Five festive events with a difference

1. A one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, using the author’s original words combined with anarchic comedy, is at Lighthouse Poole, from December 18 to December 20. Suitable for adults and children aged eight upwards. Tickets: £14. To book, call 01202 280000.

2. The Priest’s House Museum in Wimborne is hosting a festive Classical Guitar Concert with the Dorset Guitar Society on Saturday, December 1 at 7.30pm. The programme will include orchestral performances as well as variations on well-known Christmas carols. Tickets £7 (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie) from Wimborne Tourist Information Centre or on 01202 886116.

3. Near Ta Theatre presents, Christmas. Time. Join inmates Charlie and Toby on a fantastical adventure through pantomime, musical, Christmas dinner and films. The show tours rural Dorset including Winterborne Stickland on December 7 and Martinstown on December 8. To book, see artsreach.co.uk.

4. A Cool Yule is a concert of music from the 1920s/30s along with festive favourites at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown this Friday at 7.30pm. Tickets £12. Call 01202 894858 or book online at barringtoncentre.co.uk

5. Musician Simeon Wood’s choice of instrument is unconventional to say the least, from Celtic whistles and Chinese flutes to bicycle pumps and walking sticks. The quirky musician has been invited to join The Salvation Army (Winton) Band at the Regent Centre this Friday for a Christmas concert at 7.30pm. See regentcentre.co.uk