Rebecca Smart (right) as Jane Austen and Barbie Davies as her sister Cassandra in
their play ‘Pictures of Perfection' in the Austen's family dining room in Chawton Hants
Professional character actor John Tallents brings Charles Dickens to life in Dickens's library in London's Doughty Street.
Bringing Literature to Life
One of the pleasures derived from reading great literature can be delving into the history and lives of the authors themselves. The Living Literature Society has been formed to offer its members unique informative and entertaining live literary events, many in the former homes of some of our greatest fiction writers: exclusive live theatrical performances or readings in character will bring your favourite author to life.
The Living Literature Society focuses on well-known characters in literature and history; authors of Victorian literature including Wilde, the Brontës, Trollope, Hardy and Disraeli, along with the literary greats from twentieth century literature such as Evelyn Waugh, Conan Doyle and Orwell.
Our events diary will be interspersed with a variety of quality, yet informal literary events, ranging from talks on modern English novels by well-known authors of 21st century fiction and non-fiction to walks and visits to the favourite haunts of the great writers and the characters that crop up in their novels.
Our team of dedicated professional actors will also offer a variety of performances in less formal surroundings from specially written monologues and plays to short stories and poetry.
Every event is catered to the highest standard, from an extensive buffet supper with wine (not forgetting coffee and pudding) to a champagne reception with canapés or traditional afternoon tea. The added bonus of joining our society is that you will be mixing with others who share your love of literature, history and the arts.
The Society is run in conjunction with Storyline Journeys, which offers top flight ‘living literature’ events for discerning overseas visitors.