CHRISTMAS is set to arrive early at a Chester theatre with a unique adaptation of a Dickens classic.

Chester Little Theatre will stage the festive favourite A Christmas Carol from Saturday, November 11 to November 18, at 7.30pm. Featuring the inventive use of shadow puppetry alongside contemporary performance, Dickens' timeless classic has been adapted for the stage by Chester based writer and Chester Little Theatre member Andy Fox-Hutchings.

Speaking about creating a brand-new version of the much-loved Dickens story, Andy Fox-Hutchings said: "It's been an amazing experience bringing this beloved Christmas classic to life in a way that honours the original work whilst using fresh ideas to further explore the world of Ebenezer Scrooge.

"Our hard-working cast and crew have managed to breathe new life into these familiar characters and Dickensian London by blending contemporary performance with traditional shadow theatre to create a magical experience for the whole family."

First published as a novella in 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of the miserly Scrooge as he is haunted by three spirits who show him his past, present and the future that awaits him if he does not change his ways.

Andy added: "Everyone at Chester Little Theatre is excited for audiences to come along and enjoy this literary classic as preparations for the festive season begin. We hope that you'll join us in celebrating the work of Charles Dickens and his message of kindness, love and redemption that has always best captured the spirit and meaning of Christmas."

Full details of A Christmas Carol at Chester Little Theatre can be found at www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the box office on 0333663366.