YES, it's nearly that time of year again when we gorge ourselves silly, drink ourselves stupid and watch hours of rubbish TV.

So instead of (or as well as) doing all that boring stuff, why not take a trip to Worcester Swan Theatre for that traditional festive tale A Christmas Carol.

Dickens' classic promises to be a treat for the whole family and builds on the enormous success of previous Christmas shows.

Join Scrooge and Tiny Tim as they find the true meaning of Christmas with the help of some ghostly goings-on in a show full of music and excitement.

The show is directed by Jenny Stephens and designed by Keith Baker, who brought us the nationally acclaimed Red Skies Over The Severn.

A Christmas Carol also features the theatre's community company of local school children as various characters - from mourners to urchins.

The show runs until January 5. For tickets, call 01905 27322.