The Great Christmas Feast Review
Stepping into The Great Christmas Feast felt like being whisked back to Victorian London.
The setting was spellbinding—low-lit lamps casting a golden glow, shelves spilling with books, and a grand poster bed. Before entering, a small exhibition offers glimpses into Dickens’ life, including a first edition of A Christmas Carol and 17 keys symbolising his lost homes. It instantly transported me into Dickens’ world.
The premise is that we’re guests invited into Dickens’ home to experience the very first reading of A Christmas Carol where dining, music, and storytelling mingle seamlessly. It honours the great Dickens and his renowned solo performances.
David Alwyn’s one-man performance was nothing short of captivating. With just a few props—a coat for Tiny Tim, rattling chains for Marley—he embodied Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the ghosts, and more. Of course, he was also our host Charles Dickens. His vocal range and mannerisms brought each character to life, and the pacing kept the story faithful yet lively. A couple of modern swear words added in drew laughter.
The musicians (Guy Button on violin, Charlotte Kaslin on cello, and Stan Talman on percussion) moved among us, adding depth and atmosphere. I especially loved Stan’s expressive reactions as Alwyn interacted with him.
The energy never dipped, and even when my view was momentarily blocked or a light caught my eye, the next moment offered a perfect vantage point. Wherever you sit, you’ll find yourself turning to catch the action. Audience participation added charm—Tiny Tim chosen from among us, and even a moment where we were encouraged to dance. I found myself tapping away, spun around by a fellow guest, grinning ear to ear. There’s even an invitation to embrace Victorian dress; I found myself wishing I’d leaned into it more.
Each dish of the three course meal was inspired by Dickens’ own archives and Victorian recipes. For starters I chose the potted rare breed beef, with seasonal jellies, pickled vegetables and soda bread. Others at my table enjoyed the smoked salmon. A little extra bread would have been welcome. The confit Gressingham duck leg was outstanding—tender, hearty, and perfectly festive, with shared potatoes adding a communal touch. Vegetarians were catered for with a mushroom pithivier. A Twelfth Night Cake rounded off the feast beautifully.
The cocktails added a touch of Dickensian authenticity, each recreated from recipes of the period. My favourite, the Smoking Bishop, is a mulled wine-style aperitif with woodsmoke. The Pear Tree Cup is gin based and light and refreshing. The Old Curiosity features bourbon with toasted pecans and burnt orange. Finally, the Café Noir- essentially an Espresso Martini, which I love.
The alternating rhythm of food and performance worked perfectly—starter, act, main, act, dessert, finale. There was time to chat, use the bathroom, and soak in the ambience without feeling rushed. In the Classic dinner package you’re seated at communal tables which encouraged conversation; I enjoyed chatting with the lovely ladies beside me, sharing thoughts on the show and life. It truly embodied the spirit of Christmas.
The lighting was a highlight. Low-lit twinkling lanterns designed to resemble gas lamps of the 1800s were stretched across the ceiling. At times they cast shadows, plunged us into darkness, then gave bursts of brightness, all contributing to a great atmosphere.
This was not the most emotional Christmas Carol I’ve seen, but it was certainly the most entertaining and immersive. The atmosphere, the communal dining, the faithful storytelling, and the sheer energy of David Alwyn made it a fun night. The evening closed by highlighting The Felix Project, urging donations to fight food waste and hunger — a call to action that embodied the spirit of community.
Overall, it’s a production that honours Dickens while inviting us to celebrate together, reminding us of the timeless message: to love, support, and care for our community. I’ll happily return again.
Choose from Classic Dining, a festive three‑course banquet at shared tables (from £139.50); Charlie’s Circle, with private seating, a welcome drink, coat check, and banquet (from £179.50); or Charlie’s Circle “Royale,” the VIP option with Champagne and canapés on arrival, after‑dinner digestif, priority entry, coat check, and a three‑course banquet (from £249.50).
Address: The Lost Estate, 9 Beaumont Ave, London W14 9LP
Website: https://christmasfeast.thelostestate.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostestateofficial
Written by Caitlin Neal
