GLOBE critic Peter Grant raises a glass of punch to toast some welcome news from the Chester Storyhouse.

HARK! Christmas isn't cancelled.

Chester Storyhouse will present A Christmas Carol from November 7 to January 17, 2021.

The Storyhouse Originals Production will be adapted and directed by Alex Clifton.

Alex told the Globe it is a joyous version in these hard times offering 'much needed cheer.'

He said: "It is the ultimate tale of redemption and how Christmas can make us all realise what's important to us - family and community ... something we all need more than ever right now.''

The theatre team is thrilled that Christmas is officially happening after all the uncertainty following the Covid clampdowns which has caused devastating blow to all UK theatres and the wider arts fields.

The festive show follows the success of the outdoors hit A Comedy of Errors in August.

Supporters of the venue have been very loyal throughout.

A Christmas Carol will play to around 200 per night on the theatre's thrush

stage - 40 per cent capacity to allow for social distancing.

Booking opens now for Storyhouse members .

Tickets go on general sale on Monday, October 12.

Storyhouse chief executive Andrew Bentley is tackling the uncertain future with determination and optimism.

Like fans of the venue, he is looking ahead to this much-awaited production.

He said: "We have had more than 4,000 new members join us since the summer and we would urge everyone to help save Storyhouse by joining with us at Christmas when we will be repaying the love with a cracking family holiday show."

Details from www.storyhouse.com