IT WAS 156 years ago that Charles Dickens came to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion to give a reading of A Christmas Carol.

And now fans of the celebrated author will be able to experience what it was like when the man himself appeared there when a performance of A Christmas Carol is put on there.

The former Royal pleasure palace does not normally host performances but visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in the experience as it might have been on November 9, 1861 after enjoying a glass of wine or a soft drink in the Banqueting Room. Charles Dickens came to the Royal Pavilion to give a public reading in the magnificent setting of the palace’s Music Room. It was reported that he sent “a charge of emotion through the whole audience”.

Dickens originally wanted to be an actor and A Christmas Carol was the first public performance he gave of his own work. After his opening night he said “The success was most wonderful and prodigious – perfectly overwhelming and astounding altogether”.

Dickens enacted the work over 150 times and the effect on the public was said to be phenomenal with a magnetic stage presence, riveting eyes, expressive voice and wonderful powers of characterisation. Dickens is said to have made more money from his readings than all his novels and stories put together. And actor John O’Connor is faithfully recreating Dickens’s famous performance of his best-loved ghost story in the historic Music Room itself.

John said: “I’m delighted to be touring again in A Christmas Carol. Dickens himself toured all over the UK and America performing the story and it’s wonderful to follow in his legendary footsteps. The reaction to the show last year was a delight and there will be laughs, tears and plenty of Christmas cheer.”

The performances will be held on December 13 and 14. Tickets cost £22.50, members £20, and rthe performance is being held in support of Barnardo’s.