Friday 13th December sees the The Dickens Project re-open its gates for a two-week long celebration of Charles Dickens and his work, which is centred on A Christmas Carol, but features so much more as well.

The Dickens Project is presented by Storyfests SL and will take place on land provided for the project through the generosity of Thinkerer Melville at the Greek Archon Theatre in Cookie. It will comprise daily presentations (in Voice) of Dickens’ seasonal classic, A Christmas Carol, together with a special presentation of the story by the Avatar Repertory Theatre, as well as encompassing elements of his other works in an inateractive, immersive setting.

The project first opened its doors over Christmas 2012, as a part of global celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth. Over the course of two weeks, thousands of visitors passed through the project’s gates, explored the life and times of Charles Dickens and attended presentations of A Christmas Carol and other works by the author. This year marks the next steps in the dream of creating a totally immersive environment for the enjoyment of live readings from the vast Dickens canon of works.

At the start of December, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a very special presentation of A Christmas Carol which featured the talents of Caledonia Skytower, (who has conceived, directed and produced The Dickens Project), Kayden Oconnell and Shandon Loring. “Special”, because the event featured audiences in both the real and virtual worlds, as Caledonia Skytower (Judith Cullen in real life) sat before an audience in Tacoma, Washington. As such, I can very thoroughly, and at first hand, recommend at least one visit to the Project this year for anyone with a love of Dickens’ work or for the telling of wonderful tales through the medium of voice.

The Schedule

The following presents the performance schedule as it stood on Thursday December 12th; however, as both the real and virtual worlds can be unpredictable, please be sure to check with the Storyfests SL blog for any revisions or additions to events or timings.

The main readings of A Christmas Carol will take place twice daily to offer audiences a choice of times to attend. Additional events are as currently indicated. As ever, all times are SLT.

All performances are free, but donations will be accepted on behalf of War Child North America.

Friday December 13th, 2013

12:00 noon – Dickens’ Christmas Short Stories – Caledonia Skytower in Dickens Square

– Caledonia Skytower in Dickens Square 17:00 – A Christmas Carol (an adaptation by Ada Radius) – Avatar Repertory Theatre.

Sunday, December 15th

Noon – Other Works of Dickens: Chapter Ten from Little Dorrit “Containing the Whole Science of Government” with Klannex Northmead.

Monday, December 16th: A Christmas Carol: Stave One, “Marley’s Ghost”

13:00 – Dubhna Rhiadra

Dubhna Rhiadra 17:00 – Kayden Oconnell.

Tuesday, December 17th: A Christmas Carol: Stave Two, “The First of Three Spirits”

Opening of “Christmas Past” to guests

13:00 – Corwyn Allen

– Corwyn Allen 18:00 – Caledonia Skytower.

Wednesday, December 18th: A Christmas Carol: Stave Three, “The Second of Three Spirits”

Opening of “Christmas Present” to guests

14:00 – Ixmal Supermarine

– Ixmal Supermarine 18:00 – Kayden Oconnell.

Thursday, December 19th: A Christmas Carol: Stave Four, “The Last of the Spirits”

Opening of “Christmas Yet to Come” to guests

Opening of “Christmas Yet to Come” to guests 13:00 – Dubhna Rhiadra

– Dubhna Rhiadra 17:00 – Corwyn Allen

– Corwyn Allen 21:00 – Dickens Late Night with Caledonia Skytower, Shandon Loring and Finn Zeddmore.

Friday, December 20th: A Christmas Carol, Stave Five “The End of It”

13:00 – Ixmal Supermarine

Ixmal Supermarine 17:00 – Kayden Oconnell

– Kayden Oconnell 21:00 – Dickens Late Night with Caledonia Skytower and Kayden Oconnell.

Sunday, December 22nd: Other Works of Dickens

12:00 noon – selections from Mrs. Lirriper’s Legacy with Freda Frostbite.

Monday, December 23rd: A Christmas Carol (Part 1)

16:00 – Caledonia Skytower with a possible repeat at 21:00.

Tuesday, December 24th: A Christmas Carol (Part 2)

16:00 – Caledonia Skytower.

Thursday, December 26th: Other Works of Dickens

Times & Titles to be announced.



Friday, December 27th

The Dickens Project closes

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