Preview: A Queermas Carol @ Alphabetti, Newcastle

From Wednesday 17th – Saturday 20th December Alphabetti Theatre’s resident mischief‑makers Mack & Mama Rhi step into their alter‑egos The Marleys for A Queermas Carol, inviting audiences into their cabaret bar for a queer spin through past, present and future. Working with Artistic Director Ed Cole — making his directorial debut — the pair rework Dickens’ classic into a 90‑minute festive riot packed with nostalgic throwbacks, chaotic present‑day detours and a nightly guest artist taking on The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

The rotating cast of performers, playing The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, each bring their own twist. Carmen Silk (17th December) opens the week with camp sparkle and big‑voiced festive flair; Gloria Love (18th December) follows with her trademark warmth, wit and full‑throttle drag glamour; Friday (19th December) sees poet and performer Amy Langdown bring their sharp, politically‑charged spoken‑word presence; Saturday’s (20th December) matinee features artist and storyteller Lizzie Lovejoy; and the run closes with Little Pickle, a gender‑bending clown with unstoppable party energy and gloriously chaotic charm.

Following last year’s Little Miss Christmas, the show marks Alphabetti’s first week‑long festive run, cementing their place as a warm, alternative Christmas staple for anyone looking beyond panto. Expect the usual Mack & Rhi blend of silliness, sincerity and left‑field storytelling, all shaped in collaboration with the Alphabetti team.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm (doors 7pm), with a relaxed, audio‑described matinee on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets operate on a Pay What You Feel basis, with options from £3 to £15, including concessions and access support.