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15 Minute Drama

Dickens in London

Episode 4: The Uncommercial Traveller

Duration: 15 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FMLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 Extra

by Michael Eaton

Almost a decade on and Dickens is still night walking. But now it is because he can no longer sleep. His attitude towards the city has transformed: 'London is a vile place, I sincerely believe I see that great heavy canopy lowering over the housetops... the meanness of Regent Street...the abortive ugliness of Trafalgar Square...London is shabby by daylight, shabbier by gaslight.' Based upon his statement: 'Personal'- written in June 1858 - and The Uncommercial Traveller essays: His General Line Of Business; City of London Churches; The City of the Absent; Shy Neighbourhoods; Night Walks and Two views of a Cheap Theatre - written in 1860.

Cast
The Uncommercial Traveller ..... Alex Jennings
Catherine Dickens..... Jane Whittenshaw
Boy ..... Hugo Docking
Steerforth ..... Stuart McLoughlin
Policeman..... Brian Bowles
Waitress ..... Alex Tregear
Confectioner ..... Sean Baker
Music by Neil Brand
Directed by Jeremy Mortimer. Show less

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