The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate
The Great Christmas Feast returns to The Lost Estate this festive season, transporting diners into a Dickensian experience created by Simon Pittman for the fourth year in a row.
The theatrical production excels from the outset, offering an immersive 1840s Victorian world steeped in Charles Dickens’s history and Christmas spirit. Yet it is not all warmth and cheer, as Dickens has a new tale to share: A Christmas Carol.
This retelling features Tama Phethean in a remarkable one-man performance, taking on every character from the 1843 novel. The fact that the role is shared between three actors across the run speaks to the sheer effort and stamina required. Phethean is outstanding. He switches effortlessly between working and middle-class London accents, bringing each character to life with precision. His physicality is masterful. Tiny Tim is still and fragile, while Ebenezer Scrooge shifts between sharp-footed irritation and begrudging softness depending on his mood. Every movement is purposeful, and every line lands.
Throughout the performance, the audience hangs on Phethean’s every word, laughing, reacting and watching him navigate the vast room without missing a beat. Surrounding him is a richly detailed Victorian setting. Lanterns hang above the tables and glow during tense moments. The walls are lined with old books, and wreaths and a Christmas tree add warmth, creating a vivid sense of festive London.
The atmosphere is deepened by a beautiful classical score composed by Steffan Rees and performed by three virtuosos: on percussion, violin and cello. The music is soulful and perfectly pitched, especially during one of the standout solos later in the evening.
Most importantly, the production captures the feeling of Christmas. The audience participation is particularly charming, with guests invited to read small roles from Dickens’s world. Watching people step into character with amusement and confusion adds to the magic.
The three-course dining experience complements the performance. Diners begin with Dickens-inspired cocktails designed to accompany each course. The highlight is the pear-infused Pear Tree Cup, although the Smoking Bishop, reminiscent of mulled wine, pairs well with the potted beef starter. The Roast Duck Leg, created by Executive Chef Ashley Clarke, is excellent and full of flavour. The only disappointment is the allergen-friendly dessert option: a small chocolate mousse is neither Dickensian nor an adequate substitute for the Twelfth Night Cake.
Where the food occasionally falters, the show more than compensates. This is a thoughtful and imaginative one-man retelling of Christmas past and future. The staging, music, food and costumes come together to present Dickens’s most beloved tale in a way that feels both traditional and fresh. The result is an evening wrapped neatly like a Christmas gift, ready to be unwrapped and enjoyed.
Sophie Humphrey
Photos: Johan Persson/Hanson Leatherby
The Great Christmas Feast is at The Lost Estate from 14th November 2025 until 4th January 2026. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
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