Dickens gets a hip hop makeover as Ebony Scrooge opens today!
ZooNation’s first ever Christmas production premieres tonight at the new Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, transforming Dickens’ A Christmas Carol into a dynamic, contemporary tale infused with hip hop, comedy and physical theatre. The family friendly hip hop dance theatre show is brought to life by east London born and raised choreographer Dannielle “Rhimes” Lecointe, Associate Artistic […]
Black News 
ZooNation’s first ever Christmas production premieres tonight at the new Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, transforming Dickens’ A Christmas Carol into a dynamic, contemporary tale infused with hip hop, comedy and physical theatre.
The family friendly hip hop dance theatre show is brought to life by east London born and raised choreographer Dannielle “Rhimes” Lecointe, Associate Artistic Director of ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. Rhimes has worked on many of ZooNation’s shows including Into the Hoods, Some Like It Hip Hop, Mixtape and Sylvia.
“Ebony Scrooge is a bold reimagining of A Christmas Carol, fusing ZooNation’s signature dance styles and original music inspired by hip hop culture into a vibrant celebration of family, tradition and heritage,” said Lecointe.
“Rooted in my personal journey of disconnection from Christmas – a time once enriched by Dominican traditions and shared with my grandmother, whose journey with dementia reshaped our family’s celebrations, it delves into the joys and challenges of the festive season.
“More than just another Christmas show, it’s the ultimate Christmas party where everyone’s
invited.”
The new festive family show follows Ebony, the formidable fashion designer behind a renowned fashion empire who has cancelled Christmas to focus on her landmark fashion show.
Surrounded by wealth, style and success, Ebony embarks on a journey as she is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and rediscovers her Caribbean roots and the true meaning of happiness.
The role is realised by Leah Hill, an accomplished performer and choreographer who won the Black British Theatre Award in 2022 for her choreographic debut of The Wiz, and more recently was assistant choreographer to Christopher Scott in the films WICKED and WICKED: FOR GOOD.
The show also features original music from Sky Arts and Olivier Award winning Boy Blue Co-Artistic Director Michael “Mikey J” Asante MBE.
“I hope audiences are inspired by this journey of self-discovery and celebration, connecting
with the universal themes of love, resilience and cultural pride,” said Lecointe.
The first Christmas show at Sadler’s Wells East rounds off the first year at the new theatre, which opened in February and has staged more than 30 dance productions in its auditorium in 2025 alongside a programme of free performances, events and workshops across the building.
Ebony Scrooge runs from Wednesday 26 November to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets are available from £15 via sadlerswells.com.
