THE GHOSTS OF SCROOGE

Theater script for children

A Christmas Carol

MAIN CHARACTERS:
Narrator
Marley
Future Christmas
Child1 / Child2

Narrator It was Christmas time in London. There lived a man named

Ebenezer Scrooge. He was a very hardworking man, but at the same time
time was an evil, greedy, cruel, and stingy person who did not
he knew what generosity meant. A day before Christmas,
Scrooge and his employee, Robert 'Bob' Cratchit, were
working in his office. As usual, Scrooge was
counting his money, while Bob was counting the minutes to return
to his home with his family.

Bob Cratchit (thinking) I am very cold in this office, but Mr. Scrooge does not.
He wants me to turn on the stove, he says it's a waste of money.

Narrator Suddenly the door opened, and Mr. Scrooge's nephew entered.

Scrooge's Nephew Merry Christmas, Uncle!

Scrooge Christmas? Nonsense! Christmas is just a lie.

Scrooge's nephew: You're not serious, man.

Scrooge Of course I mean it seriously. Christmas is just an excuse not to

work. Also, what reasons do you have to be happy? You are so
poor!

Scrooge's nephew: Come on, uncle! And what reasons do you have to be sad? You're so rich!

Scrooge! Bah!

Scrooge's nephew Don't get angry, uncle.

Scrooge's nephew Don't get angry, uncle.

Scrooge Why wouldn't I be angry? I live in a crazy world surrounded by

silly. Merry Christmas! What is Christmas? It's just a time to
 paying bills with money you don't have. Where do you see yourself a
older year, and not a minute richer. A time when
they buy gifts that cannot be paid for.

Scrooge's nephew: But uncle!

Scrooge Nephew! Go celebrate Christmas your way, and leave me alone.

celebrate my way.

Scrooge's nephew But uncle, I know there are some things I didn't do right, some things
that I did not take advantage of, and one of those things is Christmas. The
Christmas is the only day when people seem to get along.
moment to forgive, love, and be charitable. It is a time where the
people open their hearts. Maybe, uncle, Christmas has not given me a
gold or silver coin, but it does me good, that's why I say: Blessed
It's Christmas!

Scrooge Ohh! It was a wonderful speech! I wonder why not

Do you work for the government?

Scrooge's Nephew Don't get angry uncle and come home tomorrow. My wife and I are
preparing a delicious dinner, you will be our special guest.

Scrooge Thank you, but no!

Scrooge's nephew But... why, uncle?

Scrooge Why did you have to get married?

Scrooge's nephew Because I fell in love.

Scrooge Why did you fall in love? Have a good day!

Scrooge's nephew But, uncle, you have never come to my house, and you are using my
marriage as an excuse. That's not fair.

Scrooge Have a good day!

Scrooge's nephew I need nothing from you. I ask you for nothing. Why can't we be
friends?

Scrooge Have a good day!

Nephew of Scrooge Uncle, I regret that you have made that decision, but I insist on celebrating the
Christmas, so, Merry Christmas, uncle!

Scrooge Have a good day, a Happy New Year, and goodbye.

Nephew of Scrooge: As you wish, Uncle. And... Bob, have a Merry Christmas.

Bob Cratchit I wish the same for you, goodbye.

Narrator Then Mr. Scrooge's nephew left the office.

Scrooge What do you think? An employee earning minimum wage, with a wife and
children, talking about a Merry Christmas. He must be crazy!

Bob Cratchit Sir, I have finished making all the letters and filing them.
copies. I also brought more firewood and swept the ashes. And, well, it's time to
close, Mr. Scrooge.

Scrooge Well, if you have finished your work, you can leave now.

Bob Cratchit Mr. Scrooge? Tomorrow is Christmas, a day to spend with family.

Scrooge I suppose you want the day off?

Bob Cratchit Well, yes, Mr. Scrooge, after all, it's Christmas.

Scrooge Christmas? That's fine. Take tomorrow off, but arrive early at
next day.

Bob Cratchit Yes, sir. Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge.

Scrooge Nonsense.

Narrator Scrooge opened the door and Bob Cratchit went home. Then Scrooge
he returned to his desk to finish his accounts. After a few hours,
she closed her accounting books and locked up the office. When she got home
he climbed the stairs to go to his bedroom, sat in a chair next to the
fire and started to have dinner. Suddenly, he heard the sound of some old
bells, and a loud and strange noise coming from outside.

Scrooge Who is making that noise! I must have fallen asleep!

Narrator But the strange noise continued until he saw that a spirit was crossing the
bedroom door.

Scrooge I think I'm dreaming!

Spirit of No, this is not a dream!

Marley

Scrooge I know you! You are my partner, Marley. What do you want from me?
Spirit of I want a lot from you! Do you see these chains? I am chained to my
Marley sins.

Scrooge What sins are you talking about? You were very hardworking and a good negotiator.

Spirit of Negotiator? I took advantage of people! While I was alive, I never

Marley I learned the value of love and charity. Now I have to wander through the
earth, unable to find peace. Listen to me, Scrooge! I am here this
Night to warn you! You still have the chance to change, and if not
you will have the same luck as me. Listen to me well, Scrooge, you
Three spirits will visit. The first will arrive tomorrow when the clock strikes.
One. The second will arrive the next day at the same time. And the third at the
the following night when the clock strikes the last bell at twelve.

Narrator Then the spirit left the room floating through the window.
Scrooge closed the window and went to bed trembling, and fell asleep. At
The next day when the clock struck one, Scrooge saw a strange creature.
next to his bed.

Scrooge Who are you?

Spirit of the I am the Spirit of Christmas Past. Get out of bed and come with me.
Last Christmas

Narrator The spirit took Scrooge through time to a small town

that Scrooge began to remember. He remembered the houses, the church, the river, the
bridge, and the people.

Spirit of the They cannot see or hear us. They are just shadows of the past.
Last Christmas

Scrooge Look, the school is not empty. There is a small boy, alone, forgotten by his
friends. I know him, poor boy.

Spirit of the Now let's see another Christmas.

Last Christmas

Narrator Then they arrived at a house.

Scrooge This house seems familiar to me. Oh, this is my house, where I grew up.

Spirit of the Yes, it is. And do you recognize that little boy sitting there reading alone?
Last Christmas

Scrooge It's me, as a child. But... why am I... why is he alone?

Spirit of the You should know the answer.
Last Christmas

Scrooge Because my parents were working, that's why I was always alone.
Those Christmases were so sad and lonely.

Spirit of the Come, take my hand, we don't have much time.

Last Christmas

Scrooge No, I've seen enough, go away! Don't torture me!

Spirit of the Don't blame me. I told you they were shadows of the things that were.
Last Christmas

Scrooge Take me back!

Spirit of the We only have one last stop left, our time is running out.
Last Christmas

Narrator And they appeared in a garden. Scrooge was now a young man, sitting in
a garden next to a beautiful lady. The woman was crying.

Woman I cannot marry you, Ebenezer. There is something you love more than me.

Scrooge Nonsense, I don't love any other woman.

Woman It's true. You love money. You love it more than anything else in the world.

Scrooge There is nothing wrong with loving money.

Woman When we got engaged we were poor and then we were happy being
poor ones. I hope you are happy with the life you have chosen.

Narrator And the woman ran away from the garden. The old Scrooge and the spirit.
they continued. When they stopped, Scrooge could see that she was already
a few years older. There were children laughing and playing with the woman. A girl
the little one hugged her and gave her a kiss.

Little Girl Help me fasten my hat, mom.

Scrooge Are they your children?

Spirit of the That's right, but they could have been yours.
Last Christmas

Narrator Then the door opened and a man entered carrying many gifts.
Children Dad!

Narrator The children ran and hugged him. The man smiled and gave them the
gifts. Then he hugged and kissed his wife.

Scrooge Enough! Take me home!

Narrator And Scrooge appeared in his bedroom.

Scrooge Thank God, it was all a dream.

Narrator Then the clock struck.

Spirit of the No, Ebenezer. It was not a dream.

Christmas
Present

Scrooge I suppose you are the Spirit of Christmas Present.

Spirit of the That's right. I am the Spirit of Christmas Present. I have much to
Christmas show you. Hold on to my robe. Hurry up! We can't be late.
Present

Narrator Scrooge touched the spirit's robe and the bedroom disappeared.
Scrooge found himself on a busy street full of
snow. There were many people buying last-minute gifts, the
stores remained open, people cooked their best dishes, and the
the church bells were ringing. Everyone attended church with their
best clothes. Everyone was happy.

Scrooge Everyone seems so happy.

Spirit of the They are. It's Christmas. What were you expecting?
Christmas
Present

Scrooge Do you want to say that they should be happy just because it's December 25th?

Spirit of the Yes. Today you can put aside your problems and just enjoy being with your
Christmas families. They are only dedicated to enjoying the food on their tables and all
Present the blessings they receive.

Narrator Then the Spirit took Scrooge to Bob Cratchit's house. And being
Standing in front of the door, the Spirit blessed the humble house. After
Scrooge saw Bob Cratchit playing with his children, three boys and two girls.
Scrooge Is this where you live?

Spirit of the Sure, with his salary, this is all he can afford.
Christmas
Present

Narrator Then Mrs. Cratchit entered the dining room carrying a small turkey in
a tray.

Scrooge They look so poor! Their clothes are so old.

Spirit of the Love is what you can feel here.

Christmas
Present

Narrator Bob Cratchit lifted the smallest child from a chair that was in a
corner and took him to the table. The boy was pale and thin and was wearing a
crutch.

Scrooge What is happening to him? Why is he not walking?

Spirit of the He is very sick. His name is Tiny Tim, and his parents have no money.
Christmas to pay for a doctor, so maybe I will die.
Present

Scrooge Die? But there must be something that can be done. Please, tell me no.
he/she/it will die.

Spirit of the I see an empty chair in that corner. If the future doesn't change, with
Christmas security will die.
Present

Scrooge No! No!

Spirit of the Anyway, what do you care? That will reduce the population.
Christmas worldwide.
Present

Narrator At that moment, Scrooge realized that those were his own
words and felt pity for himself. Then he heard his name.

Bob Cratchit Mr. Scrooge! Thanks to Mr. Scrooge we have this dinner,

Mrs. Cratchit I wish I could see him to thank him personally.

Bob Cratchit Dear... children... It's Christmas!

Mrs. Cratchit I know, dear. I hope he has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
New!

Bob Cratchit Let's toast to our Christmas and to Mr. Scrooge. Merry Christmas, and
may God bless us all.

Narrator Meanwhile, it was getting late. The Spirit took Scrooge to different
places for me to see how people celebrated Christmas. The people,
Although poor, as Scrooge said, they were happy and enjoyed being in
family and friends. Suddenly, without warning, they appeared standing in a
room.

Scrooge I recognize that voice. It’s my nephew. He is at a party.

Nephew of Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes... he said that Christmas was just a lie.
Scrooge

Wife of the You should feel ashamed.

Nephew

Nephew of It's very fun, but he/ she is not a nice person.
Scrooge

Wife of the You told me that it is very tasty.

Nephew

Nephew of And with that, what, dear? His wealth is of no use to him. He does nothing with it.
Scrooge your money.

Guest He didn't come to dinner with us tonight because he is very busy.

counting your money. Ha, ha, ha, ha...

Nephew of He preferred to get angry with us than to come have fun.

Scrooge

Scrooge I did not please them.

Spirit of the No, unless the future changes.

Christmas
Present

Scrooge And how can I change the future?

Narrator The room disappeared and they continued their journey. They visited many
countries traveled to distant lands. They visited the sick who were
felt happy, the poor people who felt rich, the shelters where the
people felt hope. It was a very long night. And everything happened in such
 just one night. Then, the Spirit of Christmas Present disappeared.

Scrooge Oh, I am in my bed again.

Narrator But upon entering, another spirit floated in his room. He was dressed in
black and a dark hood concealed his face.

Scrooge Who are you? First the Spirit of Christmas Past visited me, then the
Spirit of Christmas Present. You must be the Spirit of Christmas.
Future. Are you here to show me the future and how I can change it?

Narrator The Spirit did not respond, it only headed towards the door. Scrooge followed it.
towards the street in front of his office. Three men were standing in front,
talking and moving the head.

Scrooge I know them. I do business with them. We are friends. They like me.
Even if the same doesn't happen with my nephew. But... what are they saying about
me?

Man1 Poor old Scrooge.

Man2 I know, it makes me very sad.

Man1 They told me that he is very sick.

Man2 Who takes care of it?

Man1 Nobody. You know he always wanted to live alone.

Man2 He/She also has no friends.

Narrator The Spirit began to move forward and Scrooge followed him down the street. Then
they arrived at a small house.

Scrooge We have been here before. This is the Cratchit house.

Narrator The Spirit led Scrooge to the bedroom. There was Mr.
Bob Cratchit sitting by his son's bedside. The boy was very
sick.

Scrooge Why is she crying? The last time I was here they were so happy.

Narrator The boy was asleep, but he was thinner and very pale. The
Mrs. Cratchit entered the room.

Mrs. Cratchit Dear, what are we going to do? Did you ask Mr. Scrooge for help?
Bob Cratchit Yes, but he can't help us. But his nephew will help us.

Mrs. Cratchit I hope it's not too late. What will we do without our son?

Scrooge Why? Tell me what is happening to the little one. Is he going to die? What
What can I do to help you? Please, tell me!

Narrator The Spirit did not respond. After that, everything turned dark and Scrooge appeared.
in a cold and foggy place.

Scrooge Where are we? This is a cemetery! Why did you bring me to this
place?

Narrator The Spirit showed Scrooge a grave.

Scrooge Before I approach that grave, tell me something... is it the image of what
Is it? Or just the image of what it could be?

Narrator The Spirit did not respond. Then Scrooge approached to observe the
tomb. And there engraved, was the name: Ebenezer Scrooge. Then
Scrooge fell to his knees.

Scrooge No! No! Spirit, listen to me! I've changed! Why do you show me everything
Have I really lost all hope? Please, tell me that I can change.
everything you have shown me. I will honor Christmas in my heart. I will live in
the past, in the present, and in the future. I will not forget the lessons that
All the spirits have taught me. Oh, please, tell me what I can erase.
my name from that grave.

Narrator Distressed, he took the hand of the Spirit, but it rejected him and Scrooge
woke up in his bed.

Scrooge Oh, thank you! I have been given another chance. I don't know what day it is today, or
how long I have been with the Spirits. I feel like a child, but
I don't care. I want to be a child again!

Narrator Then he heard the church bells ringing. Then he saw a

child in the street and shouted.

Scrooge Oh, how wonderful! Hey you! You! What day is today?

Child1 It's Christmas, sir. Christmas morning.

Scrooge Oh, how wonderful! Hey you! You! What day is today?

Child1 It's Christmas, sir. Christmas morning.

Scrooge Very good! I haven't lost it.

Narrator Then he took out a bag of money and filled the boy's hand with coins.

Scrooge There is a large and juicy turkey at the butcher shop at the end of the street.
Buy it and take it to Bob Cratchit's house.

Child1 But, sir, this is a lot of money.

Scrooge Keep the change. Hurry up. The Cratchits are hungry.

Boy1 Yes, sir!

Scrooge Oh! Boy!

Child1 Tell me, sir?

Scrooge Merry Christmas to you!

Child 1 Thank you, sir. May you also have a Merry Christmas.

Narrator Scrooge, now dressed in his best clothes, headed towards the house of his
nephew. He felt really happy and excited. He greeted everyone in the
street and treated them kindly.

Scrooge Child, take this money and go buy yourself Christmas sweets.

Boy2 Thank you, sir.

Scrooge Merry Christmas.

Narrator When Scrooge arrived at his nephew's house, he was surprised to see him.

Nephew of Dude, I'm happy to see you! I'm glad you've changed your mind about
Scrooge from the Christmas dinner. Come celebrate with us.

Scrooge Yes, thank you for accepting me.

Narrator His nephew's wife set an extra plate on the table.

Wife of the We are happy to have you here. You've arrived just in time for the turkey.
Nephew

Narrator After dinner, Scrooge said a few words.

Scrooge Thank you. I had never eaten such a delicious dinner. But now I have to
 I have to go, I have other things to do, and people to visit.

Narrator And Scrooge headed towards Bob Cratchit's house. Mrs. Cratchit opened the door.
door, she couldn't believe what she saw: Mr. Scrooge standing in front of her.

Mrs. Cratchit Oh, Mr. Scrooge! What a surprise! I want to thank you for the wonderful
turkey that he sent us.

Scrooge It was a pleasure for me.

Bob Cratchit Mr. Scrooge, please come in.

Scrooge Cratchit, you have worked long hours for many years without complaining. You
I will raise your salary and I will also help you support your family.

Bob Cratchit Oh thank you, Mr. Scrooge. You are so generous.

Scrooge Merry Christmas!

Narrator Scrooge did more than he said he would. He took care of Tiny Tim as if he were
his second father. Some laughed at how he had changed, but not
it mattered to him. Scrooge never saw the Spirits again, but he had many
friends and was very close to his family. And every time he ate with his
friends and with their family, he said...

Scrooge May God bless us. May God bless each one of us.

END