Several years ago, our small town, was graced by a visit from Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great grandson of the author 'A Christmas Carol '.
It was the highlight of the town's Victorian Christmas Festival, a seventy -five minute on stage performance and one-man show of a descendant of the beloved author Charles Dickens.
Gerald Dickens performed the dramatization with just a chair, a hat stand, a candle, his top hat, and a walking stick for props. The rest of the show was brought to life with his voice, facial expression, mannerisms, and energy.
Since the story is so well known, Dickens said he didn't have to worry too much about explaining the plot.
Everyone loved the story, and a closeness and camaraderie developed in the audience as we watched a talented storyteller enact his great-great grandfather's story with love and passion.
Fortunately for me, the audience struggled to understand the actor's Cockney accent. It created dead silence voids, where an appropriate applauding should have followed a punch line.
Mr. Dickens had been making note of this, and asked if I would accompany him on stage and help the audience participation, with a few prompting gestures.
*Gulp*
Would I accompany him on stage ?
Needless to say it was the best Christmas gift I could have received, and dare say, everyone in this town, is still talking about it to this very day.......
I know I am
*Wink*.
"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
A Christmas Carol ~Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge,
"To Josephine
my Warrington friend".
~ Gerald Charles
13 comments:
Oh, how wonderful! What an honor to have been up there with him, doing the "translation" bit. :-)
I remember and that is a great gift.
That must have been fun Jo. Who knew you were a ham? I'd have been turned to stone in front of everyone. I'm too shy. Wish I would have been there.
Oh what a delightful story. And what a treat for you, and Mr. Dickens.
That is wonderful and lucky you. It sounds like you had a lovely time. And love the pictures.
My very favorite Christmas story! I have several DVD versions and the book. How awesome to see it performed by Dickens' great great grandson! And how wonderful you got to participate! My husband and in-laws had cockney accents so I was quite used to it. My husband's wasn't as strong, having lived in the states since he was a teenager.
What a marvelous experience, for you.
Of course, you will remember it happily, for many, many years.
Happy Christmas Season hugs,
Tessa~
Oh my, I would have been a nervous wreck. I'm sure you were absolutely perfect! I love the Christmas Carol and just have to see it again every Christmas.
I found you through Melanie's blog and have been enjoying all I am seeing and reading. I will be back.
Your cats are wonderful.
I am a great fan of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol is my favorite book.It teaches some powerful lessons.
I've enjoyed my visit with you.
I can see how that would have been a very special time. A direct relative is so special and he is so creative to share his g g grandfathers work.
Great story and thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience! Such fun.
Thought I would let you know .... i went to see Gerald Charles enact A Christmas Carol at St Georges Hall Liverpool, England yesterday evening and I agree with you it certainly is a marvellous show. I first saw him two years ago around Xmas time and again at St Georges Hall. This is the place his G G Grandfather did so much of his readings outside of London and he visited Liverpool often. I do love your blog and lots of warm wishes and blessings come your way from over the pond. Have a wonderful Xmas. xx
He performed in our town several years ago. He is amazing!!!
Blessings,
Kim
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