The Orangery was full for the performance by Richard Hollis of his readings from Charles Dickens on the evening of December 19th. It was a highly skilful intermingling of the some of the principal events of Dickens’ life with readings from some of his novels.
We had the opening from Tale of Two Cities with local relevance in that it starts with the Dover bound stagecoach grinding up Shooters Hill in the mud. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” We remembered from Great Expectations the scene when Pip first encountered Miss Havisham in Satis House, still wearing her faded wedding finery. We were reminded of Oliver Twist’s courage in demanding “more gruel, please sir”. But best of all was a lengthy reading from a Christmas Carol including the appearance of Jacob Marley’s ghost, the warnings and prophecies of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, and the subsequent redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge and his welcome into the family of Bob Cratchit as his family sat down to a meagre Christmas dinner.
The audience were held spellbound throughout. Our thanks are due to the staff for setting up the event and serving the wine and nibbles so well. It was good too that the audience had the opportunity of applauding Mrs. Alexander who was with us for the occasion.
