The Great Christmas Feast

Enter the home of Charles Dickens on the eve of Christmas, 1843…

Returning for the 8th year in a row, this is Dickens’ timeless classic ‘A Christmas Carol’  transformed by Victorian feasting, ravishing live music, and spellbinding theatre.

The Lost Estate

West Kensington 

The whole of December until Jan 4th

Cast David Alwyn as Charles Dickens Alternates Tama Phethean, André Refig

Musicians

Original production co-created by Adam Clifford, Steffan Rees and The Lost Estate. Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Written and adapted by Adam Clifford.

Review by Artspod  | Dec 2025

Just around the corner from the West Kensington tube station stands an otherwise unremarkable building, now distinguished only by the queue of people in full Victorian dress waiting outside.

Walking through the entrance feels like stepping straight into the pages of a Dickens novel. The experience opens with an intriguing, cleverly staged glimpse into the surprisingly hard upbringing of a young Charles Dickens, surrounded by manuscripts, first editions, battered boots, a small exhibition of Dickens’ early struggles. (At age 10 he worked in a blacking factory – who knew!). A workhouse upbringing that would ultimately shape Dickens, leaving its imprint on nearly everything he later wrote. Before long, you find yourself transported back to 1843, greeted and ushered through the front door and into the home of Dickens at age 31.

After a warming cup of mulled cider with brandy and a selection of Victorian-themed starters, our anticipation was rewarded by the lively entrance of “Charles Dickens” himself. Accompanied by musicians, he launched into an animated introduction of his “new” book, A Christmas Carol. What followed was an impressive solo performance, with the occasional, often brilliant, contribution from audience members, echoing the historical Dickens, who famously shared early readings of his works with close friends.

In this production, we felt very much like those friends. Alternate Tama Phethean portrayal of Dickens was exceptional, marked by physical dynamism, masterful command of language, and an effortless rapport with the audience. Across three and a half immersive hours, he breathed life into every character, sprinkling moments of magic, humour and heartfelt storytelling into a richly engaging experience.

Tama is astonishingly good, a performer who commands the entire experience with remarkable ease. His portrayal is seriously impressive, anchoring a show that is both fast-moving, intimate and funny. The production is filled with thoughtful theatrical touches and beautiful lighting, while live music drifts from different corners of the room, adding texture and atmosphere without ever overwhelming the performance. Even the food and drink service is seamlessly integrated, delivered with precision during acts and feels truly Victorian.

What an experience! This is immersive theatre at its finest. The Lost Estate may sound like a romantic name, but the show more than lives up to it, capturing all the wonder and excitement that must have accompanied Dickens’ very first reading of A Christmas Carol to his friends. It’s moving, magical and utterly memorable.

Dates

14th November 2025 – 4th January 2026

Best availability: Boxing Day until January 4th 2026
Last Chance:  Matinees in December

Tickets

– All tickets include full 3-course feast –

Classic dining from £139.50
Private dining from £179.50
VIP dining from £249.50

Location

The Lost Estate
7-9 Beaumont Avenue, London, W14 9LP

2 mins walk from West Kensington tube and 10 mins walk from Earls Court tube.