Welcome back Mr Dickens

The Dukes theatre in Lancaster switches Charles Dickens’ most famous Christmas story to its own city this festive season – a place where the author stayed and performed.

Added to the familiar cast of Dickens characters will be several ghosts from Lancaster’s own history.

Charles Dickens twice stayed and performed in Lancaster.

The great author stayed at the King’s Arms Hotel in Market Street and performed at the Grand Theatre where he read excerpts from his books.

Dickens also mentions Lancaster in his book The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices.

The Dukes’ all-new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, complete with songs, humour and added Bah Humbug, opens next Friday and runs until January 4.

Coronation Street scriptwriter, Debbie Oates, who successfully adapted a thoroughly-entertaining Treasure Island for the theatre last year, has returned to the venue to give her unique take on this seasonal favourite.

Playing Ebenezer Scrooge will be young actor Gareth Cassidy who, as pirate Tom Morgan, proved one of the most popular characters in The Dukes 2012 Christmas production.

Liam Gerrard, who plays Bob Cratchit, is also a magician and will be performing many of the illusions in the show.

Performed in The Round, A Christmas Carol will feature original songs, puppets and illusions as the audience is taken on a journey to Christmas past, present and future.

It is recommended for anyone aged five plus.

Box office: 01524 598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org

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