Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing back their seasonal production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to St George's Church in Kemptown this year. It is a familiar fixture in the local calendar, structured as a theatrical narration of the classic story. For this 2026 edition, the actor Alistair McGowan will be handling the narration, while the musical side of the performance features the pianist Joanna MacGregor alongside the BPO Brass Quintet. The programme includes arrangements of traditional carols such as 'Ding Dong Merrily on High', 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', 'I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In', 'Coventry Carol', and 'O Come O Come Emmanuel', all under the direction of Richard Williams.

The performance is scheduled for 17 December 2026, with two separate sessions taking place at 18:00 and 20:00. Each session lasts approximately 70 minutes. As part of the event, attendees are offered mulled wine and mince pies. It is worth noting that this production is part of a wider tour, with additional dates scheduled in Petworth at St Mary's Church on 18 December, Alfriston at St Andrew's Church on 19 December, and Lewes at St Anne's Church on 20 December. The event is generally framed as a seasonal story intended for family viewing.

If you are planning to attend the Brighton date, the venue is St George's Church. The production maintains a consistent format, focusing on the combination of spoken word and live music. Given the nature of the venue and the timing, it is a straightforward way to engage with the story in a local setting. Tickets are priced at £2.50, which is the current guide price for the event.