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The Great Christmas Feast

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 4 Published: 4 Dec 2025 The Lost Estate Show Dates: 14 Nov 2025-4 Jan 2026

The Lost Estate theatre company is currently hosting their lavish seasonal offering in what has now become something of a tradition. The Great Christmas Feast, with much cheer and a measure of humbug, satisfies not only the senses but the stomach too.

A jolly and festive production

For the purposes of Adam Clifford’s adaptation and the theatrical dining experience, we’re the honoured guests of the rising author Charles Dickens. It is Christmas Eve, 1843, and we’re about to hear him share his latest work, A Christmas Carol, while enjoying a three-course meal served between the acts, with a range of cocktails, wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks also available courtesy of his publishers, who are present and whom he is out to impress.

It’s a laid-back immersive event. We are seated in the round at tables in a great Victorian parlour while the performance takes place in all directions, utilising four stages, with waiting staff and hosts scurrying around serving food and drinks and making sure that everyone is having a grand time. You might, however, be asked to perform a short scripted part as one of the characters in Scrooge’s story.

Director Simon Pittman has maximised the setting’s potential, creating various locations that feature in the story around the room. There is plenty of movement between them and the excitement of trap doors opening. The action is heightened by the spectacular sound and lighting created by the company and the delightful musical accompaniment of variations on Christmas carols from Guy Button (violin), Beth Higham-Edwards (percussion) and Kieran Carter (cello).

This afternoon, playing the role of Dickens, the narrator and many other characters in this monodrama, is Tama Phethean, who along with André Refig is one of two alternate actors to the main performer for the run, David Alwyn. He gives an impassioned performance, bringing characters to life and relishing his role as the host surrounded by so many guests. It is perhaps overly blasted out and some quieter, more reflective moments would add contrast and nuance, but this is ultimately a jolly and festive production.

The event makes for a delightfully party-like occasion which would be fun to share with a group of family or friends, or just as a seasonal outing for two.

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The Blurb:

A Victorian feast for the senses: immersive storytelling, dining andlive music transports audiences to Charles Dickens’ parlour onChristmas Eve, 1843, and the very first telling of A Christmas Carol

Dickens weaves his tale around you, each spellbinding word brought to life by cinematic live music. Mouthwatering plates of Victorian gastronomy and befuddling festive cups are brought forth as you marvel at every new wonder.

Soon the things you see stretch beyond the powers of reasoning. Can this extraordinary story truly be coming to life before your very eyes?

Either way, remember: Marley was dead to begin with…