The production began previews May 23 and officially opened June 9.

In a statement issued by the producers — Mark Goucher and Wimpole Theatre in association with the Araca Group in New York — they stated, "Despite fantastic performances and enthusiastic audiences, the ticket sales have not been sufficient and the producers have had to make the difficult decision to close the show."

The show is described in press materials as an hilarious journey through the best of Dickens' classic works and into the twisted corners of the author's colorful life — following him from his bleak childhood to his complicated marriage, numerous children and his final years. With instruments from acoustic guitar to accordion and harmonica to horns, and using an incredible mix of musical styles, the cast give voice to a host of Dickens' most eccentric and loved characters. Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, David Copperfield, Miss Havisham, Charles Darnay and many more appear in Long's 20 original songs, which include "Aint Goin Back To Blackin'" and "Far Far Better Thing."

From 1987-2003, Long co-wrote and performed in the shows The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and The Complete History of America (abridged) (both seen in rep at the Criterion Theatre), "The Reduced Shakespeare Radio Show" for the BBC World Service, and "The Ring Reduced," a 30-minute version of Wagner's Ring Cycle, for Channel 4 television. In 1996 Long directed the London production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), which was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 1997, and ran for nine years at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. Long subsequently co-wrote and starred in "The Barn," which won a British Independent Film Award in 2004 - The Raindance Award, for the film which best embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking. In 2006 he wrote and performed "Star Wars Shortened" for Lucasfilm and BskyB, and "The Condensed History of Tony Blair" for BBC Radio 4. He is currently writing the condensed histories of the major British political parties, also for BBC Radio 4, for broadcast in summer 2008.

For tickets for the remaining performances (and refunds for performances booked for after June 29), contact the box office at 0844 847 1545 or visit www.dickensunplugged.com.