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714 The Real Charles Dickens (with Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas) | Dickens and the Theatre

Jul 7, 2025

Guest

Stephen Browning

Guest

Simon Thomas

Simon Thomas, a theater and literature writer for two decades, and Stephen Browning, author of works on literary London, delve into the vibrant life of Charles Dickens. They explore Dickens' challenging early years, his rise as a reporter, and his commitment to authenticity in storytelling. The discussion also highlights the theatrical elements in Dickens' writings, comparing them to Chekhov's styles. They reflect on his complex personal life, including his tumultuous marriage, and the real-life inspirations behind iconic characters like Ebenezer Scrooge.

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INSIGHT

Dickens' Rooted Theatrical Style

Dickens wrote with theatricality, envisioning characters as performers on a stage.
His stories use broad, quickly identifiable character traits to engage readers as an audience.

insights

INSIGHT

Dickens' Theatrical Character Introductions

Dickens introduced characters based on external appearances and actions as if on a stage.
His writing style mimics theatrical entrances to immediately convey character traits to the audience.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Christmas Eve Dickens Readings

Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas shared regular Dickens readings on Christmas Eve with friends.
Their gruff flatmate played a memorable Scrooge but often fell asleep just before midnight.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Celebrating Dickens: Life, Legacy, and Literary Journeys

02:23 • 5min

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Theatricality in Dickens and Chekhov

07:08 • 25min

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Exploring the Authenticity of Charles Dickens

31:43 • 3min

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Dickens: The Realism of Urban Life

34:43 • 12min

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Dickens: From Poverty to Prolific Writer

46:44 • 9min

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The Familial Burdens and Creative Triumphs of Charles Dickens

55:33 • 6min

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Theater and Turmoil: Dickens' Dual Life

01:01:30 • 18min

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Exploring the Origins of Ebenezer Scrooge

01:19:19 • 4min

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The Real Charles Dickens

Simon Thomas

Stephen Browning

The Lady with the Little Dog

And Other Stories

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov's 'The Lady with the Little Dog' explores the complexities of love and human connection through the story of Dmitri Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna. Gurov, a married man with a history of infidelity, meets Anna, a young woman vacationing with her husband, in Yalta. They begin an affair, initially viewing it as a trivial and fleeting encounter. However, as the story progresses, their feelings deepen, and they find themselves unable to forget each other after returning to their respective lives. The narrative delves into their inner turmoil and the challenges they face as they grapple with the unexpected and profound emotions that have disrupted their conventional existences. The story examines themes of disillusionment, the search for meaning, and the transformative power of love.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the final novel by Charles Dickens, left unfinished at his death in 1870, revolving around the disappearance of Edwin Drood and the complex relationships of the characters in the cathedral town of Cloisterham. The story centers on the opium-addicted choirmaster John Jasper, Edwin's uncle, and the tangled web of love, jealousy, and suspicion that surrounds them. As Jasper's obsession with Rosa Bud, Edwin's fiancée, intensifies, the mystery deepens, leaving readers to speculate about the fate of Edwin and the identity of the true culprit. The unfinished nature of the novel has fueled numerous theories and attempts to complete the story, adding to its enduring appeal.

Uncommercial Traveller

Charles Dickens

The Uncommercial Traveller is a collection of essays and sketches by Charles Dickens, offering insights into the social issues, characters, and landscapes of Victorian England through the eyes of a traveling observer. Through vivid descriptions and poignant reflections, Dickens explores themes of poverty, inequality, and the human condition, capturing the essence of urban and rural life. He sheds light on the plight of the marginalized and disenfranchised, while also celebrating the resilience and spirit of the common people. The collection showcases Dickens' keen observational skills, social conscience, and literary talent, providing a valuable glimpse into the Victorian era.

Barnaby Rudge

A Tale of the Riots of Eighty

Eileen Warren Norris

Charles Dickens

The novel is set in the late 18th century and revolves around the Gordon Riots of 1780, a period of anti-Catholic violence in London. It follows the story of Barnaby Rudge, a simpleminded young man who becomes embroiled in the riots, and his pet raven, Grip. The narrative also involves a forbidden love between Emma Haredale, a Catholic, and Edward Chester, a Protestant, and delves into the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The story is characterized by Dickens's vivid portrayal of London's streets and the violent underbelly of the city during this tumultuous period.

David Copperfield

Paul Lorain

Charles Dickens

A classic novel by Charles Dickens, following the life of David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood.

A Christmas carol

Jacqueline Goldfinger

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

Oliver Twist

The 1838 Theatrical Adaptation

George Almar

This adaptation was first performed in the fall of 1838, before the full text of Dickens' original novel had been released. It is a serio-comic burletta that deviates from the original novel, and Dickens himself was reportedly horrified by the performance. The adaptation highlights the theatrical interpretation of Dickens' work during the Victorian era.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) led one of the most colorful and interesting lives of any author. But while many of us are familiar with his unforgettable characters and fantastically successful novels, we often don't know the details of his difficult early life, his success as a reporter, his troubled marriage and suspected relationship with another woman, and his social reform efforts. In this episode, Jacke talks to Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas, whose book The Real Charles Dickens takes the reader on a journey into the heart of Dickens's life, work, and legacy. PLUS Jacke, inspired by a new exhibit at the Charles Dickens Museum, discusses the theatricality of Dickens's work.

Note: The conversation in this episode was recorded before the untimely passing of Stephen Browning. He was a wonderful guest, and we at the History of Literature Podcast are very grateful to have had the chance to speak with him. Our deepest sympathies are with his friends, family, and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

Special Announcement: The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Or visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel.

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com .

Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature .

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