World domination begins on Saturday 24th of November at St Botolph’s Church.

So ok, that might be stretching it a bit, what actually kicks off then is our tour of Christmas Carol around Colchester community centres, churches, schools and museums ending with two nights (23rd & 24th Dec) in candlelight at Colchester Arts Centre.

Jamie, my stepson tinkles the ivories and I do the words.

I follow in a great line of Ebeneezer Scrooges. So many people have given their own take on this extraordinary character over the years, but my personal favourites - and I’m limiting myself to just three here - are -queue the Alan Freeman chart music- in third place the magnificent Leonard Rossiter, in second Richard Wilson, (audio version) and first the imperious, incomparable, the majesterially marvellous Alistair Sim (1951 Film version). It is his image which we use for our poster.

Our opening show will be a grand old affair and no mistake. The hundred strong Sound Collective choir invited Jamie and me to join them in creating a rather lavish version of the show. Candles, full choir interludes, costumes, the lot! And this is what we kick off with on the 24th November.

By the time we arrive at Colchester Arts Centre we will have performed nearly 20 shows. Our tour takes this all over the county and even, dare we say it, into the wastelands of Suffolk.

If any of the following little excursions appeal as a Christmas outing call me 07814 695698 and I can put you in touch with the respective box offices and organisers.

Full schedule as follows:

November

  • Saturday 24th 3pm & 7.30pm

St Botolph’s Church

Tickets 07889 248620

  • Saturday 30th

Colchester 9th Scouts Benefit

Scout Hall

December

  • Saturday 1st

Lewiston Museum

  • Thurs 6th

Royal Grammar School

  • Fri 7th

Twizzle Gallery, Walton

  • Sat 8th

Copford Church

  • Sun 9th

Refugee Action Benefit

YMCA, Brightlingsea

  • Mon 10th

Greenstead Community Centre

  • Thurs 13th (Afternoon)

Mistley Old Folks Home

  • Thurs 13th

Shelter Box Benefit

Methodist Church

  • Sunday 16th (Afternoon)

Tollesbury Community Centre

  • Monday 17th

Philip Morant School

  • Tuesday 18th

Wormingford Community Education Centre

  • Thursday 20th

St Peters Church Sudbury

  • Fri 21st

St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe

  • Saturday 22nd (Afternoon)

Old Folks Home Walton

  • Saturday 22nd

Bures Church, Bures

  • Sun 23rd & Mon 24th

Colchester Arts Centre

01206 500900

Tickets for all shows (unless stated) 07814 695598