An evening of festive magic at Thornton Manor

Dec 9 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Birkenhead News

A STUNNING portrayal of A Christmas Carol will soon bring elegance and music to Thornton Hough.

Viscount Leverhulme’s former home, Thornton Manor, will be draped in candle light as Charles Dickens’ great-great grandson, Gerald Dickens, performs his own one-man adaptation of the magical festive production at 7pm on Wednesday, December 23.

The Music Room in this prestigious home will be traditionally decorated the night before Christmas Eve, providing the perfect ornate and elegant setting for Dickens’ grandson to relive one of the most enduring seasonal stories of all time.

The evening will also feature music from the jazz flute of George Galway, brother of the internationally-acclaimed flautist James Galway; solo singer Gaynor Connor, plus traditional Christmas carols performed by the Capriccio Choir.

All proceeds from this extravagant evening will be donated to Age Concern Wirral which is raising money to build a new dementia wing at Devonshire Resource centre, Birkenhead.

Age Concern’s fundraising and marketing manager, Lynne Hamilton, said: “This is a great opportunity to have a magical Christmas evening and give something to help a local community.

“Dementia affects many people in Wirral and it often affects people who are younger, which is what this new wing will be dedicated to.

“What could be better at Christmas time than giving to charity and enjoying an evening of magic at the same time.

“This production is going to be stunningly beautiful.

“The whole night will be set in candlelight and lulled away with music and decadence.

“If this evening doesn’t make you feel Chrismassy, then nothing will.”

Tickets cost £45 for the black-tie function – which includes mulled wine on arrival plus a champagne drinks reception with stylish canapés. Š

For more details and to book, contact Age Concern Wirral on 0151 650 6890. Rooms are also available at Thornton Manor for overnight accommodation.