2008 comes to a close with a wonderful new version by Alan Stanford of Charles Dickens' much loved classic The Old Curiosity Shop.

Nell Trent lives with her doting grandfather in his London shop, a magical place filled with dust-laden treasures. What is the secret of Grandfather's mysterious night wandering? Why does he borrow so much from the evil money lender Quilp? As they run from the clutches of Quilp, the pair fall in with a number of colourful characters, some villainous, some affectionate. Quilp, however, is not a man to be trifled with, something they are all about to find out the hard way.

This haunting and touching tale has been beautifully brought to life by Alan Stanford, who has a long and rich association with the Gate Theatre, previously adapting such classics as Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist. Alan, who will also direct the production, returns from the Gate's sell-out all-Ireland tour of Waiting For Godot and will be joined by fellow Godot cast members Stephen Brennan and Barry McGovern. Recent directing credits for the Gate include The Deep Blue Sea, Great Expectations, Private Lives and The Constant Wife.

The Old Curiosity Shop boasts a stellar cast of seventeen. Maude Fahy will play the part of Little Nell, with Barry Cassin as Grandfather and Mark O'Regan as the villain evil Quilp. The cast also includes Barbara Brennan, Stephen Brennan, Donna Dent, Richard Clements, Michael James Ford, Mark Long, Conor MacNeill, Dermot Magennis, Barry McGovern, Jill Murphy, Stephen Swift, Billie Traynor, Mal Whyte and Michael Winder, with Set Design by Eileen Diss, Costumes by Leonore McDonagh and Lighting by Paul Keogan.

The Old Curiosity Shop premieres at the Gate Theatre on Wednesday 3rd December with low price previews from Friday 28th November, Monday to Saturday at 8pm.