Dickens Festival North Opens in Two Weeks: Newcastle Becomes Dickensian from 17 November
A candlelit ghost-story double bill, an immersive Victorian banquet, Dickens's own great-great-grandson and a new Christmas Carol at Newcastle Cathedral headline the first Dickens Festival North, running 17 November to 24 December 2026 across the city's historic venues.
The inaugural Dickens Festival North opens on Tuesday 17 November, produced by the Assembly Rooms Newcastle as part of the building's 250th anniversary year. Charles Dickens performed at the Assembly Rooms in 1852 and stayed at the Queen's Head Hotel, now Alderman Fenwick's House on Pilgrim Street. Both buildings host the festival, alongside Newcastle Cathedral and the Lit & Phil.
The Dickens Suite opens (from 17 November). The festival also launches the Assembly Rooms' new Dickens Suite: a box office, gift shop and Tourist information 'hot spot', open daily throughout the festival (opening times to be confirmed). A newly acquired bust of Charles Dickens will be on display in the shop.
The Signalman & The Ghost in the Bride's Chamber (17, 18, 24 and 25 November). The festival opens with a double bill of Dickensian terror, staged by candlelight in the Wedgwood Room with no curtain and no stage tricks. Jacob Anderton (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Sky's Curfew) performs Dickens's most celebrated ghost story solo, then joins Louise Dearden for the lesser-known The Ghost in the Bride's Chamber. Directed by Jake Murray; produced by Assembly Productions.
The Puppet Folk Experience (19 and 20 November). The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppets Greatest Hits arrive in the Chandelier Suite: a two-act tribute ending in a Dickensian finale. The evening shows are now SOLD OUT out; the Friday matinee has seats.
In Dickens' Footsteps (20 and 27 November). A guided city walk with Newcastle City Guides, starting at Alderman Fenwick's House where Dickens stayed and ending at the Assembly Rooms where he performed limited places still available .
Dickens Unbound! (21 November). An immersive four-course Victorian dinner in the Chandelier Suite, where Fagin, Pickwick, Scrooge and Miss Havisham appear between courses. Just 12 Seats available .
Gerald Dickens: Mr Dickens is Coming! (26 and 27 November). Dickens's great-great-grandson brings Mr Dickens is Coming!, a light-hearted portrait of his ancestor, to the Dickens Suite. The following night he performs his one-man A Christmas Carol, playing more than 30 characters, at the Lit & Phil as part of Books on Tyne. - Still seats available .
Gerald DIckes: A Christmas Carol (27 November). The great great grandson of Charles Dickens brings to life the enduring Christmas tale, playing more than 30 characters.
Dickens by Candlelight: A Christmas Carol (26 November to 24 December). Craig Wilde's adaptation returns to Alderman Fenwick's House for its fifth year, after four sell-out seasons. Over 75% Sold .
Scrooge! Alfie Joey's Sole Christmas Carol (30 November). The BBC presenter and Britain's Got Talent impressionist performs his solo A Christmas Carol beside the Christmas tree at Newcastle Cathedral. Still seats available.
Craig Wilde, Founder and Group CEO of Niltoni Group, which operates the Assembly Rooms, said: "Dickens stood on stage in this building in 1852, and 174 years later we're bringing him back. In our 250th year, the festival gives Newcastle the chance to step inside his stories: by candlelight, at the dinner table, on the streets he walked, and in the company of his own family. We'd love the whole region to come and be part of it."
