Hill's Ebony and Welch's Bob has compelling chemistry but isn't given enough time to develop, leaving you wishing for more duets between the pair.
Ultimately, 'Ebony Scrooge' is a fun, high-energy alternative to the traditional tights-and-tutus Christmas show. It runs at Sadler's Wells East from 4 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with tickets priced between £15 and £65. For families seeking a relaxed, interactive, and visually spectacular festive outing, this hip hop tribute to Dickens is a solid and refreshing bet.
