Introduced by Tony Lidington as Alfred, Custodian of the Hall.

A series of three specially commissioned stories inspired by London's Egyptian Hall - 'England's Home of Mystery & Many Illusions', which stood in Piccadilly for most of the 19th Century. The recordings were made in front of an invited audience at the Concert Artistes' Association in Covent Garden. The first tale is read by award-winning radio actor, Miriam Margolyes.

London's Egyptian Hall was originally built in 1812 to house collections of curiosities brought back from the most remote and mysterious parts of the globe - from the South Seas, North & South America and Africa. But it soon became the venue for extraordinary spectaculars, panoramas and pseudo scientific demonstrations - such as Britain's first ever films, illusions, magic and freak shows. By the end of the 19th Century, it had become known as 'England's Home of Mystery and Many Illusions', under the management of the renowned magician, Maskelyne. It became the centre of magic and spiritualism where new acts were demonstrated and charlatans exposed.

It is this rich legacy that has inspired these three stories - which are as quirky, mysterious and surprising as the curiosities themselves!

Each tale is introduced by Alfred - the custodian of the Hall (played by Tony Lidington) - who tells us a little of the Hall's history, before each story.

Miriam Margolyes tells the tale of artist Benjamin Robert Haydon, whose exhibition at the Egyptian Hall was eclipsed by the hugely popular American midget, General Tom Thumb. With Tony Lidington as Alfred, the Custodian of the Hall.

Written by John Peacock
Read by Miriam Margolyes

Producer: David Blount
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4. Show less