charlesdickenslondon
promoting my talks
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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and Disraeli united their efforts to obtain the money and push through the reform act needed to sweep away the outdated courts at Westminster and Doctors Commons and build the fine new Royal Courts.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 03 February 2013 10:30
 Tom Murse wrote: What do legendary British author Charles Dickens and U.S. President Barack Obama have in common? Both Dickens and Obama were accused of being socialists in their day. Dickens was accused of being a socialist after writing "Hard Times." Obama was accused of being a socialist for trying to end hard times. Clinton White House adviser Dick Morris claimed that conservatives were "enraged at Barack Obama's socialism and radicalism." But it was the author's 1854 publication of Hard Times, a serial advocating for social reform, that ignited debate over whether Dickens was a socialist. Many critics of the  time saw Hard Times as an attack on capitalism and portrayed Dickens as a "sullen socialist." Could we do with him and his valiant spirit for reform today? More at my Talk on Tuesday.
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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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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 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 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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charles dickens london: Posted on 24 July 2012 18:16
 We now have a splendid lego
windmill and stage being built
to show a Danish programme
of fighting vikings and musical
events. I'm told that there will
be all kinds of Danish food on
offer, and lots of surprises yet to be announced.  The grand opening will be on
Friday. St Katharine Docks is
filling now with boats visiting
for the Olympics, and we
already have the Chinese Junk and the fascinating Phoenicia, so there is a great deal to see while you are here.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 21 July 2012 07:50
Charles Dickens writings had a big
influence on the governments of both
Gladstone and Disraeli, leading to the
abolition of the outdated courts around Westminster Hall, and the building of
The Royal Courts Of Justice. Do come along
to my next Talk, where we will discuss much more about this great man's first hand experience of the law, and how his work  helped to reform it.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 15 July 2012 08:37
 This major event, in November, 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 individuals, Edwardian craft, 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, donors, please do get in touch on chriswand co@yahoo.co.uk. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 03 July 2012 09:14
 Last minute tickets are still available, so come along
and pay on arrival. The Talk is ideal for those who
haven't yet heard enough about the life of
Charles Dickens and his huge influence on literature
and social reform- he was also the most sought after
speaker of his time and was a great entertainer.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 01 July 2012 10:49
The Embankment was created
during the 1860's, prior to which,
most of it was just part of the
River Thames. This film shows
the Embankment Gardens at
Temple, and the statue of William
Forster, the liberal reformer who
introduced elementary education
for all children, following in good
Dickensian tradition.It is also close
to the internationally famous
barristers headquarters recently
featured in the television series 'Silk'.
 This fine print shows early construction
work on London's Embankment, the earlier triumph of Joseph Bazalgette, prior to his engineering brilliance in building London's sewers, still in
service today.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 28 June 2012 18:07
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 26 June 2012 11:36
 This splendid Chinese Junk will be here in St Katharine Docks until at least after the Olympics. Hua Shan is the main brains behind this whole venture, bringing the first Chinese vessel up the Thames for many, many years. The boat was shipped from Hong Kong to Tilbury
 (costing megabucks), but was apparently delayed in a queue at Suez, so, just missing its pride of place in the Royal Pageant celebrations. He is the father of Alexander Hua Tian, the young Chinese event
equestrian, and husband of British wife Sarah Noble.
 Hua Shan has told me that they will be entertaining many of the Chinese Olympics team; with his son's strong links with horse eventing, who knows who some of the English guests may be? |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 24 June 2012 06:16
 This is St Mary le Strand, the fine church where Charles Dickens parents were
married, just along from The George,
where my Talk will be held.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 21 June 2012 07:00
 Charles Dickens mentions tea and tea shop(pe)s numerously throughout his writings; he famously quotes from the 18th century nursery rhyme 'Polly put the kettle on' in Barnaby Rudge. In Oliver Twist, Dickens uses the precise teamaking ceremony of Mrs
Corney, the matron of workhouse, to display her self-satisfaction, and
she is wooed over a cup of tea by the grasping, tyrannical beadle, Mr
Bumble, who, after her leaving the room, inspects her tea-making
implements to check that it is 'genuine silver'. Most famous among tea suppliers is, of course, Twinings. Their delightful shop and museum is next to my venue, The George In The Strand. They describe themselves as follows: 'Thomas Twining bought Tom's Coffee
House on London's Strand in 1706. The location of the shop
was perfect as it straddled the border between Westminster and the
City of London, an area that was newly populated with the
aristocracy displaced by the Great Fire of London'. - You can also taste, free of charge (and so refreshing).
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 17 June 2012 10:49
 If you aren't yet too
familiar about the
details of Charles Dickens life, this will recap the
important facts and we will
also discuss Dickensian
 London, with emphasis on
nearby Covent Garden,
Fleet Street, Strand and
The Old Bailey. This
delightful painting is of The
 Strand in Dickensian time.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 15 June 2012 18:32
 The Phoenicia is a fascinating replica of
sailing vessels dating back to 600 BC,
when the Phoenicians were the World's
first great maritime traders.
St Katharine Docks witnessed the heights
of GB as the latest great sea power, so
how splendid for us to see so far back
 into maritime history. Captain Phillip Beale
is totally dedicated and immersed in this
project, and an early visit may be a shrewd
idea, because it is obviously going to be a
great attraction, open until September;
very informative, with all kinds of important
historical information. Do visit, you'll love it!
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 06 June 2012 08:07
 What a wonderful Queen! And husband, Prince Phillip.
This evening's Talk at 6 pm will share much more
about Her Majesty and we will continue the celebration
by talking about Her links with Charles Dickens, also
with her great grandmother Queen Victoria. We will be
eating together after the Talk finishes, at 7.30 pm.
 The George On The Strand, opposite The Royal Courts
Of Justice. Otherwise, do come along and pay on  arrival, there should be space available.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 05 June 2012 12:55
 Settling down now, towards the
end of this triumphant celebration
of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. A
lovely surprise for me, was to see
Gloriana moored here in the docks.
The million pound row barge,
painstakingly hand built, which took
more than four years by 60 craftsmen,
 was certainly one of
the main attractions in the Thames
Diamond Jubilee Pageant
this weekend, leading more than 1,000 boats to honour the occasion. The first
royal barge to be built in 100 years,
Gloriana was powered on the day by
18 oarsmen, led by Britain's greatest
Olympian, Steve Redgrave. The  organisation here seems to have been
a great success; with bigger crowds than ever before, the management
team should be delighted (and probably exhausted).
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charlesdickenslondon.net: Posted on 05 June 2012 07:57
 What a marvellous weekend of
celebrations. Join us to hear more about
Charles Dickens and Two Great Queens.
There are fascinating letters and
memorabilia at Buckingham Palace,
recording close links to Dickens.
Tickets are still available at The George,
 through Skiddle.com, or my website:
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 04 June 2012 08:46
 The Queen and Prince Phillip obviously enjoyed themselves
enormously, and so did the people.
The atmosphere here was full of joy,
pride, fun and thrills; absolutely
splendid and unique. Thanks and
praise to a most wonderful Monarch.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 03 June 2012 07:53
 The Queen has always used
Twinings Tea for Her own use.
Do visit their fabulous shop
for a free cup of any tea you
choose- it's next door to where I hold my Talks at The George
In The Strand. There will be
plenty more to look at, while
we celebrate Her sixty years
of dutiful service to the Nation.
The Queen's links with Her great
grandmother, Queen Victoria
and Charles Dickens will also be
discussed. We will be eating at The George,
after the Talk, you are warmly invited to join us.
Tickets for the Talk:
'Charles Dickens And Two Great Queens', are still available at Skiddle.com
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 02 June 2012 15:52
gathering
to admire
all the boats
coming into
our docks. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 01 June 2012 16:10
   Excitement is mounting at our
splendid St Katharine Docks. Everyone already seems to be
in holiday mood, with crowds
gathering to see the fabulous
array of different boats. Many of them will be open to the
public during the weekend.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 31 May 2012 07:05
 Tickets are still available
for my Talk on the 6th at
The George In The Strand.
Do also join us for a celebration
meal after the Talk at 7.30 pm.
 The George is easy to find,opposite the Royal Courts Of Justice. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 29 May 2012 11:09
 Ian Jack, well known Royal
correspondent, writes 'Our
attachment to the Queen is perhaps greater than we yet
 realise. The Queen is one of
our last links to a workaday
Britain that has nearly vanished,
a country that Dickens would
still recognise'.This will be
discussed in my next Talk at
The George on the 6th. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 28 May 2012 18:35
 Excitement is mounting about Queen Elizabeth achieving
60 years on the throne. Charles Dickens adored
Queen Victoria, and though very critical about politicians
and Parliament, I believe he would have enormously
respected our present Queen's sense of dedication and
 duty towards the Nation. Her Majesty is very knowledgeable about Dickens; we'll be looking at this in depth at the George in the Strand, on the 6th June, soon after the Celebration weekend. |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 26 May 2012 10:55
 Queen Elizabeth is well known to have
 admired the work of Charles Dickens,
and this will be extensively discussed at
my next Talk at the George In The Strand on 6th June. We will also be discussing
Dickens relationship with the Queen of his
time, Queen Victoria. There is tremendous
 excitement growing about the Jubilee
celebrations, so do join us for dinner at
The George to celebrate, following the Talk |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 24 May 2012 12:02
 Some of you will know I reviewed this show previously at the Landor Theatre.
It has now opened in the West End and is truly excellent. Do just book up and
go to see it.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Arts Theatre- Explores Charles Dickens
unfinished final novel, who died half way through writing it. We are introduced
to members of the 'Theatre Royale', by an excellent, traditional Chairman
(Denis Delahunt), hosting a music hall style rendition of the story. Pre show
 opening songs, such as 'Champagne Charlie', cleverly transforms the Arts Theatre into a 19th century Music Hall, buzzing with audience participation (song sheets provided) stiffened by cast members in the auditorium, successfully
encouraging people to join in. The Musical Play then begins and the plot develops
quickly, amidst good songs, sung well by various characters. The plot works
through the murder (or was it)? The first act needs time to develop because of
the depth of Dickens characterisation. Possible motives are presented for each
  suspect- obvious clues are amusingly emphasised, then the audience is asked to
vote, after passionate pleadings from each suspect to vote for Them! The vote
scene is hilarious, and there is much wit and funny lines throughout. Most
impressive is the combined strength of the cast; each member oozing proficiency in clarity, expression and timbre. The songs provide great variety, some being used cleverly to develop character, interspersed with gusty choruses from 'the entire company'- every movement is choreographed with panache and
fine detail. Music is voraciously led from the electric piano by James Cleeve, including flute, clarinet, percussion, trumpet and cello, (I couldn't discern a single wrong note)! Costumes and scenery are very impressive. Each performer shows professional sparkle and excellence, but the extra gush and tingle factor came for me as Wendi Peters powerfully and reliably let rip from the very first note of 'Don't Quit While You're Ahead', right up to the end of the show, inspiring those around her superbly, with a stirringly excellent finale, she is now, historically, a Music Hall Star! Finally, the serious strands of this Dickensian feast are subtly brought together in 'The Writing On The Wall' by Edwin Drood (Natalie Day), who sings with great feeling and emotion. Dickens was himself a successful entertainer, so would have loved this delightful production - he would also have savoured the argument, mystery and stimulation of debate, and would have adored the excitement in the audience. This novel is well documented as the most discussed of all, and for good reason. The production has grown tremendously beyond the Landor, and I did write that I believed it should get to the West End- the obvious courage, determination and graft that has gone into 'Drood' has paid off splendidly. The intimate, comfortable Arts Theatre, is a delightful venue. Does more await? Certainly it is good enough! The timing is right, celebrating 200 years of the great man. In any event, again, congratulations to the cast, production team and Director Matthew Gould.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 23 May 2012 11:53
 Thank you everyone who came to Monday's
Talk about Charles Dickens and the East End,
and for the kind comments received. My own thanks to Father Michael for being an excellent
 host at his historic Hawksmoor Church, St George In The East. Thanks also to Martha Leigh, who
was so interesting about 'the old days' life in
Wapping |
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 20 May 2012 12:31
 Splendid event and most enjoyable, sharing a historic, traditional custom, reminding us of important values which are still as valid today, despite all the apparant change around us. There are many more photos available, please contact me at chriswandco@yahoo.co.uk.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 20 May 2012 10:50
 My next Talk tomorrow, 21st May,
will include many references to
Charles Dickens, during the 40 years
plus that he was involved with the
 East End. Martha Leigh will bring alive
just what it was like to live in Wapping
'in the old days'.
The splendid St George In The East
Church will be our historic venue,
then people are welcome to join us for drinks or coffee in the bar at
 nearby, Wiltons Music Hall, famouslyknown as the first Music Hall ever.
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 19 May 2012 08:03
 Wendi Peters stars as Princess Puffer in a revival of Rupert Holmes’ 1986 musical version of Dickens’,The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, which transfers to the Arts Theatre this week (22 May-17 June) following its recent run at the Landor. I was pleased to have reviewed
the show when it was at the Landor, and am thrilled that they are now
deservedly opening in the West End. It's a very strong cast, sparklingly
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charlesdickenslondon: Posted on 17 May 2012 09:34
 The East End was well known
to Charles Dickens. He visited
Rookeries with the police, loved
the stage attractions at Hoxton
and Hackney, and featured
Limehouse, Whitechapel and
Docklands in Dombey and Son
and Our Mutual Friend.
These will all be discussed in my locally at Hussey Quality Butchers
in Wapping.-
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