The Lost Estate: A Christmas Feast, Immersive Dining Experience Review
David Alwyn as Charles Dickens in The Great Christmas Feast. Photo by Hanson Leatherby
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The most adapted Christmas story of all time is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Everyone likes to put their own spin on this classic moral tale, but The Lost Estate: The Christmas Feast is probably the closest we can come to an authentic Dickens’ vision of this story in the modern world.
Seated around the circular staging, the audience is delighted to hear a single actor playing the part of Dickens retelling his famous story. This is closest modern reenactment of Dickens’ original one man performances of his works to avoid other profiting off his novels, but also gives the story a sinister and powerful gravitas that can be lost in modern movies. David Alwyn was our narrator and was truly captivating to watch. He is wonderfully magnetic in portraying the different characters and did it with such skill that it was easy to forget that only one actor was performing. Along with performing the story, Alwyn is accompanied by a trio of musicians who underscore the tale with nuance and powerful emotion. The musical trio of Guy Buttons as Turveydrop (Violin), Beth Higham-Edwards as Pumblechook (Percussion), and Kieran Carter as Copperfield added wonderfully to the immersive experience. There is also the opportunity for the audience to act out several minor characters from the story, which greatly lends to the humour and fun of the performance. Overall, this production feels warm, evocative, and incredibly intimate, with plenty of heartstrings pulled throughout.
I was also thoroughly impressed with how closely the production follows the original story, including minor characters, while keeping the pace strong. This production is also very effective in expressing and upholding the original meaning of Dickens’ tale: to love and cherish our community and be caring towards all. I genuinely felt inspired to do more acts of charity for Christmas following this show. There is also the opportunity to donate to The Felix Project after the show concludes, which focuses on feeding the hungry in London.
Another strength of the production is the setting. It evokes nostalgia in brilliant form, with flickering lights and Victorian decoration that bring the past to life. The lighting effects are mesmerising and highly immersive, though those sensitive to flashing lights may find them challenging. In addition to the show itself, there is a well researched exhibition on Dickens’s life and experiences, which truly grounds the production in history. The practical effects are used effectively and lend an aura of wonder throughout. The practical effects are utilised highly effectively and lend an aura of wonder throughout.
In reviewing this show, I experienced the classic dining experience. The three-course meal was delicious and accompanied by four different cocktails, one for each course. The meal was an excellent part of the entire experience. We received our food fairly quickly over the course of the three hours, and the story of A Christmas Carol was broken into three acts to accompany the three courses. This was paced well and as the evening went on, the experience gathered momentum and joy well. It is easy to understand why this production has quickly sold out for the last eight years in a row.
This is the best Christmas experience in London right now. The Lost Estate: A Christmas Feast is truly a love letter to Dickens and his legendary story. Dickens would be proud of this production which so closely embodies all of his most cherished ideals and characters. If you wish for a night out that ticks every box, a spooky Christmas ghost story, and a fantastic rendition of the classic tale, then this is the show for you.
Experience The Lost Estate: A Christmas Feast until 4 January 2026. More information can be found here.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
