We had a Dickens of a Time!
Woman in the Middle | February 24, 2015The big city next door has a Dickens Festival. I think it is one of the most enjoyable events they have all year, but, then, I like all things British. This past weekend was the 2015 edition. The church we attend (First Congregational Church of Riverside, CA) gets into the action and hosts the “Royal Victoria Music Hall” during the Dicken’s Festival as a fund raiser. To support our church, and because it is such fun and has such delicious food, we try to attend every year.
I am sorry I didn’t take a photo of our lovely plate of food. It had a scone, two types of sweet bread, grapes, strawberries, three types of tea sandwiches, and two chocolate truffles. They also bring around mini quiches, hot from the oven. Of course, there was all the tea you could drink. In addition to the food, there is a show. It is lead by Mr.Titus Cadwalleder Treacle and two of his players from the music hall. Mr. Treacle, played by church member Chris Marsh, is a kick, a hoot, and any other word you can come up with that means so much fun.
Mr. Broderick Bumblepitch (Walter Bradley) and Dame Hermione Fabersham (Donita Smith) added to the find and frivolity in the Royal Music Hall
The best part is I got to take dear Emma Jane, my 92 year old “other mother” who I have known all my life. She gets such a kick out of things like this and she adores Chris Marsh. He came to our table before the show, as Mr. Treacle, of course, and admired the sparkle in Emma Jane’s eyes and gave her a great big kiss on her hand. That right there was worth the price of admission!
I think I see the sparkle in her eyes!
Oldest Daughter has previously been in church productions with players from the Royal Music Hall, so before the show they asked her to be a part of it. They didn’t tell her what part but she was game. She got to put on a cute bonnet, which I though she looked delightful in. Oh, and she was supposed to act drunk! I can’t go into the entire plot, but it had to do with Mr. Treacle impersonating Queen Victoria and Eldest was a pretend maid of honor, found at the pub next door.
“Queen Victoria” converses with one of her “maids of honor.”
Emma Jane and Eldest Daughter after the tea and show. You can see that they both had a good time!
If you live in the area, I am so sorry you missed the Royal Victoria Music Hall and the rest of the Dicken’s Festival, for that matter. But plan on attending next year. You won’t be sorry!
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