A production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol currently running at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre has drawn attention for including a trigger warning related to the depiction of ghosts. The notice advises audiences that the performance contains “moments of mild shock and tension” connected to the appearance and disappearance of ghostly figures, as well as the implied presence of death.

The adaptation remains faithful to Dickens’ original 1843 novella, which follows the transformation of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge after he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These supernatural elements are central to the story’s narrative and moral message.

The show, staged through January 10, features Ian Midlane, known for his role in Doctors, as Scrooge, with Ryan O’Donnell, recognized from The Crown, portraying Bob Cratchit. The production has received several four-star reviews, highlighting its faithful yet engaging interpretation of the classic tale.

The introduction of a trigger warning for the ghosts is notable, as it acknowledges that certain audience members may find such scenes unsettling. The Crucible Theatre’s decision reflects a growing trend in live performances to consider viewers’ sensitivities while preserving essential dramatic elements.