Are you new to our corner of Dickens' London? If so, let us provide you with tools you'll need to find your way around. And, if you've visited before, perhaps we might offer a new suggestion or two--a favorite shop or entertainment to enhance your enjoyment.

For the Newcomer & Veteran

Deepen your experience of "Dickens' London" by preparing for your excursion into the world of Mr. Charles Dickens' imagination. We recommend the following websites and movies for your pleasure:

The Novels

"Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind-stone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster."  (From C. Dickens, A Christmas Carol).
 
With this vivid description, we are plunged into Dickens' world with imagery and charm. Find out what other characters, places and experiences will come to life for you by diving into the original novels, full of stories told as only the master could do. Learn more about each of Dickens' novels and read them online at: http://charlesdickenspage.com/

The Movies

A Christmas Carol

here are so many film adaptations of this story, but one of our all-time favorites is the 1984 version with George C. Scott and David Warner. Aside from the great acting, the street scenes have a look and feel that Dickens Fair set designers have worked hard to recreate: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-George-C-Scott
 
Another popular favorite is the Alastair Sim version from 1951 called simply Scrooge! Fun, poignant and with great characterizations, it stars the delightful Albert Finney as the main character: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Ultimate-Collectors

Oliver Twist

Again, there are so many film adaptations it's hard to choose, and sadly most versions leave out large chunks of the story (especially the 1968 musical version), but we very much like the character portrayals and amazing costumes in this particular one: http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Mark-Lester
 
And surely not to be missed is the 1948 version with Alec Guinness as Fagin and Anthony Newley as the Artful Dodger:
http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Twist-Collection-RobertNewton

Recordings

By far the best is the Patrick Stewart Christmas Carol reading available on iTunes or for purchase through Amazon. It's truly wonderful and is worth listening to and enjoying over and over: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Reissue-Charles-Dickens

The "Other Books"

As you partake of this literary bounty, be encouraged to explore the "other books," out of which you will discover many engaging characters in the streets of the Fair: Nicholas Nickelby, David Copperfield (considered the closest story to the author's autobiography), The Pickwick Papers, Bleak House, Martin Chuzzlewit, Little Dorrit, Our Mutual Friend (your editor's personal favorite), and more. As you wander London Town, you might find yourself tipping your hat or offering a curtsy to any one of the characters found in these marvelous works!

YouTube Links

You may find most of the movies mentioned above (and additional versions) at the following YouTube sites:
 
A Christmas Carol
1984 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB8IxquZYvs&feature=related
1951 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxXpXmfabB8
 
Oliver Twist
1968 version (due to copyright issues, only selected scenes are available):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siWscozkRr0&feature=related
1933 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4yT4lBe9PE
1948 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Y01pI5LG8&feature=related
1997 version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlVXyO-zmJY

Costumes

Victorian costumes are encouraged but not required for our patrons. Please feel free to 'come as you are' to enjoy your adventure into Dickens' London. The costume guidelines provided on this website are very complete and are intended for "Participants" in the event (performers & vendors).  If you are a guest, please enjoy the costume information on this site as a resource to help you get into the spirit and play along at any level you wish.  Even a hat or bonnet will make you feel like you are stepping back in time with us! Special note: please do not come dressed as Father Christmas, Ebeneezer Scrooge or other main characters from Dickens' works. See our public costume policy for more information.

"Fan the flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship;
and pass the rosy wine" ~ Charles Dickens