Dates for your Diary January - December 2010
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January
Saturday January 16th
At Home with Benjamin Franklin
At the Benjamin Franklin House, nr Trafalgar Sq
Bringing to life the dramatic story of Benjamin Franklin at his only remaining home. This impressive townhouse in the heart of London is a historical gem and much more than just a collection of artefacts. A unique historical experience will give you a sense of the complexity of the man, his passions and the uncertain times in which he lived. Drinks, canapés and dinner (optional.)
February
Saturday February 27th
Crime writers' Literary Lunch
With highly acclaimed biographer Andrew Lycett. 'Conan Doyle - The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes' is a ground-breaking biography of the creator of Britain's best-loved detective. Crime writer Frances Fyfield will talk about her life' 'in crime' along with her latest novel. ' Cold to the Touch'. She learned about murder and crime while working as a solicitor for the Crown Prosecution Service. Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel Baker St.
March
Saturday March 19th
The Famous Miss Burney
Dr. Johnson’s House, Gough Square
This lively period piece is drawn by actress Karin Fernald from the unique journals and letters of Jane Austen’s favourite authoress, Fanny Burney (1752 – 1840). Fanny had an amazingly accurate memory for dialogue and many of her journals are in dramatic form and very funny indeed. Through the success of Evelina, her first novel, she came into contact with celebrities of the day such as Dr Johnson, David Garrick and Sheridan. According to Kate Chisholm, author of Fanny Burney: Her Life, this show is “A Lot Of Fun.”
April
Saturday April 10th
Hampstead Theatre Swiss Cottage
Andersen’s English - When Charles Dickens met Hans Christian Andersen
Private drinks reception. Special invitation for members to meet the director and cast after the performance.
Children’s writer Hans Christian Andersen arrives unannounced for a stay at Gad’s Hill Place, in the Kent marshes home to Charles Dickens and his family who appear to live a life of bliss. Andersen’s broken English prevents him from sensing the tensions and growing strangeness in the Dickens’s marriage. By award winning playwright Sebastian Barry. Directed by Max Stafford Clark starring Niamh Cusack, David Rintout and Danny Sepani.
Dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
Sunday April 25th
The Best of Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman, that curious combination of eccentricity and Englishness - key ingredients to his enduring popularity.
In his show, actor Lance Pierson tells the story of Betjeman’s heartbreaks and triumphs both through his most popular and significant poems and by weaving a narrative about the whimsical, self-deprecating, hilariously funny best- loved poet. Venue to be announced.
June
Sunday 13th
Walking in Oxford Among the Literary Greats
An afternoon in Oxford with a specially tailored literary tour of the colleges with eminent historian and BBC broadcaster Alastair Lack. It focuses on the beautiful Magdalen College
where Wilde, C.S Lewis and Betjeman were students; Hertford (Evelyn Waugh and John Donne and Christ Church Lewis Carroll and W.H. Auden and many more. Tea inc. Supper opt.
July
Sunday 11th
Lark Rise to Candleford - Walk in Flora Thompson’s Footsteps (Oxfordshire)
From Lark Rise (Juniper Hill) to Candleford (Fringford) and all the other places we’ve come to know. With well known author and historian Martin Greenwood. We are joined by the lovely Olivia Hallinan who plays Laura Timmins in the BBC TV production. Flora Thompson tells her story through Laura who is the central character. Dinner at the The Cartwright Hotel at Aynho, a former 16th Century Coaching Inn.
The Trail will include a walk round the unchanged hamlet of Juniper Hill and visiting the End House where Flora was born. Drive to Cottisford where she went to school. Walk round Fringford where Flora worked in the post office in the 1890s. Supper at The Unicorn Inn a seventeenth Century Coaching Inn where we’ll have the opportunity to talk to Olivia and how it feels to play Laura Timmins.
August
Sunday 22nd
Three-Quarters Joyce
An informal evening of food, wine and Theatrical entertainment.
In Woking Surrey
By the kind invitation of member Sue Stephens.
Actress Linda Shannon recreates some of the best-loved sketches of Joyce Grenfell, Comedienne and queen of the monologue. Tonight, Linda will become the characters of those monologues while telling you the story of Joyce’s extraordinary life.
September
Saturday September 25th
An Evening with Lytton Strachey with actor Tim Heath.
Learn more about this enigmatic literary character in this unique two part solo show of the semi-autobiographical Lytton Strachey by Himself and the more humorous Ermyntrude and Esmeralda. Well known author and close friend of John Maynard Keynes, Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell, he was the bearded doyen of the Bloomsbury Group. This show has delighted audiences at theatres and festivals throughout the UK and will take place at the Montague on the Garden Hotel in Bloomsbury. Drinks receptions and dinner afterwards.
October
Sunday October 24th
An afternoon and evening with Lewis Carroll.
Enjoy an afternoon, which begins with a two-hour tour of Lewis Carroll’s Oxford and finishes with actor Kevin Moore’s brilliant theatrical performance of Crocodiles in Cream. Well-known historian and BBC presenter Alastair Lack’s private tour includes Christ Church College, where the Rev. Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was a master.
In the evening, Kevin Moore gives his own interpretation of the complex and fascinating character of one of the country’s most appreciated authors. His performance has which has been performed throughout the UK including the National Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival has received critical acclaim. Crocodiles in Cream is devised and directed by David Horlock. Dinner at the excellent Pierre Victoire by popular demand.
November
Saturday November 27th
Meet the controversial writer DH Lawrence, author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
Actor Roy Spencer has perfected his one-man show that focuses on the life and works of this iconic literary figure. Our evening takes place at the lovely South London home of member Jill Geser which is not far from the small primary school where Lawrence taught.
December
Sunday 11th
Miss Havisham's Ghosts
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Fleet Street.
Celebrate Christmas with Great Expectations. Who will ever forget the moment when Pip is left alone with this frightening lady in her crumbling wedding dress never worn since being abandoned before her wedding 25 years ago! In this one-woman show actress Trish Knight-Webb presents the life and obsessions, which have governed Miss Havisham since childhood, and introduces you to this extraordinarily manipulative woman through a dramatic enactment of her final hours. Drinks and canapés first. Traditional Christmas Fayre follows the performance.
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