Nov 21, 2011

Dickens Descendent Celebrates Author’s 200th Birthday in Philadelphia

Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great grandson of famed writer Charles Dickens, is coming to the Free Library of Philadelphia on Dec. 9 to help celebrate his ancestor’s upcoming 200th birthday.

The author of classic novels such as A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities will turn 200 on Feb. 7, 2012. The Free Library of Philadelphia, home to one of the finest collections of Charles’ works in the world—as well as his stuffed pet raven, Grip—will mark this milestone by giving Gerald a private tour of the Dickens collection. Grip is rumored to have been the inspiration behind Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. This private tour is part of the library system’s year-long tribute celebration to the esteemed author, called “Year of Dickens 2012.”

Philadelphia is not only home to one of the finest Dickens literary collections in the world, but also has one of only two statues of the British author anywhere. It is located in Clark Park, part of the Fairmount Park Association. The only other monument is located in Australia, but is not life-size like the one in West Philly. Gerald will visit Clark Park on Dec. 9, too.

Dickens to Perform in Bucks County, Pa.

“I love having the chance to carry on my family’s legacy on an international stage,” said Gerald. “It is especially important to recognize Charles’ birthday in Philadelphia, as my great-great grandfather was particularly fond of the city. This is part of the reason why I come back to perform in this area each year, and why I look forward to celebrating his 200th birthday at the library.”

Gerald tours the U.S. every holiday season with his one-man show of A Christmas Carol, in which he plays the roles of all 26 characters. Byers’ Choice, makers of the world-famous, handcrafted Caroler figurines, will host these performances at its workshop on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., and at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

“Gerald is a good friend to the Byers family and we’re honored to host an internationally acclaimed performer like him each year,” said Bob Byers Jr., President of Byers’ Choice. “While it’s Christmas 365 days a year at our Chalfont workshop, we love treating fans to these special performances every holiday season. Charles Dickens’ ‘Christmas Carol’ tale obviously ties directly to our Caroler products and serves as the perfect inspiration for many of our designs.”

Gerald often performs to sold-out crowds nationally, as the actor and playwright enjoys introducing Charles’ works to both youth and adults. He has taken his workshops and performances into schools and universities throughout the U.S., as well as England, and bases his plays off of Charles’ own energetic readings of the 1860s.

For more information about Gerald Charles Dickens, his U.S. tour schedule and how to purchase tickets for the Byers’ Choice shows, please visit www.byerschoice.com.

To learn more about the Free Library and its “Year of Dickens 2012,” visit www.freelibrary.org/dickens.