21March 2018

Charles Dickens: The Man and his Life through his Characters

Bertie Pearce BA MIMC

Charles John Huffam Dickens, regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, was born in 1812. Largely self educated, he was recognised even in his own time as something of a literary genius, with 15 major novels to his name as well as countless short stories and articles.

Dickens created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters - a staggering array of wonderful personalities with orphans, starving children, misers, murderers and abusive school teachers among them. People such as Mr Micawber, Fagin and Miss Havisham remain in one’s literary psyche long after the books are put down.

In his presentation Bertie Pearce looks at the life and places of Dickens while interspersing the events with readings of his works. A truly Dickensian experience!

 

Bertie Pearce BA MIMC

Bertie Pearce is a Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. He has performed all over the world with his magic shows, Punch & Judy, cabaret and pantomime, and has lectured for The Arts Society since 2009.
He had an early interest in drama, and a fascination with conjuring inherited from his grandfather who was a classic amateur conjurer of the day. A graduate of Manchester University, Bertie went on to the Ecole Internationale du Theatre Jaques Lecoq in Paris. After summer seasons and pantomimes he performed on cruise ships for some years where unwitting passengers often provided material for future entertainments.
Bertie Pearce has been honoured by both the Magic Circle (Carlton Comedy Award) and The International Brotherhood of Magicians (Award for Originality).
Bertie last visited us in 2013 and some members will undoubtedly recall a very entertaining evening.