An Interview with Northern Ballet’s Jonathan Hanks on “A Christmas Carol”

Jonathan Hanks is set to bring a fresh take to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Northern Ballet’s much-loved production of A Christmas Carol this winter. As he steps into the shoes of the iconic miser, he reveals how he’s added his own unique flair to the role and explored the timeless appeal of Dickens’ tale to balance the dual personalities of Scrooge’s character on stage…

How’ve you been preparing for the role of Scrooge?
I’ve been prepared intensively with Jeremy Kerridge who created the role of Scrooge in the original production of Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol and he has given me so many useful insights into how to play the character. But of course I have my own ideas, and how wonderful to play somebody that has two distinct sides to him, romantic and mean.

Why do you think his story has survived the test of time?
Because it’s a story about the regeneration of the human spirit – going from negative to positive. It’s a story of redemption and everybody loves a story about a soul that’s been saved.

How do you get into character before performances?
I get my brain into Scrooge mode on my way to the theatre and as our Wigs and Make-up teams applies my make up the character stares back at me in the mirror. It’s strange changing from a young man into an old man!

What’s your favourite scene to dance in the ballet?
The solo getting dressed to go to the parade of plenty. It’s the only time in the ballet where I can really be happy and express my joy and love for dance and communicating happiness to the audience. And it’s ending everything on an optimistic note.

Jun Ishii, Sarah Chun and Harris Beattie in rehearsal for A Christmas Carol
Photo: Emily Nuttall

How do you ‘de-Scrooge’/relax after a show?
I treat myself to a facial with face masks as I feel my skin needs it after all the old aging make up and making Scrooge faces!

How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
With my family in Gloucester. We are a very close family and I love Christmas with my loved ones.

Do you have any interesting Christmas traditions?
We always watch the monarch’s speech, we wear party hats, pull crackers and show our love for each other.

Are you a Scrooge or a Cratchit at heart? 
I think I’m a very generous person and very loving – so all my friends tell me!

‘A Christmas Carol’ by Northern Ballet is at Sheffield Lyceum 7-9 Nov; Hull New Theatre 12-16 Nov;
Leeds Grand Theatre 17 Dec-4 Jan
For full tour details visit northernballet.com/a-christmas-carol