London • Stories • Legacy
About Me
Charles Dickens wrote his stories to be heard. I bring them to life in much the same way.
A personal introduction
I’m Oliver Dickens
For the final seventeen years of his life, Dickens toured Britain and America giving public readings of his own work. His first public reading took place in 1853, and what began as an occasional reading developed into a hugely successful second career as a performer.
He had always wanted to be an actor.
I rather like the fact that I can now follow him onto the stage.
My aim is to bring life not only to the books, but to the way Dickens himself experienced and presented his stories — using his own words and, where possible, his own edits and adaptations.
Because Dickens was never simply a name on a bookshelf.
He was a living, breathing storyteller.
From Libraries to Livery Halls
A (Vast,) Vibrant Variety of Vignettes
Of course, Dickens wrote rather a lot besides one particularly famous Christmas story. I perform a range of Dickens' works and dramatic pieces, allowing audiences to experience the humour, darkness, absurdity and extraordinary humanity that runs throughout his writing.
The Trial of Pickwick: A hilarious courtroom fiasco from The Pickwick Papers, inspired by Dickens' early experiences as a court journalist.
The Murder of Nancy: A darker and more dramatic piece from Oliver Twist, showcasing Dickens at his most intense and emotionally powerful.
The Signalman: An eerie ghost story and one of Dickens' most atmospheric Christmas tales.
7 Poor Travellers: A festive short story offering another wonderfully intimate glimpse into Dickens' storytelling.
I'm also currently working on a project centred around Martin Chuzzlewit — one of Dickens' lesser-known novels, but one he himself regarded extremely highly.
A city of contrasts
Dickens, Performed Rather Than Merely Remembered
There is something rather different about hearing Dickens performed aloud.
His writing is full of rhythm, character, humour and extraordinary turns of phrase. But Dickens understood that the written word could become something altogether more powerful when spoken directly to an audience.
He knew how to perform.
So that is what I try to do.
Through one-man performances, dramatic readings and talks, I bring Dickens' characters, stories and observations to life for modern audiences — continuing the tradition that Dickens himself established during his years as a public performer.
Whether you're a devoted Dickens enthusiast or haven't opened one of his books since school, my aim is simple:
to make you want to hear more.
Following in Dickens' Footsteps
A Christmas Carol
How many ghosts visit Scrooge? Three? Well, almost. Four, of course — Marley included.
My one-man performance of A Christmas Carol brings Scrooge, Marley, the spirits, Tiny Tim and the rest of Dickens' Christmas world vividly to life.
But there is rather more to Dickens' Christmas than ghosts.
There would be no Christmas without Dickens. Through A Christmas Carol and his other Christmas writing, he helped shape the traditions of family, generosity, charity and kindness that have become such an important part of the festive season.
So gather your audience, dim the lights and let Dickens do what he did best.
Tell a story.
Dickens didn't invent Christmas. He helped invent the Christmas we recognise.
From Libraries to Livery Halls
I perform in all sorts of settings, from libraries and literary societies to museums, historic buildings, churches, festivals, private events and grand halls.
I've performed at the Charles Dickens Museum, inside the Lloyd's of London building, at the Mansion House, Guildhall and Livery Halls, as well as in churches and historic properties throughout the UK and I’ve even read for the Queen!
Churches have a particularly interesting Dickensian connection. Dickens' monthly instalments could be read aloud in places such as churches, allowing those who could not read to enjoy the latest chapter.
In a way, it was the beginning of the modern-day soap opera. Nearly two centuries later, I'm rather pleased to be carrying those stories into the same sorts of spaces. Whether you're looking for a full performance, a dramatic reading or a talk about Dickens, I can tailor the experience to suit your audience and occasion.
Three Generations of Dickens
A Dickensian Christmas
Dickens didn't invent Christmas. He helped invent the Christmas we recognise.
Christmas existed long before Charles Dickens, naturally. But Dickens played an enormous part in shaping the way we think about it today.
There would be no Christmas without Dickens. Through A Christmas Carol and his other Christmas writing, he helped shape our ideas of family, generosity, charity, kindness and togetherness. He made Christmas feel like more than simply another holiday — a time to gather together, share a meal, celebrate our good fortune and remember those less fortunate than ourselves.
At the same time, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped introduce German traditions such as Christmas trees, decorations and gift-giving.
Together, these influences helped shape the Christmas we recognise today. And every December, I get to play my own small part in that tradition.
From A Christmas Carol to eerie ghost stories and festive readings, I perform throughout the UK and internationally.
Dickens Around the World
A Rather Unusual Family Connection
There are plenty of people who love Charles Dickens. Rather fewer can claim him as an ancestor. I am a direct descendant of Charles Dickens, and that family connection is an extraordinary privilege.
But the stories have already earned their place. It is me who has to live up to them.
My training at LAMDA, my experience as an actor and, above all, my love of language all help me attempt that.
Dickens understood audiences. He knew when to make them laugh, when to frighten them, when to outrage them and when to make them care. He also understood the extraordinary power of a well-chosen word. That is something I share with him. And when I perform his work, I want the audience to feel that power for themselves.
Following in Dickens' Footsteps
What Can I Bring to Your Event?
Performances: One-man performances and dramatic readings bringing Dickens' stories and characters to life.
Talks: Engaging talks exploring Dickens' life, works, language, characters and extraordinary career as a public performer.
Literary & Cultural Events: A Dickensian addition to libraries, literary societies, museums, festivals and cultural programmes.
Charity & Private Events: Performances and readings for charity appeals, private gatherings, corporate occasions and special celebrations.
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
One family. One story. Three generations.
Bring Dickens to Life
Whether you're organising a library event, literary evening, Dickens festival, charity performance, corporate occasion or private gathering, I'd love to hear from you.
I bring Dickens' own words, his characters and the tradition of his public performances to modern audiences — with a little help from my LAMDA training and a rather unusual family connection.
Charles Dickens. His words. His world. Brought to life.
07771 333809
Email me using the contact form.
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.
Charles Dickens
