Shows
Mr Dickens is Coming!
A light-hearted and varied look at the life and character of Charles Dickens. Gerald uses scenes from the great author’s works, diary extracts and observations from those who knew and worked with him. With its fresh and modern perspective, Mr Dickens is Coming! has always proved a popular show, running either in a one or two act form.
Sikes and Nancy
This is Victorian theatre at its most dramatic. Most of Charles’ readings were safe, well-known and often comic passages from his novels, but in 1869 he introduced Sikes and Nancy to his repertoire. When Dickens performed what he called ‘The Murder’ he judged the success of the evening by the number of ladies who fainted in horror. Today it has lost none of its power.
The Signalman
Charles Dickens is well known for his ghost stories but The Signalman is the most atmospheric of them all. In a deep, damp railway cutting a lonely signalman tells his terrible tale to a complete stranger. The signal box, the tunnel, even the telegraph wires seem to haunt him at every turn and Gerald’s performance captures the brooding nature of the original.
A Christmas Carol
Popular at any time of year, Gerald’s performance of A Christmas Carol has received standing ovations all over the world.
Using his own adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, Gerald plays over 30 characters using vocal and physical talents to bring each scene vividly to life.
A Christmas Carol is available as a one or two act performance
Nicholas Nickleby
Inspired by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 8-hour epic production of Nicholas Nickleby, Gerald’s version packs the plot into just one hour.
Travelling with Nicholas across the country we meet some of Charles Dickens’ greatest characters: Wackford Squeers, Smike, Vincent Crummles, Newman Noggs, Sir Mulberry Hawk and many others. Nicholas Nickleby shows Charles Dickens off to his glorious theatrical best
Doctor Marigold
Doctor Marigold was one of Charles Dickens most popular readings. Marigold is a market Cheap Jack, named in honour of a doctor who assisted at his birth.
On the surface he is a trader with a witty, rapid sales-patter, but underneath there lays a story both moving and heartbreaking. Although little known today, Doctor Marigold still moves audiences as it did in Charles’ day
Great Expectations
Great Expectations is known as one of Charles’ greatest novels and is Gerald’s personal favourite. His adaptation takes Pip from the lonely cold Kent marshes and follows his journey into the respectable society of London. Along the way we meet some of Dickens’ most memorable creations: Miss Haversham, Estella, Herbert Pocket, Mr Jaggers, Wemmick and the Aged P. Although simply staged Great Expectations is truly dramatic