Fun in London this Christmas

A short rundown of wonderful Christmassy things

This festive season will be celebrated with more anticipation and joy than the previous one by many of us. I thought I’d share some of the seasonal pleasures that I’ve enjoyed before and will be again with the wonderful Mrs H. this Christmas.

A Christmas Carol

The Christmas season started early in our household. We’ve seen the angels hanging in Regent Street, although not shining brightly yet, unlike Stephen Mangan, who is playing a very credible Scrooge, in a preview which we saw last week at The Old Vic of A Christmas Carol.

This is the 5th time the production has appeared at The Old Vic and it has never been more poignant. Charles Dickens was 6 years old when the theatre opened under a different name; so appropriate that it is now the home for one of Dickens’ most famous stories.

He was moved to write this Christmas favourite, after visiting a Ragged School, where he witnessed severe deprivation first hand. Such schools were run on charity to help destitute children get some sort of education. He thought a popular novel would stir emotions and help effect change in society.

The story, traditionally told, highlights the extremes of wealth and poverty. Extremes which have crept…