Forget the figgy pudding. Someone’s getting five shots of whiskey, and Ebenezer Scrooge is about to become a whole different kind of Christmas spirit.
Downtown Phoenix is trading silent nights for slurred lines as Drunk Christmas Carol staggers into The Rose Theatre from Nov. 12, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The gloriously unhinged production from the Drunk Shakespeare Society takes Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, adds an alarming amount of whiskey, and leaves four sober actors to clean up the literary wreckage.
God bless us, every rum.
Five Shots. Four Sober Actors. One Dickens of a Mess.
The premise sounds like a dare invented at an office Christmas party after someone discovers the open bar.
One professional actor downs five genuine shots of whiskey before attempting A Christmas Carol, while four sober castmates desperately try to keep Dickens from spinning in his grave.
What could possibly go wrong? Plenty. And that’s rather the point.
As Scrooge confronts the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, the script competes with spontaneous improvisation, audience participation, and one actor whose relationship with the English language may become increasingly complicated.
“We’re bringing a little holiday mischief to a story audiences know and love,” says David Hudson, co-creator of the Drunk Shakespeare Society. “With an unpredictable performance and plenty of opportunities for the audience to join the fun, every night is a different way to celebrate the season.”
Translation: Dickens wrote the story. Whiskey gets creative control.
The Ghost Of Christmas Poured
Watching someone else drink five shots while stone-cold sober might feel like attending a pool party fully dressed.
Fortunately, the theater has that covered.
Guests can sip festive cocktails with names like The Caroler’s Kiss, Three Spirits Punch, and the Sleigh Queen. Craft cocktails, mocktails, and snacks are also available, with drinks delivered directly to seats.
No missed punchlines. No awkward squeezing past strangers. And no risk of missing Scrooge suddenly developing strong opinions about Tiny Tim.
There’s no drink minimum, either. Guests can enjoy the spectacle completely sober, although the same cannot be guaranteed for the cast.
All Hail the Boozy Royalty
For holiday revelers who prefer their theatrical chaos with a side of royal treatment, there’s the VIP Royal Experience.
We’re talking hand-carved throne seating for two, Champagne, handcrafted cocktails, festive treats, and the chance to influence the performance.
Yes, actual thrones. Because apparently watching Scrooge make questionable decisions is even more entertaining when you’re calling some of the shots.
The royal treatment is advertised at $504 for two, but here’s an interesting twist: The package has also been offered through pre-show bidding, potentially allowing guests to snag the experience for considerably less. Check with the box office to see whether bidding is available for your performance.
After all, Scrooge isn’t the only one who appreciates saving a few bucks.
Insider Takeaways: Know Before You Ho-Ho-Go
- The spectacle: Five real whiskey shots, four sober castmates, 90 minutes of improvised comedy, and audience participation.
- The dates: Nov. 12, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027.
- The location: The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Suite 1010, downtown Phoenix.
- The drinks: Holiday cocktails, mocktails, and snacks are available, with no drink minimum.
- The royal treatment: VIP throne seating for two, Champagne, cocktails, treats, and audience influence. Currently advertised at $504.
- The tickets: Admission starts at $53, including processing fees. Strictly 21 and older.
Scrooge may still wake up a changed man on Christmas morning. But after five shots of whiskey, he’s probably going to wake up with a few questions, too.
For tickets and more information, visit DrunkChristmas.com.
