OVO’s beloved promenade adaptation of A Christmas Carol is coming back to St Albans – more magical and wonderful than ever! After delighting audiences for three sell-out years in The Roman Theatre, the production is moving to a different symbol of St Albans history, Vintry Garden.
Audiences will embark on a captivating promenade journey through the beautiful garden grounds, led scene-to-scene by the cast in a truly unique experience that captures the spirit of Christmas past, present, and yet to come. Directed and adapted by Royal Television Society winner Mark O’Sullivan, the magical 60‑minute performance will delight, amuse, and move both children and adults alike, leaving everyone brimming with festive cheer. Expect ghosts and goodwill, music and magic!
Cllr Helen Campbell, Chair, Public Realm Committee, St Albans City & District Council said, “We’re delighted that Vintry Garden will provide the setting for OVO’s promenade production of A Christmas Carol. It’s fantastic to see this historic city centre space being brought to life with seasonal theatre for residents and visitors alike.”
Find out more about Vintry Garden’s fascinating history below…
Vintry Garden was once an important part of daily life at the 11th century Abbey. Its land and vines were cultivated and tended to by the monks who lived there – the garden even gets its unique name of “Vintry” from its past purpose as their vineyard.
As OVO artistic director Adam Nichols said, “Vintry Garden is a beautiful historic setting that evokes a sense of stepping back in time”.
The trees of this secluded, walled garden also tell a unique history of St Albans. Boasting a Mulberry tree from the reign of Charles II (1660-85), a pine tree marking the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) and a Gingko tree (1860), St Albans’ past is embodied by the nature landscape.
But Vintry Garden also has its own ghosts of Christmas past!
Underneath its beautiful green land, lie the bodies of the Abbey’s monks, who were buried away from the main grounds. Absolutely fitting for the ghostly nature of Dickens’ supernatural tale.
With its charming natural setting, breathtaking Cathedral backdrop and ghostly festive past, this promises to be the most atmospheric St Albans show yet.
Click the link below to book this unmissable experience now!