Saturday 19 December 2026 | 1.30pm–4pm
Tickets £22 | Ages 12+
Celebrate 183 years of A Christmas Carol with three members of Charles Dickens' own family, in a house the author himself once visited.
The afternoon begins with ‘Dickens and Christmas’, a talk by author, lecturer and broadcaster Lucinda Hawksley, Dickens' great-great-great-granddaughter.
This is followed by an hour-long performance of A Christmas Carol by Mark Dickens, the author's great-great-grandson, and his son Oliver Dickens, a great-great-great-grandson and classically trained actor.
Using the abridged text Dickens himself performed during his celebrated public readings, Mark and Oliver recreate the story in the manner the author originally presented it.
The occasion has a wonderful connection to The Sherborne. Dickens was a close friend of Victorian actor-manager William Charles Macready, who lived at Sherborne House between 1850 and 1860, and was a frequent visitor during those years.
Lucinda is the author of several books, including Dickens and Christmas, and is a Patron of the Charles Dickens Museum. Mark is Head of the Dickens Family and a past Chairman of Trustees of the museum. Oliver specialises in performances, readings and lectures celebrating Dickens' literary legacy.
Your afternoon programme
1.30pm–3.30pm | Talk and performance
3.30pm–4pm | Q&A and book signing
Make an afternoon of it: Enjoy lunch at The Sherborne's restaurant before the performance. Restaurant reservations must be made separately, and advance booking is recommended. Book a table →
Please read our Booking Terms before completing your purchase. Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event start time. We are unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event or for non-attendance.
What to expect
Join us at The Sherborne for talks, performances, workshops and special events in the remarkable setting of Sherborne House. Please arrive in good time, especially for popular events, as seating is usually unallocated and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Where possible, our team will be on hand to welcome you, direct you to the event space and answer any questions.
Need to know
Refunds: Tickets are refundable up to 48 hours before the event. We are unable to refund cancellations made within 48 hours of the event start time.
Seating: Seating is not allocated unless clearly stated. Please arrive early if you would like a particular seat.
Access: The Sherborne has disabled access. Please let us know about any access requirements when booking, or contact us before your visit.
Arrival: Late admission may not always be possible, depending on the event.
Dietary requirements: For events involving food or drink, please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking.