Talks & Speaking Engagements

Did you know that Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to Manchester? Or that he visited the Portico Library in 1844? That he performed on stage in the city, that Manchester played a crucial role in the creation of one of his most famous books, or that his much-loved sister made her home here?

Come along to the Portico Library on 7 March to hear Lucinda Hawksley (great great great granddaughter of Charles and Catherine Dickens) uncover more about the author’s connections with the city.

There will be a chance to see some first editions of Dickens’ books and his sign in in the Portico Stranger’s Book. This is a fundraising activity for Portico Reunited.

An incredible opportunity to meet writer and broadcaster Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens. Lucinda will explore the life and enduring influence of her celebrated ancestor, with exciting insights into his continuing relevance to today’s audiences.

Refreshments and book sales will be available on the night.

All ages (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult).

Celebration event. Advance booking essential.

Lucinda’s talk is entitled ‘The Original Boz: the Life and Lies of Augustus Dickens’.

By the winter of 1843 Charles Dickens was in trouble. His most recent book series, Martin Chuzzlewit, was not selling well. His wife, Catherine, was pregnant with their fifth child and he was facing financial difficulties, made worse when his publishers threatened to drop his income if his book sales did not improve. Under pressure, Dickens decided to embark upon an entirely new project. Drawing upon his experience of the desperate poverty he saw in London and Manchester, and determined to open people’s hearts to the extremity of need all around him, he picked up his quill and created one of the most famous books in English literary history.

This December, join the 3x great granddaughter of Charles Dickens, Lucinda Hawksley, as she examines the remarkable story of A Christmas Carol. Examining Dickens’s early childhood, the beginnings of his literary career and the pressures of juggling his new found fame with his young family, Lucinda will explore how A Christmas Carol came to be written and unpicks the impact of this most famous of Christmas stories. …

This event is free to attend.

This is a hybrid talk, you may book either online or onsite tickets. As this is a high demand event, please only book an onsite ticket if you know you will be able to attend. 

Bah, humbug? Not a chance! “What the Dickens?” is a sparkling celebration of words, music and theatre that’s guaranteed to chase away the winter gloom. Join Portsmouth’s poets, authors and performers as they reimagine Dickens’ best-loved characters with a festive twist – from Scrooge himself to the ghosts that still haunt our imaginations.

Expect dramatic performances, immersive storytelling, and a rousing sing-along to warm even the chilliest of hearts. Highlights include a special reading from Tim Suffolk of the Dickens Fellowship and a spirited performance from a local choir.

It’s a night of merriment, mischief and magic – a tribute to Dickens with a modern Portsmouth flavour.

Step back in time this Christmas and experience the historic home of Charles Dickens in a truly unique guided tour. 

You’ll begin your evening with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie upon arrival, where you’ll be introduced to Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, patron of the Charles Dickens Museum and the 3x great granddaughter of Charles Dickens. 

From there you’ll be immersed into the world of Charles Dickens, touring through his historic London home with Lucinda as your expert guide, learning about the life and times of this incredible writer, and how – among other things – he came to write his immortal novella, A Christmas Carol.