Brighton Philharmonic takes festive favourite A Christmas Carol, starring Alistair McGowan, on a debut tour of Sussex churches.

Spokeswoman Maija Handover said: “Think of Christmas, and you’re immediately drawn to carols, glowing firesides and the warm nostalgia of seasonal traditions. This year, the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra leans into this by creating a celebration for families of all ages.

“More than 180 years after its publication, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol remains one of the most influential Christmas stories ever written. Its message – that generosity, charity and compassion should define the season – cuts through materialism and gets to the heart and soul of Christmas.

“The BPO brings Dickens’ masterpiece to the stage in an abridged retelling narrated by the legendary impressionist and actor Alistair McGowan, returning for his second year after a sell-out performance in Kemptown last winter. Many will remember McGowan as a household name from popular TV shows Spitting Image and The Big Impression; he went on to have a hugely successful theatre career, performing in Cabaret, The Mikado and Little Shop of Horrors. In his late forties he also returned to a childhood passion – the piano – earning a No 1 Sony Classical album and a successful touring show, The Piano Show. He now runs an annual piano festival in Ludlow.”

Music director Joanna MacGregor said working with him was “a delight,” and conducts from the piano through the story of Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christ Past, Present and Future.

“Look out for her playing the drum, glockenspiel and triangle too!

“BPO’s Brass Quintet performs sparkling arrangements of favourite Christmas carols, including I saw Three Ships, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Ding Dong Merrily on High. The show is produced by MacGregor’s husband, award-winning writer and director Richard Williams, whose work as artistic director of Oxford Playhouse, Manchester Contact and the West End’s Arts Theatre – as well as the National Theatre – has won him critical acclaim.

“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to St George’s Church in Kemptown for two performances on December 18, before a mini tour of Sussex with dates in Petworth (December 19) and Lewes (December 20). Audiences are encouraged to sing along to the final Carol Fantasy, alongside festive mulled wine, mince pies and candlelight.

“All performances of A Christmas Carol (Brighton, Petworth and Lewes) are bookable online at brightonphil.org.uk. Brighton performances can also be booked with Brighton Dome Ticket Office on 01273 709709.”

Tickets are £20, with £2.50 child tickets and £10 under 30s/low income concessions