Between 1867 and 1869 Charles Dickens wrote a slim volume intended only for his children: The Life of Our Lord, retelling the story of Jesus Christ. Never intended for publication, The Life of Our Lord is said by some to be ‘the Dickens story we were never meant to see.’
To Begin With opens with is Charles Dickens spending an idyllic family holiday on The Isle of Wight, until his calm is shattered as he’s confronted by 12-year-old Algernon Swinburne who taunts him, calling him ‘That Christmas Man!’
To counter young Swinburne’s barbs Dickens creates a play to be performed for his own children on Christmas Eve to teach them the story of Christ, but during the process he is faced with dark aspects of his own past.
To Begin With is a script that is brilliant witty, insightful and entertaining, offering a unique glimpse into the struggles, temperament and creative process of a great writer.
Actor Gerald Dickens portrays his great great grandfather in a performance hailed as being ‘rich with nuance, humour, and a generous spirit.’ and ‘marvellously textured.’
Gerald’s return to Revelation will see To Begin With in its most natural setting. The show was originally produced and written for Gerald in America 10 years ago and this short tour will be the first time it has been performed in the UK.
NOTE: Show running time 90mins (no interval) followed by a short Q&A
Earlybird Full £13.50 Door £16
Earlybird U16 £10 Door £14
Booking Fees Apply
Address
Gerald Dickens - To Begin With
St Mary the Virgin Church
TN23 1QG
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