Dickens' great-great-grandson to perform ‘A Christmas Carol’

Wed, 11/22/2017 - 7:15am

    On Monday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m., the Maine Historical Society (MHS) will present “A Christmas Carol” at the historic First Parish Church, 425 Congress St., Portland performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of literary icon, Charles Dickens.

    Gerald Dickens, an actor and producer from Oxford, England, bears more than a passing resemblance to his famous ancestor, Charles. According to Gerald, his great-great-grandfather adored theater and initially wanted to be an actor but pursued writing as a career for practical purposes.

    This performance is offered in the spirit of Charles Dickens’ tour of the U.S. in 1867 where he read his literary works before spellbound audiences. Historians report that “A Christmas Carol” was Charles Dickens’ favorite piece to perform.

    During his energetic one-man show, Gerald Dickens conjures “A Christmas Carol” with just a table, wing chair and hat rack accompanying him on stage. As he leaps, sobs, and laughs, 26 characters of the classic tale are brought vividly to life. Gerald has created different postures and voices for each character, achieving this so adeptly that the audience has no doubt about “who is who,” so to speak.

    Tickets: $25 MHS members / $35 general admission / $15 for age 18 and under. Note: All photographs, audio and video recordings are prohibited during Mr. Dickens’ performances.