Popular event with Gerald Dickens in Bramber

In part one, Gerald revives Dickens’s most admired portrayal of the trial scene from The Pickwick Papers. Having worked in the legal profession, Dickens had an intimate knowledge of how the system worked, laying it bare for all to see.

In this hilarious scene, Mr. Pickwick stands trial for a breach of promise of marriage to Mrs Bardell. We re-acquaint ourselves with the likes of Sergeant Buzzfuzz, Sam Weller and Mr Pickwick himself. In Part Two, Gerald depicts Dickens’s fascinating treatment of childhood.

In 1838, the same year as the appearance of Schumann’s suite for piano, Kinderscenen, Dickens was writing Oliver Twist.

We hear episodes from the novel, as well as from David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol.

Elizabeth Hayes illustrates the mood of the readings with Schumann’s music. She has played at many venues in Britain, including the Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Purcell Room, and Snape Maltings, She has made many concerto appearances and has received great acclaim.

This popular event takes place at 3.00pm on Saturday 21st June in the elegant Victorian Music Room at St Mary’s.

Tickets are £25 and include tea and Victorian-style cakes. These may be obtained from the box office at St Mary’s House, telephone 01903 816205, email [email protected], or visit the website www.stmarysbramber.co.uk.

Report and pictures contributed by St. Mary’s House, Bramber.