Medway has been chosen as the ideal place to launch a new documentary into the life of its most famous former resident Charles Dickens.
The legendary Victorian writer has strong connections with the towns and is said to have loved Rochester, making it the perfect location to introduce the new television documentary and book – Charles Dickens’ England, Yourmedway reports.
It will be launched in front of the national press at the Medway Visitor Centre in Rochester High Street on Tuesday next week.
The insightful feature into Dickens’ life is presented and narrated by English film and stage actor Sir Derek Jacobi, with contributions from former politician Lord Hattersley.
Viewers will be taken on a journey through the towns and cities that became home to Dickens and his inspiration for some of his most famous and best-loved works.
The tale begins in Portsmouth, where the great writer was born, before focusing on locations such as London, Chatham, Rochester, Broadstairs, the Isle of Wight and Folkestone.
Dickens and his family moved to Chatham when he was a young boy and he went to school at the town’s William Giles School.
Each year Rochester Cathedral hosts a Charles Dickens Memorial Evensong to mark his death on June 9, 1870.
This year marked the 139th anniversary of his death and speaking at the event was his great, great granddaughter, Marion Lloyd, who said that he had loved Rochester so much that he wanted to be buried there, but instead his grave is at Westminster Abbey in Poets’ Corner.
Charles Dickens’ England is due to be aired on channel Sky Arts 2 in two parts, starting on October 4.
A deluxe photographic book will be published to accompany the series, as well as a DVD of the programme featuring footage that will be not be shown on television.
Writer and producer David Wilkinson said: “The original financiers of the production wanted to concentrate on Charles Dickens’ London, but I said no.
“Kent and Medway was such an important part of and influence on his life and work that we had to include it. I’m delighted that the press launch will take place in Rochester to mark that close association.”
Medway Council’s portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: “It is excellent news that we’ve been asked to launch this exciting new documentary, and I am sure that Rochester and Chatham’s beautiful and interesting locations and many links with Dickens’ works will provide a fascinating contribution to the programme.
Sir Derek will introduce the documentary and book with Mr Wilkinson at the visitor information centre at 2.30pm.
POSTED: 23/09/2009 08:00:00
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