Dickens, Dickens, Dickens. Whether it's coins, exhibitions, statues or pubs, you can't get away from the man at the moment. If you feel you need a reminder of his actual work and why he's so beloved, try the British Library's Penny Reading event.
All seats in the actual room have now gone but there will be an overflow space with a video link. The rush for tickets is because people can't wait to see the likes of AS Byatt, Anna Maxwell Martin, Louis De Bernières, Arthur Smith and Lucinda Dickens Hawksley reading bits of Dickens, or performing, singing or clowning around. Christopher Green hosts and there's a promise of an appearance by our favourite hip hop pensioner, Ida Barr.
Tickets cost a penny, which will be collected on the night. You can only book by ringing the box office on 01937 546546 — and we suggest ringing it quickly. Or book ahead to see Simon Callow talk about his new biography of Dickens, on 20th February (£7.50 / £5).
The Penny Readings take place at the British Library, 2pm on Sunday 22nd January 2012.
Photo of the British Library by McTumshie, from the Londonist Flickr pool
