More people are searching for immersive experiences than ever, particularly for festive gatherings or get-togethers with friends, shunning typical boozy evenings down the pub for nights with a purpose. Yet the thing with immersive events is that they have to be done well, really well. And expectations are high. Which is why when I heard of The Great Christmas Feast, I was intrigued. Advertised as a live immersive experience that takes you through Charles’ Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ I really wanted it to be good. The premise of the evening sounded fantastic, complete with live acting, a sumptuous feast and a setting to behold. And let me tell you now, it not only met my expectations but exceeded them to be one of the most incredible events I have ever attended.
What Is The Great Christmas Feast?
Situated a short two minute walk from West Kensington tube station and ten minutes from Earls Court, The Great Christmas Feast is easy to find, yet the dark exterior does little to reveal what wonder lies within. We enter and hand over our coats to the cloakroom, before being led through a Dickensian themed street, complete with dim lighting, snow-capped wares and a wooden cart displaying period-style offerings. It feels authentic, exciting and builds up to what to expect next. Upon entering the main room, my breath is taken away. A stunning space where dozens of flickering lanterns hang from the ceiling and period-style seating surrounds multiple mini-stages, it’s an incredible sight to see and you feel immersed in what’s to come.
The premise of the evening is a one man musical take on A Christmas Carol, paying homage to Dickens himself who used to perform the play solo, voicing each character himself as he travelled around to respective audiences. Alex Phelps takes the baton for this production, accompanied by a live orchestra and goes down as one of the best actors I’ve ever witnessed. Myself and the audience are treated to a live show, where we tuck into a three-course feast as he twists into a crooked Scrooge, to a jovial Bob Crachet and shrinks before our eyes to take on the persona of a pitied tiny Tim. The sheer transformations that take place are incredible, made only better by the beautiful theatricals, the live music and the absolutely fantastic dressing of the surrounding stages.
What Food Is At The Great Christmas Feast?
Executive Chef Ashley Clarke spends months testing and perfecting a transportive, mouthwatering 3-course love letter to Christmas in Victorian London and it’s no easy feat, but one they execute perfectly. We tuck into a delicious ham hock terrine accompanied by a malted & white sourdough with truffle & sea salt butter, before moving onto Confit Gressingham Duck Leg with ‘Trimmings of Le Maison’ Thyme and Confit Garlic Roast Potatoes, Artichoke Purée, Mulled Cabbage, Orange and Duck Jus. To round off, a Twelfth Night Cake is brought out, accompanied by plum pudding ice cream and pouring cream. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free options are available on all dishes. Drinks wise, you can choose between an array of cocktails – the Smoking Bishop is a particular favourite – as well as a selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.
Every second at the Great Christmas Feast is an incredible one and your eyes are glued at all times to the action happening without you. It’s easy to feel transported back in time as you witness the fantastic acting, dine on mouth watering dishes and are surrounded by a setting that has been built with so much thought and precision it really is almost as though you’ve been sent right to the age of Dickens. If there is one thing you’re going to book, it has to be the Great Christmas Feast, a treat for all of your senses that you just don’t get how good it is until you experience it for yourself. Don’t be a humbug, experience the real spirit of Christmas and visit the Great Christmas Feast now.
How Can I Book Tickets To The Great Chrismtas Feast?
When Is The Great Christmas Feast On?
Evenings: 7pm (doors from 6pm)
Matinees: 1pm (doors from 12pm)
November
Evenings: Tuesday – Sunday
Matinees: Saturday – Sunday
December
Evenings: Monday – Sunday
Matinees: Monday – Sunday
24th, 26th, 31st December – Matinees Only
January
Evenings: Tuesday – Sunday
Matinees: Saturday – Sunday
1st January – Matinee Only
Where Is The Great Christmas Feast?
The Lost Estate
9 Beaumont Ave
London W14 9LP
