The plateau at St Georges's Hall

A twist on Dickens classics

The venue which played host to Charles Dickens and his famous penny readings is marking the author’s bicentenary with two special performances.

St George’s Hall’s Concert Room, described by Dickens himself as “the most perfect room in the world” will play host to the unique A Christmas Carol – as told by Jacob Marley (deceased) and Fagin’s Last Hour.

Both productions, which will be showcased in November, have been written by critically acclaimed James Hyland who also takes centre stage in the impressive one-man plays.

A Christmas Carol – as told by Jacob Marley (deceased) has already been a huge box office hit in London’s West End and in their review, The Stage said people were bound to be ‘enthralled’ by the production. Suitable for those from seven years of age and upwards, it is told from the perspective of Scrooge’s deceased business partner, delivering thrills, chills as he recounts the tale of his miserly business partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the path that lead to his redemption.

Fagin’s Last Hour is an adaptation of Oliver Twist and gives a never before seen insight into the character of Fagin the Miser, one hour before his execution. This ground-breaking stage production gives the audiences a new perspective on one of literature’s most controversial villains and was described by The Dickensian (the official journal of The Dickens Fellowship) as “powerfully portrayed”.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The Concert Room is the perfect venue for these productions – not only was it a favourite of Charles Dickens, but the acoustics and the beautiful surroundings make it an extra special experience for the audience.

“The positive reviews James Hyland has received so far are sure to increase demand for these unique events and so I’d recommend people book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!”

Fagin’s Last Hour takes place on Tuesday 13 November and A Christmas Carol – as told by Jacob Marley (deceased)  on Wednesday 14 November.

James Hyland said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be performing at St George’s Hall Concert Room. To be performing my own one-man show adaptations of two of Charles Dickens’ finest works, namely ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, is a very great honour indeed, especially considering the fact that Dickens had performed his own reduced versions of the aforementioned novels in the very same venue; a venue of immense grandeur and history.

“Dickens’ performances of ‘Sikes and Nancy’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ were world-renowned, performed with a passion and conviction unheard of prior to their release. Following in his footsteps, I greatly look forward to performing in this magnificent venue.”

Tickets are £12 per person (£10 concessions) and can be bought online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk or by calling 0844 8000 410.

St George’s Hall is presenting the productions in partnership with Brother Wolf Productions in association with Harrogate Theatre.

Liverpool Waterfront