Students travel back in time for their own Christmas Carol performance

Published on 23, December, 2025

Students from the University of Sunderland are bringing festive storytelling to life at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, with an immersive performance inspired by a children's Christmas classic. 

As part of an ongoing creative partnership with the Museum for over a decade, second-year Performing Arts students performed a dance piece called ‘The Three Spirits’, inspired by the ghosts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The performance was part of the students’ studies, giving them hands-on experience of performing in a heritage setting while engaging directly with public audiences.

Sarah Riach, Associate Head of School Arts, Design and Performance at the University, who acts as co-director and choreographer of the piece, said: “This project is hugely beneficial for our students as it gives them the opportunity to work in a real-world performance environment, engaging directly with public audiences and responding creatively to a unique heritage setting.

“At the same time, the collaboration adds to the visitor experience at Beamish by offering high-quality, live performance that brings history and storytelling to life, making it a truly reciprocal partnership.”

>

The production was created by Sarah and University lecturer Rachel Emms and academic tutor Porle Miller, who also works at Beamish Museum as an engager.

Porle’s involvement has enabled the performance to develop further, ensuring the work captures an authentic Victorian aesthetic while remaining true to Beamish Museum’s values and visitor experience.

Porle said: “The immersive experience and historic authenticity offered by Beamish Museum is nothing less than inspirational for the students as part of their research and nuanced delivery to a live audience.

“It’s a privilege to facilitate such a unique and invaluable part of their student experience at the University.”

If you are interested in studying Performing Arts at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.