Running nightly now through December 23, Dickens by Candlelight is an immersive retelling of the classic Scrooge story. Utilizing the evocative language of Charles Dickens, out-of-the-box storytelling, and audience participation; three incredibly talented performers will bring this fan-favorite Christmas tale to life (while attendees get to snack on sugary Christmas cookies and steaming cups of spiced tea)!
We were so thrilled to be invited to attend last night’s performance of Dickens by Candlelight. It’s an incredibly unique holiday tradition, and we can’t wait to tell you about it. Thank you, Dickens by Candlelight, for having us out!
@freaks_of_hhn Last night, we were so excited to see Dickens by Candlelight, an immereive retelling of “A Christmas Carol!” Featuring talented performers, audience participation, and yummy refreshments; you can see this beautiful production now through Dec 23. #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ Muppets Christmas Carol Medley – Familiar Ring
About Dickens By Candlelight
First debuting in Orlando in the late 1990’s, Dickens by Candlelight has been a beloved local tradition for over 20 years. Originally adapted by Robin Olson, she is joined in this year’s cast by Terry Olson and Monica Long Tamborello.
That’s right. This cast uses only THREE PEOPLE to bring this beautiful book to life. Using a few key set pieces and costuming accessories, the result is an intimate and engaging rendition of this traditional holiday tale. And with Robin’s true-to-the-original interpretation, audiences get to experience A Christmas Carol the way it was actually intended – as a ghost story!
Also unlike other productions of A Christmas Carol, Dickens by Candlelight invites its guests to gather as a family would – around large tables set with cozy decor, tall candles, spiced tea, and delicious Christmas cookies. During the performance, audience members are invited to participate through ringing bells, dancing scenes, and more.
The Dickens By Candlelight Experience
Upon arriving at Dickens by Candlelight, we first checked in and were assigned our table number. As we waited outside the venue, cast members soon joined to tell us a little bit about the production and to lead us in a festive Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long.
@freaks_of_hhn Last night we got to attend a showing of Dickens by Candleight, an immersive retelling of the classic A Christmas Carol. The show begins with a group festive sing-a-long outside the venue. Dickens by Candlelight runs every evening from now until Dec 23! Don’t miss it at Audubon Park Covenant Church in Orlando. #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
We then headed inside to find our tables. As we sat, we were greeted by the sight of a platter FULL of Christmas cookies and two pots of spiced holiday tea. The cookies were absolutely delicious and featured an assortment of traditional sugar cookies as well as more adventurous options. The hot and spiced holiday tea was also INCREDIBLE with strong flavors of cinnamon and other yummy winter-inspired notes.
Soon it was time for the show to start. To tell the familiar story, the three performers utilized the entire space, walking around the room, weaving in and out of tables, and using various set pieces, props, and accessories to set the scene or change their character. The finished production was absolutely stunning, featuring 360° action, sound effects, well-timed music, lighting choices, and costume pieces to tell the story. The narrative takes about 90 minutes to complete and showcases many of Dickens’ incredible wordplay and prose.
@freaks_of_hhn Dickens by Candlelight, an immersive retelling of A Christmas Carol, includes only three actors sharing all of the roles and narration. The performers utilize the entire space, putting the audience in the middle of the action (and sometimes asking them to participate)! #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Freaky Thoughts: Dickens By Candlelight
@freaks_of_hhn An encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Future… Dickens by Candlelight, an immersive retelling of A Christmas Carol, includes only three actors sharing all of the roles and narration. The performers utilize the entire space, putting the audience in the middle of the action! #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
What an awesome interpretation of this classic Christmas tale! I have certainly never experienced anything like Dickens by Candlelight before, and I adored the immersive nature and enveloping atmosphere this production entails. Full of original Dickens prose, scrumptious refreshments (I’m genuinely searching for the holiday tea to enjoy at home), and lots of ghostly characters and imagery; Dickens by Candlelight is a merry (and eerie!) way to celebrate the coming holiday. Don’t miss it!
@freaks_of_hhn Dickens by Candlelight, an immersive retelling of A Christmas Carol, includes only three actors sharing all of the roles and narration. The performers utilize the entire space, putting the audience in the middle of the action (and sometimes asking them to participate)! #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Getting Tickets to Dickens By Candlelight
@freaks_of_hhn Dickens by Candlelight, an immersive retelling of A Christmas Carol, includes only three actors sharing all of the roles and narration. The performers utilize the entire space, putting the audience in the middle of the action (and sometimes asking them to participate)! #dickensbycandlelight #achristmascarol ♬ original sound – Freaks_of_HHN
Dickens by Candlelight runs every evening through December 23 at Audubon Park Covenant Church (3219 Chelsea St, Orlando, FL 32803). Caroling starts at 7pm with the performance beginning at 7:30pm. General admission is $49.50, and you can buy your tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/dickens-by-candlelight-2023.
If you want to save $20 off your ticket, enter the code BENEVOLENCE at check out. You will need to bring a nonperishable food item in order to receive this price. If you’re pinching pennies but still want to attend, there are a select number of rush tickets ($15) released at noon each performance day.
Keep in Touch with Dickens by Candlelight
With extraordinary storytelling methods and festive Christmas fun, Dickens by Candlelight is an incredible experience for families and friends. Keep in touch with this annual production by following them on Facebook!
