A Christmas Carol: A One-Man Performance

A Christmas Carol comes to Birmingham on Wednesday 9 December, a one-man performance of Charles Dickens' festive masterpiece. It's the story most of us know by heart: Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation after he's visited by three spirits, and the change of heart that follows. Having just one actor on stage to carry the whole thing puts the focus squarely on the storytelling, so it's a good one to go to if you're more into the writing than a big cast.

The show runs about an hour and a half, with an interval in the middle, so it's a manageable evening rather than a long haul. It's recommended for ages seven and over, which makes it a decent shout for a family outing if you've got younger ones who can sit through a play. If you're taking kids, it's worth keeping in mind that the story is a classic for a reason — it works as well for them as it does for adults.

On the practical side, the performance is in Birmingham, West Midlands B2 5NY. Doors open 45 minutes before the start, so you've got plenty of time to get settled and grab a drink before things kick off. With the show running about ninety minutes including the interval, you're looking at a fairly straightforward night out in the city.