EXCLUSIVE: New Scrooge revealed for RSC's A Christmas Carol

In an interview with Herald arts RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran revealed who would be the next Scrooge in the company's highly acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol, which runs again this year.

Last Christmas Phil Davis took the central role of Scrooge and was praised by the Herald for his 'subtlety, wit by and perfectly scowly face'. The actor has had a long and successful career after becoming well known for his part in cult classic Quadrophenia, and went on to work with Mike Leigh; more recently he appeared in Whitechapel.

The in-demand actor was unable to commit to the revived festive family show this year. Gregory explained: "Phil really wanted to come back as he said he didn’t want to see anyone else do it – but in the end he couldn't make it work. I’m not sure if I can tell you who is playing Scrooge as we haven’t announced it yet…"

But Gregory did indeed tell us - to find out who the familiar face is buy a copy of this week's Herald, out today.

ALSO in this week's paper:

ANGER over plans by Stratford’s King Edward VI School to build houses on Manor Road playing fields is building as residents mount a campaign. Hear what neighbours and the school have to say. . .

Also, Brexit continues to hit the headlines as Stratford4Europe pile the pressure on Stratford District Council for a People’s Vote.

In other news, there has been lots of excitement following the discovery of documents which reveal the financial wrangles of Shakespeare’s father!

We have the latest news on the new artisan craft farm project for Snitterfield and the soft re-opening of Stratford Play House as well as a look ahead to next week’s royal visit in Stratford and this weekend’s popular town Food Festival.

Find out why a headteacher is defending her school’s damning Ofsted report and how two deer were killed by hunt hounds in Long Marston.

There’s also the first of a two-part special feature looking back at the history of Stratford College to mark its 50th anniversary.

Plus this week sees the return of Education Matters bringing you stories of success and achievement from schools across the district.

And with the festive season around the corner(!) there’s also the chance to win tickets for Nativity! The Musical at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre.

There’s also a busy Letters page and latest reports and news from the local clubs and villages.

In Arts we bring you part two of our exclusive interview with RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran and we speak to the lead actor in the RSC’s Tartuffe – as well as reviewing the play for you.

Plus, our man on the touchline packs his back pages with all the latest news, results and fixtures from the local sporting scene.

All this and so much more besides is available for just 80p.