THE Flanagan Collective, York Theatre Royal’s associate company, are teaming up with Manchester producers Hartshorn-Hook to remount their communal dining version of A Christmas Carol.

Coxwold playwright Alexander Wright's stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens festive favourite will run at Manchester’s newest pop-up theatre, The Great Northern Playhouse, from December 1 to 19 before heading to the York Guildhall from December 22 to January 4, where audiences will be charged with helping Jacob Marley warm the heart of the much-maligned miserable miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.

A Christmas Carol is an original and interactive production, directed by Tom Bellerby, and comes in the wake of the summer success of Sherlock Holmes: A Working Hypothesis in the York Guildhall Council Chamber.

Drawing on elements of the classic Dickensian tale, combined with party games, this two-man show places the audience at the heart of the story and is told over platters of hearty fare, warming mulled wine and a sprinkling of mince pies, provided by The Gillygate pub.

John Holt-Roberts, fresh from his summer travels with Mikron Theatre, will reprise his 2013 role as Marley and Al Barclay, from Sprite Productions' shows at Ripley Castle, will make his Flanagan Collective debut as Scrooge.

Tickets for the 7.30pm performances cost £35 or £30 for groups of ten for more and concessions on yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or on 01904 623568.