WIRRAL-based Theatre company Sudden Death is keeping the Christmas spirit alive this month.

The critically-acclaimed team present What The Dickens - a murder mystery evening with a novel twist - at Literally Books in New Brighton next Saturday, January 14.

Pete Turner of Sudden Death says: "We play various venues across the region and can adapt anywhere.

"We last played Literally Books in New Brighton in 2013 when we presented an Agatha Mystery styled whodunnit in costume featuring Hercule Poirot.

"This time we are going Dickensian.

"It's called What the Dickens ... combining elements of A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations.

"Mr Scrooge is more than a little dismayed to find that not only is Mr Dickens adamant that he will not change the ending of A Christmas Carol but Estella and Miss Haversham from Great Expectations have jumped on the bandwagon and are making their own demands.

"Poor, lowly Bob Cratchit also wants a piece of the action as he’s desperate to escape the clutches of Ebeneezer.

"There are some shocking revelations in this Dickensian plot and we desperately need the audience's help, so if murder mystery lovers can step back in time with us and bring their modern powers of deduction - we’d be delighted.

"We have been described as Cluedo meets Carry On.

"Our diverse themes range from A Day at the Races murder to Halloween Horrors and The Blitz.

"It is live theatre with a difference.

"Playing in a bookshop has such great atmosphere and intimacy for our type of inter-active theatre."

Tickets for the performance, which starts at 7.30pm, are £10.

They are available from Literally Productions on 07754299364 or www.suddendeaththeatre.co.uk