Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens c. 1860s

Charles Dickens is best known as the writer of novels such as A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, but he was also interested in the theatre and engaged in amateur theatricals.

Not So Bad As We Seem

Portrait of Charles Dickens in Amateur Theatricals performing as Captain Bobadil in Ben Jonson's Every Man in his Humour.

In May 1851 Charles Dickens arranged and performed in amateur theatricals at Devonshire House in London, owned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire. The main play on the bill was Not So Bad as We Seem, written by Dickens's friend Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Besides Dickens, the cast also included Wilkie Collins, John Tenniel, Mark Lemon, Augustus Egg, and Douglas Jerrold.

The production was then toured in aid of the Guild of Literature and Art. Tour dates included:

• 11 February 1852 - Free Trade Hall, Manchester. The second piece was Mr Nightingale's Diary.

Tavistock House Theatricals

The heading of a playbill for Charles Dickens's amateur theatricals at Devonshire House in London in 1851

In November 1851, Dickens moved to Tavistock House, where he was able to host his own amateur theatrical events.