THE audience is on a mission in this dinnertheatre version of the Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. They must assist Marley’s ghost in making miserable old miser Ebenezer Scrooge snap out of grumpy old man mode and be filled with a spirit of goodwill.

He must banish his bahhumbug attitude, and show some kindness towards his fellow man and join in the seasonal festivities. There is no room at the (Lamb and Lion) inn for an old misery guts.

Writer Alexander Wright and director Tom Bellerby effortlessly “force” us all – just 20 of us in the top parlour of the Lamb and Lion – to be jolly.

This is such an intimate and joyful adaptation that you can’t help but join in. Don’t worry about the audience participation. It’s gentle and painless.

There are a few tasks to be done, like ring a bell or wear a hat, as well as a chance to singalong (bet you didn’t know Merry Christmas Everyone was a hit with the Victorians) and play a parlour game of Victorian Who Am I?

Even Scrooge is persuaded to display unknown talents – he plays the harp. As part of his conversion he has to serve mulled wine and sit down to eat with the audience.

Ed Wren’s Scrooge, who’s changing into his nightwear as we arrive, visibly blossoms from coin-counting skinflint into someone resembling a human being. He’s last seen jumping for joy outside in the street.

John Holt Roberts’s Marley may be a ghost but proves the guitar-strumming life and soul of the party with his repertoire of Christmas hits and stern words to Scrooge to remind him, and us, of our responsibilities to other people.

  • Until December 30. Tickets are £25 from the Lamb and Lion Inn, High Petergate, York, or by calling 01904-612078.