charlesdickenslondon
charles dickens talks in London
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Posted on 07 April 2013 09:17
 Today's Adelphi Theatre opened in 1858- its predecessor, of the same name, was a cramped, poorly designed place, but was very significant because many of Charles Dickens works were staged there. The first was called The Christening, described as a comedy burletta, which opened in October 1834 (Dickens was then aged 22). Many more followed, including adaptations of Pickwick Papers, Nicholas Nickleby, The Old Curiosity Shop and A Christmas Carol. Hear more about  Dickens London in my next Talk, Charles Dickens And His London. Tickets still available behind the bar at The George On The Strand, or contact me at chriswandco@yahoo.co.uk.
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Christopher West: Posted on 30 March 2013 23:16
 BBC's excellent programme, Any Questions, came from Rochester this week, where Dickens lived as a child and is nearby to Gad's Hill Place, his famous home in later life. A searching question was asked about the poverty, hunger and homelessness of many against the greed, exploitation and self satisfaction of the few in Dickens time and would he find much change in the UK of today? There was much discussion about us appreciating education for all, good NHS, pensions and improved standard of living. On the down side, it was said that we do now have food vouchers, some extreme poverty, great division between rich and poor, 'if you are poor it's your fault', little compassion and that we should be able to organize society better. A short while ago Archbishop Rowan Williams said that Dickens great message was that we grow through generosity- food for thought? Was this one of Dickens's lasting legacies, stimulating thought? Come and share your thoughts at my next Talk on the 9th April.
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 March 2013 11:47
 Today, near Covent Garden, is a coffee shop called the Charles Dickens. There is a plaque commemorating Dickens association with this building; he had lodgings here for some time above the offices from which he edited a new
 magazine, 'All The Year Round'. This was the successor to Household Words, which included the weekly serialization  of two of his best selling novels, Tale Of Two Cities and Great Expectations. His son Charles took over as editor when he died in 1870. |
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Christopher West: Posted on 16 March 2013 19:21
 Please be generous in your support for these young pharmacists, working so hard to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Archbishop Rowan Williams, himself an authority on Dickens, said "You have to grow through generosity - that is, I think, the Dickens lesson that I would want to see etched in granite across the life of this country," Charles Dickens was truly generous in his huge financial support for GOSH- they would have closed in the early days had it not been for his strong support. I'll  be there, talking about Charles Dickens's support for GOSH- hope to see
If you can't attend, please give generously via Just Giving- their |
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Christopher West: Posted on 13 March 2013 18:52
 Do support this excellent group of student pharmacists at UCL It will be a most exciting evening of students singing and dancing and a dazzling fashion show. I will be there as well,  talking about Great Ormond Street Hospital. For more details, click the link below. Hope to see you there.
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Christopher West: Posted on 02 March 2013 10:59
I use the George for my Talks mainly because it is, historically, at the centre of so many Dickensian aspects of London. The Royal Courts of London is opposite, St Mary le Strand and Somerset House are close by, as is Fleet Street, The Old Bailey, the site of Doctors Commons and St Paul's There is a new page on the website, explaining more about all this.
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 February 2013 12:59
 This fascinating print shows Somerset House and Mary Le Strand in the 1830's. Charles Dickens father, John, worked as a clerk at Somerset House, then home of the Admiralty, and he was married here at St Mary's in 1809 to Elizabeth, whose father also worked for the Admiralty. This is just down the Strand from the George, where I hold my Talks.
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Christopher West: Posted on 17 February 2013 08:25
 The Royal Courts Of Justice is opposite The George, where I give my Talks about Dickens. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Europe, dominating the area with its majestic Gothic facade in Portland Stone. The magnificent Great Hall leads towards eighty courts, each individually designed, with Number Four being that used by the Lord Chief Justice. Entrance is free and well worth a visit.
 Gladstone and Disraeli united their efforts to obtain the money and push through the reform act needed to sweep away the outdated courts at Westminster and Doctors Commons and build the fine new Royal Courts. It was opened in 1882, with great, triumphant ceremony by Queen Victoria. Dickens had died twelve years earlier, and would have been proud to have known that he had played a key role in it's creation, through his heavy criticism, not least in his masterpiece which is Bleak House.
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Christopher West: Posted on 16 February 2013 08:28
 I present my Talks at the George In The Strand mainly because of its splendid location for 'things Dickensian.' Close to The George are the following:
The Royal Courts Of Justice: (opposite). This was built following massive criticism of the legal system by Dickens, not least from his novel Bleak House.
Somerset House: (two minutes walk). Dickens's father worked here as a clerk in the Admiralty.
 St Mary On The Strand: (in the middle of the road, opposite Somerset House). This is the church in which Charles Dickens was married).
The Old Bailey: (eight minutes walk or bus). The worst criminal cases are still tried here. In Dickensian times, the gallows was ever pervasive.
 St Pauls Cathedral: (10 minutes walk or bus). Magnificent, inspirational, awesome to Dickens and admired worldwide.
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Christopher West: Posted on 12 February 2013 19:27
 Next Talk, Tuesday March 5th. In my next monthly Talk, entitled Charles Dickens And Excellence, we'll discuss how others perceived Dickens, his aspirations and legacy. Queen Victoria commented, shortly after Dickens died, 'He had a large loving mind and the strongest sympathy with the poorer classes. He felt sure a better feeling, and much greater union of classes would take place in  time. And I pray earnestly it may'. We'll also look at some of his critics and their views.
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Christopher west: Posted on 02 February 2013 09:04
 The American Dream is surely in sharp decline, similarly in the UK we need to reestablish our ideals; compassion and generosity have been thrown out with the bathwater, and morals in the widest sense have eroded enormously. Dickens spent his lifetime showing us how to grow and prosper through generosity- his working in the bootblacking factory shamed society when they heard about it, and drove him on as a reformer from his own observation- our politicians don’t have these ‘from the gut’ experiences, but theirs and corporate profits grow, unlike the poor workers, gradually being replaced by 3rd world workforces, who often toil in dreadful conditions reminiscent of Dickens’s time. My word,  we could do with him now- Of course he was no saint, but his views about law, education, poverty, transport and the rest would be most welcome today, to help focus our attention and get us away from the current serious decline in standards. More of this in my Talk on Tuesday.
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Christopher West: Posted on 31 January 2013 08:08
 As reported by Mailonline, Dickens expert Claire Tomalin said that Dickens’ relevance to modern society is apparent in his portrayal of the proletariat and the importance he gave to the working classes. She said: 'When he went to America in 1842, one of the points he made was that the "unimportant" and "peripheral" people were just as interesting to write about as "great" people.'You only have to look around our society and everything he wrote about in the 1840s is still relevant - the great gulf between the rich and poor, corrupt financiers, corrupt Members of Parliament, how the country is run by Old Etonians, you name it, he said it'. Food for thought, isn't it? Lots more at my next Talk on Tuesday 5th Feb at The George.
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Christopher West: Posted on 04 January 2013 09:42
 In my next Talk, about Charles Dickens relevance today, I will discuss just how much we have to learn from his values and his striving for better standards in society. He would have so much to say about what is wrong in politics, industry, wealth creation, banking, lack of generosity and compassion. Archbishop Rowan Williams,a fine Dickens scholar, speaks provocatively about how Dickens pleaded for personal development through generosity, 'the Dickens lesson that should be etched in granite across the life of this country'. Much more of this on Feb 5th.
Venue: George In The Strand
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 December 2012 08:25
 My next Talk, Charles Dickens And His Christmas, will be held at The George In The Strand, this Friday at 4.30 pm. Many thanks and appreciation to all the people who have contacted me during this great year celebrating 200 years of Dickens and his greatness- we now have the splendidly up to date Dickens Museum open again in Doughty Street. The recent Dickens Day for Great Ormond Street Hospital was greatly enjoyed, and we will continue to fund raise next year. I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year in true Dickensian fashion. |
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Christopher West: Posted on 16 December 2012 12:39
 Certainly, Charles Dickens influenced the revival of Christmas as the national holiday that we know today. The success of A Christmas Carol was overshadowed by another writer copying the story and publishing. Dickens was furious and sued for compensation; he won his case, but the defendant declared bankruptcy, so Dickens was left to pay his costs, which virtually wiped out the profits from A Christmas Carol. Dickens recalled “the expense, and anxiety and horrible injustice of the Carol case,” adding to his bitterness about the legal profession. This experience influenced Dickens in his writing of Bleak House, which helped to improve the system and eventually to the  building of The Royal Courts Of Justice. Hear more at my next Talk, Introducing Charles Dickens And His Christmas, at The George In The Strand on Friday 28 th December at 4.30 pm.
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Christopher West: Posted on 15 December 2012 07:23
 Yes they have updated the museum with great thought and dedication; there is much to see and it's well worth a visit, whether to satisfy curiosity as to why there has been so much publicity about Dickens this year, or to better understand him by sharing details about his life, in the actual rooms where he and his family lived, loved, entertained, worked, thrived and suffered grief.  Charles Dickens Museum London is an essential part of London, as necessary to visit as the Tower and Trafalgar Square- just go. you won't be disappointed.
 http://www.dickensmuseum.com/
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Christopher West: Posted on 08 December 2012 14:14
 Chantelle talked brilliantly at Dickens Day For GOSH about her gratitude to Great Ormond Street Hospital. She was 15 and a Sickle Cell Survivor. When she was 4, she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell and had complications with stroke, coma, meningitis and kidney infection. Her 16th birthday is today, the 8th December and she says 'I am very grateful to Great Ormond Street Hospital for the work they do that helps children like myself". As a well deserved present, she is invited, with her sister and Mum, to the Arts Theatre, to a performance of Simon Callow in 'A Christmas Carol'.
On behalf of all our volunteers, have a splendid 16th birthday and a wonderful theatre visit! Many happy returns, Chantelle!
Please go to her blog www.chantellesdream.blogspot.co.uk to read more about her journey. You can also search for Chantelle’s Dream on twitter and facebook to stay in touch.
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Posted on 02 December 2012 12:56
  Supper Dance at Chuzzlewits
Saturday 8th December from 7.30p.m.
* Traditional Christmas Dinner (or alternative available) * Christopher West will give a short summary of the recent Dickens Day For GOSH event at the Royal Society For Medicine. * There will also be a fun, festive Twist With Dickens Quiz
* Cost £11.95 + £5 donation for GOSH
The venue is in Thomas More Square, up from Waitrose. near Fitness First. 10 minute walk from Tower Hill Tube or use 100 bus. For tickets, please email chriswandco@yahoo.co.uk or phone 02035833328 |
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Christopher West: Posted on 02 December 2012 08:56
 Congratulations Beata Raczkiewicz, Member Services Manager at Fitness First, Thomas More Square- she organised a day long spinathon cycling event, raising £260 for Dickens Day for Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was a great day, she inspired everyone with her engaging but determined smile- raising money for the world famous hospital, of which Dickens was a great benefactor. Well done, many thanks Beata. Money can still be donated to Dickens Day For GOSH, just press:
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Christopher West: Posted on 01 December 2012 08:59
 Hi everyone- well we had a truly great day- for me, the thought that so many youngsters (and not so young) went away having really enjoyed themselves and been inspired, thinking about positive issues such as personal best and excellence, was very exciting. Whether you gave a lot or a little of your time and energy, you did it, like me, for free! I am very proud to feel that so many people have enjoyed helping for the sake of it, rather than for financial reward; many of you have gone home proud and  thrilled to feel that in some small way you, like me, have helped to make a difference. Thank you, all of you, most humbly and sincerely. Of course, I'll let everyone know how much we have already raised- and I will be continuing until the end of year or January. Thank you again, so much. If you wish to donate:http://www.justgiving.com/Christopher-West
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 November 2012 22:48
 Tickets still available at the door- Christmas Fayre is free. Or donate through
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 24 November 2012 09:28
 This gorgeous young girl is my granddaughter Natasha, the inspiration for Dickens Day. Her life was saved by brilliant surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital- she was only four weeks old when admitted to GOSH, with a cyst in her throat. Days passed as these top world experts observed and tested. The situation became critical, so she was put in intensive care. Days later, her condition dramatically worsened and she was operated on as an emergency; we understand that there were seven surgeons involved! The life saving operation was successful- thank you, so much, GOSH. The cyst was eventually identified as benign, and we can now hardly see the scar. Paul was marvellous with the children and supporting Camilla. Natasha's brother Oskar and his younger sister Lola
 were so very worried, and behaved splendidly during this incredibly stressful period for all of us. I was fortunate to be with Camilla at GOSH myself, much of the time- Camilla was superb and GOSH was EXCELLENT!
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Christopher West: Posted on 23 November 2012 08:56
"The Matthews Family perform for your delight, a dramatic and musical celebration of the mid-Victorian explorers who searched for the NW Passage, the fate of HM Discovery Ship RESOLUTE, and the Wilkie Collins/Charles Dickens 1856 Christmas play collaboration, The Frozen Deep. With a cast that includes Sir John Franklin, Captain Edward "Hell Afloat" Belcher (the villain), the noble Captain Henry Kellett (the Hero), Captain James Buddington, Charles Dickens, Lady Jane Franklin (the Heroine), and Queen Victoria herself. Fun will be had by all!"
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Christopher West: Posted on 21 November 2012 23:11
 If you still haven't made up your mind about attending Dickens Day, this blog is for YOU. On Thursday 22nd Nov. I will be talking on the Robert Elms BBC London radio show about how brilliant the event will be, and how you really must come along to support us. I am due on at 1 40, so please do listen. If you have to miss coming along, please just donate what you are comfortable with. It will be a busy day, because I will also be giving a talk about Dickens Day, at Fitness First, in Thomas More Square- Beata and her colleagues are devoting a whole day to a special programme called Spinathon. raising money for GOSH, by having sponsors cycling right through the day,  so I will look forward to saying hello to them and wishing them well Come along at 6 pm if you would like to, for my Talk.
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Christopher West: Posted on 21 November 2012 13:03
 Amrit Hare is an 11-year-old boy from Leeds, who is home-educated alongside his brother, Taran, aged seven. They are taught by their schoolteacher father. In 2010, at the tender age of 8, Amrit had read the Complete Works of Shakespeare. In 2012, as a 10-year-old, he decided to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Dickens, by reading all 36 volumes of the Complete Works of Charles Dickens. He combined his reading of Dickens with a visit to Portsmouth to see the writer's birthplace; attendance at the National Dickens Readers' Day in Lancaster; a viewing of the Dickens and his World exhibition at the Bodleian
 Library, University of Oxford and seeing as many plays based on the books as he could. Amrit talks about how his Dickens reading progressed. Would he recommend the experience? Join him to find out. (We certainly will)!
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Christopher West: Posted on 21 November 2012 09:38
Chantelle, will be talking about her gratitude to Great Ormond Street Hospital. She is 15 and a Sickle Cell Survivor. When she was 4, she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell and had complications with stroke, coma, meningitis and kidney infection. She will be 16 on the 8 December and is very grateful that she she has survived this long. She says " It is a big and I am hoping to have a big celebration of my life. I am speaking here today because I am very grateful to Great
 Ormond Street Hospital for the work they do that helps children like myself". Please go to her blog www.chantellesdream.blogspot.co.uk to read more about her journey. You can also search for Chantelle’s Dream on twitter and facebook to stay in touch.
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Christopher West: Posted on 18 November 2012 16:17
Well known writer, Lucinda Hawksley, will be a guest speaker at our Dickens Day For GOSH, next Sunday, 25th November, at the Royal Society For Medicine, Wimpole Street. You may already know that she is the great great great granddaughter of Charles Dickens, so no surprise that she talks expertly on the subject. Lucinda is sitting where her famous  ancester used to sit, while eating at Rules, one of his favourite restaurants. Pictured with Lucinda, is Dominick Gerrard also performing for us, with his puppet, Scrooge.
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Christopher West: Posted on 18 November 2012 10:43
 A poem by Matthew Thompson, a young outpatient at GOSH, set to music by Christopher Schlechte-Bond. The title is "I'm So Happy To Have You There", and will be sung for Matthew, his family and friends (and, of course, the public) at Dickens Day For GOSH. They will also sing a selection of their favourite carols. The photo shows the composer holding the music, accompanied by Lucinda Hawksley, well known great great great granddaughter of Charles Dickens, and myself. We are standing in Rules Restaurant, on the actual spot where the great man ate regularly at his favourite table.
The Choristers are all university students (undergrad/postgrad)). Running for the past two years, the choir has sung some major choral works, including Mozart's Requiem, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, our next concert being a performance of Brahms' Requiem at King's College London's Strand Campus on the 2nd of December. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/kingscollegechorus!
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Christopher West: Posted on 17 November 2012 08:21
 One of the stars performing at Dickens Day will be Dominic Gerrard and his Scrooge. All the young performers and helpers are also stars, so do come and see this splendid lineup on the 25th. If you can't attend, please donate. Former Whatsonstage Award winners Tim Carroll and Dominic Gerrard re-unite in this special festive performance of Dickens’s most famous Christmas story. Adapted and performed by Dominic Gerrard, this show will transport you through Scrooge’s life as he journeys
 out, one bleak Christmas night, with the ghosts that have been sent to reclaim him Tim Carroll (who is currently directing Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry in the West End's Richard III andTwelfth Night) returns to direct this bicentennial production that incorporates puppetry and a Christmas soundscape."I was spellbound by Dominic Gerrard's one-man show of A Christmas Carol. It's the perfect way to begin your Christmas " Lucinda Dickens Hawksley " I came away transfixed and am even writing this with a smile on my face ... please please please go to see this if you can." The Public Reviews.
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Christopher West: Posted on 16 November 2012 07:14
 The drama club attached to Our Lady of The Visitation RC School will be performing at Dickens Day on the 25th November at 11am. They will perform three short scenes selected from Oliver Twist, showcasing their creative talents. This Catholic school prides itself on celebrating the arts and being a keen supporter to community. There is a programme of period drama and music right through the day. Buy your early bird ticket, or donate at
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Christopher West: Posted on 14 November 2012 19:01
 Chiswick School Theatre Company is performing 'Hard Times,' an adaptation of the opening pages of Dickens Hard Times, featuring a scene set in Coketown school. This shows Dickens’ satirical attitude to schooling in the 1800s. There will be performances and inspirational Talks taking place right through the day. If you can't make it on the day, please donate to help us raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, of which Dickens was a great patron.
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Christopher West: Posted on 13 November 2012 15:58
 Portland Place School will be performing scenes from the classic Oliver Twist at our Dickens Day event at the Royal Society For Medicine, Wimpole Street. For enquiries, please
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Christopher West: Posted on 11 November 2012 09:30
 It will all happen two weeks today. One of the schools performing is Trevor-Roberts School in Swiss Cottage. Their senior choir will be performing seasonal carols and carol-anthems: Ding dong merrily on high, Hark the herald, In the bleak mid-winter, O come all ye faithful, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Walking in a winter wonderland, The Trevor-Roberts Chamber choir will sing What sweeter music.They will also have some pupils performing extracts from Dylan Thomas' 'A child's Christmas'. Sounds wonderful? Yes, and this is but a sample. Please book tickets asap.
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Christopher West: Posted on 09 November 2012 23:52
 We have a whole series of performers, right through the day on the 25th November. For example, Orchard House School, Chiswick, will be performing 3 songs + 2 sketches, 'Who will buy' by Lionel Bart (from Oliver Twist) Little Jack Horner - Traditional Wassail song - Traditional Monologue by Scrooge Scene from Scrooge's Counting House. This is just a sample. There will also be inspirational Talks throughout the day, a Christmas Fayre and exhibition
For tickets, or to donate if you can't attend,
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Christopher West: Posted on 29 October 2012 09:05
 We will be discussing various aspects of Dickens interest in Christmas, and his driving energy towards influencing employers, such as factory owners and the professions, to allow an official holiday for employees to rest and and enjoy a special day with the family. I refer, on my website, to his huge influence towards Christmas films and theatre productions- no surprise then, that we currently have Simon Callow appearing in Christmas Carol and Tommy Steele in Scrooge, both in major West End Theatres. So his influence is still felt very strongly felt today. How was this great man so deeply motivated and dedicated towards reform? What  drove Dickens intense energy? Just how important is he?
We will share some of the answers on Tuesday!
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Christopher West: Posted on 28 October 2012 11:01
 Tickets are now on sale for this great, fun event, celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens. His link with GOSH was, of course, all important; the BBC did an excellent piece to illustrate this, with me as CD, reading from his work, filming at GOSH and the Dickens Museum. Please remember to tell your friends and buy tickets by clicking on 'buy tickets' below. To view film, please click here:
Charity No 235825 |
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 October 2012 22:02
 Tickets are now on sale for our prestigious Dickens Day for GOSH- so please purchase asap and tell your friends. If you are unable to attend, there is a space for you to donate, any amount will be greatly appreciated. Proceeds will be donated to the charity. We are all volunteers, working for free, and we have been able to keep costs to a minimum.Lots of schools and groups are looking forward to performing period music and drama right through the day, celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens; there will be various inspirational Talks, Exhibition and Christmas Fayre. |
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Christopher West: Posted on 20 October 2012 10:02
 My next Talk will focus on Charles Dickens influence on Christmas- there is far more than just 'Christmas Carol', despite its well earned world acclaim. His four other Christmas books, together with numerous articles also associated, give a fascinating insight into his personality and his great pioneering spirit towards achieving a better, fairer set of living standards for ordinary people. For more details:
 This theme will be present at our Dickens Day (For Great Ormond Hospital), on November 25th, when schools and other groups will be celebrating 200 years of Dickens and his devotion to GOSH and the suffering of children. Do buy tickets and join us. |
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christopher west: Posted on 07 October 2012 09:10
 This adorable sketch has been presented to us by Jane Young, designer and Historian.It depicts, in clever Dickensian style, the link between Great Ormond Street Hospital and the sick children that were such a concern to Charles Dickens. Tiny Tim would have greatly benefited from correct treatment, and symbolises how  fortunate we are now to have the facilities offered at GOSH. We still have room for more schools, choirs and drama groups to perform, and we would love to hear from inspirational speakers who could give half hour talks.We will cherish the sketch and ensure it is displayed in a place of honour  at our
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Christopher West: Posted on 30 September 2012 10:09
This Talk will explore Charles Dickens aspirations and achievements as his life developed, from his childhood, early career, then into marriage and becoming a father, having to cope with success and eventually failing in his marriage. Despite huge setbacks, particularly in childhood, Dickens did always believe in doing his best and aspiring towards excellence. Simon Callow has pointed out that Dickens may have been bipolar- with modern understanding (as with the improvement in knowledge about disablement, following the gargantuan Paralympics) does this help us to sympathise with some of the criticism of the great man? The Talk will be presented lightly and entertainingly, and there will be opportunity for discussion and participation. Book here for tickets, also available at the bar.
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Christopher West: Posted on 23 September 2012 09:03
 This Talk will explore Charles Dickens aspirations and achievements as his life developed, from his childhood, early career, then into marriage and becoming a father, having to cope with success and eventually failing in his marriage. Despite huge setbacks, particularly in childhood, Dickens did always believe in doing his best and aspiring towards excellence. Simon Callow has pointed out that Dickens may have been bipolar- with modern understanding (as with the improvement in knowledge about disablement, following the gargantuan Paralympics) does this help us to sympathise with some of the criticism of the great man? The Talk will be presented lightly and entertainingly, and there will be opportunity for discussion and participation. |
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Christopher West: Posted on 22 September 2012 07:40
 Volunteers reminding us of the importance of Charles Dickens influence in building the magnificent Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. We are working hard with all the work needed to organise this big event. Schools, choirs, music and drama groups are welcome
Tiny Tim reminds us just how far medicine has improved, not least thanks to the excellence of Great Ormond Street Hospital and its pioneering techniques. Charles Dickens gave so much time and effort to influence society and improve conditions, also helping GOSH with money to expand. Our Dickens Day will celebrate this with young people performing music and drama and having a great time. We also need more volunteers, so please do get in touch. Click here for more information about Dickens Day, 25th November 2012 |
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Christopher West: Posted on 06 September 2012 21:51
Charity No 235825
 This major event will be held at the Royal Society of Medicine, On Sunday 25th November, and will bring children together to celebrate Charles Dickens huge influence on legal reform, education and hospitals. There will be Dickensian music performed by schools and i ndividuals, Christmas Fayre, displays and exhibits, and a series of fun talks, cartoons and
 films, all about Charles Dickens and his London. You may know that Dickens played a great part in helping Great Ormond Street Hospital to grow and thrive- all money raised will be donated to this great hospital. Anyone interested in this exciting event, whether teachers, performers, exhibitors, sponsors, fund raisers or volunteers, please get in touch- it promises to be an excellent event.
Venue's Luxury Theatre and splendid Exhibition Hall / Christmas Fayre Space:
 The Royal Society of Medicine is at the end ofWimpole Street, opposite the rear of House of Fraser, Oxford street, London W1. |
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christopher west: Posted on 02 September 2012 11:15
 Tickets are still available for my next Talk on Tuesday. We'll be discussing different views about the great man, including some of the comments made by Claire Tomalin. Quoting from the Guardian about her excellent book, they wrote 'Refusing to judge (even though Dickens could be vindictive, self-justifying, pompous and unforgiving) she reveals his flaws with something approaching affection and presents an unforgettably rich and compassionate portrait of a prodigiously extravagant heart'. For more details, click here. |
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Charles Dickens London: Posted on 27 August 2012 09:52
 "Whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do it well; whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself completely; in great aims and in small I have always thoroughly been in earnest." Charles Dickens said this towards the end of his life. We will explore what famous critics had to say, both good and bad, then measure this against definitions of excellence. Comments are welcome.
This splendid historical pub is the venue for some of my Talks about Charles Dickens. It is opposite the Royal Courts of Justice and just along from St Mary's Le Strand, where Dickens parents were married.
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Christopher West: Posted on 24 August 2012 07:42
 In my Talk, we'll discuss how others perceived Charles Dickens, his aspirations and legacy. Queen Victoria commented, shortly after Dickens died, in her diary, 'He had a large loving mind and the strongest sympathy with the poorer classes. He felt sure a  better feeling, and much greater  union of classes, would take place in time. And I pray earnestly it may'. We'll also look at some of his critics and their views.
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christopher west: Posted on 19 August 2012 09:03
 Charles Dickens sought after excellence right through his life. Even with the publication of his earliest works, he found the best illustrators available. He excelled in much of his work and effort, motivated by the fear of failure, not least financial, and also had to deal
 with huge injustice, rejection and his personal failure in marriage. But his great drive and energy spurred him on to success after success. There are so many inspirational quotes taken from his work; some favourites are 'A day wasted on others is not wasted on one's self',. 'A loving heart is the truest wisdom'. There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth'. The power of these words help make clear why we are celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens. For more details, click here.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 18 August 2012 08:52
 Thanks again to Royal Society of Medicine, Wimpole Street for hosting our event. We are going from strength to strength with the organisation of this important event. A number of volunteers have come forward to help, and several celebrities have already agreed to talk to the children during the event. Please do get in touch if you are interested in exhibiting, sponsoring or fund raising. We'll be contacting schools and other organisations soon. For more details, click here.
Charity no: 235825
 This BBC Film features Lucinda Hawksley and myself showing how important Charles Dickens was in his support for Great Ormond Street Hospital. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 16 August 2012 08:00
 This Talk will follow how Charles Dickens became motivated and able to turn adversity into success. Even for his earliest work, when he was struggling for recognition and acceptance, he insisted on the highest quality from publishers and illustrators. Of course, he knew failure and had setbacks, but still thrust forward, to earn his place as the leading reformer of his time, second only to Shakespeare in the world of
literature, and one of the finest stage performers with his one man shows. This theme will also be celebrated in my major charity event in November, celebrating 200 years of Charles Dickens, raising funds for Great Ormond Hospital, the hospital that is very grateful for Dickens support and huge patronage. The Talk will take place at The George
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Charles Dickens London: Posted on 11 August 2012 08:55
 Sunday 25th November is now the date, at the awesome Royal Society Of Medicine at
1, Wimpole Street, W1. It will be a great day for
celebratating 200 years of Charles Dickens and his importantant link with the great Hospital.
charity no 235825
  The Day will involve schools and groups presenting Dickensian themed drama and music in the splendid
Theatre, an exhibition and Christmas Fayre, as well as a programme of Talks , films and cartoons, some
 presented by celebrity speakers. Please do get in
touch if you would like to take part, volunteer to help, or want more information.
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