David Suchet reveals why Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol remains so prescient – and what he’d say to Agatha Christie

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Few things capture the spirit of the season like a spooky story, and Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol has remained a beloved classic since it was first published in 1843. Now, Sir David Suchet is thrilled to narrate this timeless tale, along with some of Dickens’s other, less familiar ghost stories, in a new podcast. He believes these stories aren’t just frightening—they offer a glimpse into the human heart.

We know about your devotion to Agatha Christie, but how well do you know Dickens?

I’m no Dickens scholar, but I’ve always considered him a true master of the English language. Working on these ghost story recordings has been incredibly fun and engaging – some of the most enjoyable audio work I’ve ever done. I’m really impressed with his writing style; it’s very dramatic and vivid.

Why do you think Dickens remains so prescient?

You know, I feel the same way about Shakespeare and even Agatha Christie. They all really get to the heart of what it means to be human – love, jealousy, the darker stuff like greed and hate, and even crime. They weren’t afraid to tackle tough subjects like poverty and how society works. They just captured so many different parts of life and turned them into these incredible, dramatic stories. That’s why their work feels timeless – it’ll never get old.

Why do you think that we enjoy being scared at Christmas?

Think back to when you were a child and something startled you – you probably both screamed and laughed. We naturally enjoy a good scare and the mystery that comes with it. Just look at how popular shows like Doctor Who are – we love being transported to strange and unfamiliar worlds, and a little bit of fear can actually be fun.

Is A Christmas Carol the ultimate seasonal ghost story?

A Christmas Carol is a truly brilliant story. It has everything you could want – memorable characters, and especially Scrooge’s incredible journey of change. At its heart, the story captures the true spirit of Christmas: being generous, kind, and connecting with loved ones – whether that’s family or friends. It’s about warmth, togetherness, and ultimately, finding happiness through connection, which is exactly what Scrooge discovers and cherishes for the rest of his life. It’s a simply wonderful tale.

Would you like to meet Agatha Christie as your ghost of Christmas past?

Agatha Christie has always held a special place in my imagination. I’ve long wished I could have met her, yet also secretly hoped I wouldn’t. She was notoriously critical of adaptations of her detective, Poirot. People often ask me what I’d say if I did meet her – I think I’d ask for her opinion on my work, but I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to actually do it.

What is a Suchet Christmas like?

Christmas traditions evolve, but one thing that’s always stayed the same is me reading ‘The Night Before Christmas’ to my family. I even recorded it for them once while filming in America! No matter where I am – whether I’m calling, video chatting, or there in person – I always try to make it happen. I think I even managed it once while I was in Australia.

Our world today can be a little unkind – does Christmas shine a light of hope?

That’s right. Christmas lights really brighten things up, especially during the dark winter months. Walking around London at night during Christmas is lovely because of all the lights, and I think it boosts people’s spirits. I actually feel more uneasy when Christmas is over and the lights come down, as it can leave people feeling isolated and missing that special Christmas feeling. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for connecting with loved ones, no matter where you are.

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2025-12-09 20:40