Brian Oxberry , Mighty Excelsior Theatre Company

Visitors to the Sunday lunch time Christmas gala will experience two contrasting versions of Charles Dickens Classic 'A Christmas Carol'.

First, Brian Oxberry of the Dickens (Malton) Society will perform the traditional version.

This will be followed by the Hardcastle Mighty Excelsior Theatre Company’s vastly contrasting version. This irrepressible group of down-and-out Victorian thespians perform their own rather unusual interpretation in their usual chaotic way, interspersed with completely irrelevant carols.

The fun packed festive gala will be introduced by a distinguished visitor to the Malton Dickens Festival, Paul Graham, York born secretary of the international Dickens Fellowship since 2012 and a member of the Board of Directors at the Charles Dickens Museum, Doughty Street, London. Paul will open proceedings with a brief look at the theatrical history of the Carol.