Party Bookings

Why not book a party to come along and see my Secret World of Charles Dickens show? You can find out more from the headings below:

What is Involved
Choice of Venue
Cost
Add-Ons
Next Step

What is Involved

I have found two venues which are ideal for performing my show, both of which are located in a place in London that have a strong connection with Dickens. In order for it to proceed, I need a party of at least 20 people. 

One venue, in the City of London, is restricted to a Monday or Tuesday night: and it is also limited to a maximum of 35 people.  The other venue is in Highgate and there are no restrictions on numbers.  It is available every night of the week apart from Saturday. Please note that the show and experience will be exactly the same in both.

Choice of Venues

1. Lauderdale House, Highgate

Lauderdale house, on Highgate Hill, was built in 1582 as a private home for three-times Lord Mayor of London, Sir Richard Martin: it backs onto the delightful 26 acre Waterlow Park, which offers a lovely scenic view across the City of London. At the bottom end of the park lies Highgate Cemetery, where Dickens' parents, and his little daughter, Dora Annie, are buried.

Just up the road from Highgate Hill is Church House, in South Grove: said to be the residency of Mrs Steerforth from David Copperfield.

"The stage-coach stopped with us at an old brick house at Highgate on the summit of the hill. An elderly lady...was in the doorway as we alighted..."
Steerforth's Home, Chapter 20, David Copperfield

Towards the bottom of Highgate Hill is a small statute of Whittington's cat.

"He went through Islington; strode up the hill at Highgate on which stands the stone in honour of Whittington; turned down to Highgate Hill, unsteady of purpose..."
The Flight of Sikes, Chapter 48, Oliver Twist

The exact location of Lauderdale House can be found here.

Lauderdale House is available every day of the week, apart from Saturdays.

2. The Crosse Keys, City of London

The Crosse Keys is a spacious 'Wetherspoon' pub in Gracechurch Steet in the centre of the city of London, close to Monument and Bank; undoubtedly one of their flagship venues. A plaque on the front, recalls that a famous coaching inn stood near the site.

Leading off the top of Gracechurch Street is Cornhill, where Bob Cratchit celebrated that Scrooge had given him Christmas Day off.

"[Bob Crachit] went down a slide on Cornhill, at the end of a lane of boys, twenty times, in honour of its being Christmas Eve..."
Stave I, Marley's Ghost, A Christmas Carol

Mid-way down Gracechurch Street is Lombard Street. At No. 1 was the banking house of Smith, Payne & Smith: the manager was John Beadnell, uncle of Maria Beadnell, who was Dickens' first great love. However her parents forbade the marriage.

Off Lombard Street is George Yard, where the George & Vulture Inn still stands. This is where Sam Weller and Mr Pickwick took up their quarters after leaving Mrs Bardwell in Goswell Street – later of course Mr Pickwick went to trial and was sentenced for Breach of Promise.

"'I say, old boy, where do you hang out?' Mr Pickwick replied that was at present suspended at the George and Vulture."
Chapter XXX, How The Pickwickians Made and Cultivated the Acquaintance, Pickwick Papers

The exact location of The Crosse Keys can be found here.

Please note that The Crosse Keys is only available Monday to Thursday.

Cost

The cost of the show depends on the number in your party, with the minimum number being 20. If however, you are close to that number, let me know. And I might be able to find some extra people to make up the numbers.  The extra cost of £5 per head for Lauderdale House for parties up to 35 reflects the higher cost of hiring the venue.

Cost Per Person for Two Hour Show, including Interval

Number of Persons in Party	20 - 35	35 - 100	When Available
Lauderdale House, Highgate	£20	£15	Every evening, apart from Saturday
The Crosse Keys, City of London	£15	n/a	Monday & Tuesday only

Add-On

Part of the advantage of the venues is that they both include additional Dickensian activites - which are nearby.

Near Lauderdale House, within five minutes walk, is Highgate Cemetery. The Cemetery is where the graves of Dickens's parents and his daughter are located.  The website for Highgate Cemetery can be found here. 

The Crosse Keys is in the centre of London, where guided tours take place of special interest to lovers of Dickens.  I have arranged a special rate with one of the top guides - which could take place in the afternoon prior to the show.

Next Step

 with the venue and date you are interested in. Obviously both myself and the venue have to be available, so that needs to be checked out first.  After that everything can be sorted out by phone (020 7263 02610), email or whatever.

And of course if you have any questions, .