TALKS AVAILABLE ON…
Blood, Guts & Gore: True Stories of Murder in Victorian England
Are you sitting comfortably? Then let's begin..... This is one of David's most popular talks in which he combines his love of history and his skill as a dramatic storyteller. Buckle up as David takes you on a gripping jaunt through the world of plots, deadly poisons and the occasional chopped-up body. This is a series of talks and in each talk David tells one meticulously researched story which is jam-packed with factual details, drawing on contemporaneous newspapers and law reports from the National Archives. The current story, Blood, Guts & Gore: SCANDAL BELOW STAIRS is a particularly blood-curdling tale, in which you will be introduced you to an eccentric, cantankerous ex-teacher who hires a new servant…but is she too good to be true? Another true tale of Victorian murder told with humour and lots of detail. Gripping stuff!
Manners Please Dearest! The Do's and Don’ts of Victorian Etiquette
Welcome to the extraordinary world of Victorian etiquette! Mind your step as David guides you through the minefield of strict rules and regulations of the Do’s and Don’ts of the Victorian 'well to do'. You are all invited to attend a Victorian Finishing School for Young Ladies where you will discover the Do’s and Don’ts of courtship, how to walk, sit, and talk, calling cards, dinner party etiquette, and the mysterious language of the fan. Great Fun!
The Lady Poisoners of Victorian England
History and storytelling rolled into one, each story meticulously researched using contemporaneous accounts from newspapers and police reports. Meet the wicked ladies who bump off their husbands & lovers, such as the lady who falls deeply in love with the handsome new doctor... but oh no, he’s already married! What does she do next? Of course, she takes a trip to the local pharmacy to buy a packet of deadly poison.... Welcome to the true tales of up to five poisoners with one thing on their mind…Murder!
The Amazing Mr Dickens!
An affectionate romp through the 'rags to riches' life story of the world’s greatest storyteller, Charles John Huffam Dickens, from his early childhood working in a factory, to his illustrious life as a writer and social reformer, including his scandalous affair and daring escape from a train. With readings from some of his most popular works, including Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.
Black Teeth & Dirty Fingernails: The Great Unwashed of Victorian London
While the wealthy privileged few were contemplating which bonnet to wear that day, thousands of ordinary people were living in cramped, vermin-ridden slums and workhouses. Including eye witness accounts, wonderful photographs and reports from the 1800s, discover how the Victorian poor survived without running water, flushing toilets or Waitrose!
These historical talks are extensively researched and are based on many days and weeks of tirelessly trawling through the National Archives, researching records dating back to the 1800s. However, to be clear, these aren’t dull power point presentations; David's delivery is enthusiastic, funny and knowledgeable to bring the subject to life!
The Weird and Wonderful World of the Law
A hugely enjoyable romp through the legal world: drawing on over 25 years as a locum solicitor travelling around the country, encountering raging judges, dotty clients, and weird cases. Join David on a sideways journey through bizarre true-life oddities, daft old laws still in place, and political correctness gone raving mad!
The Life of Dame Agatha Christie
Born towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, this talk explores the incredible life story of the world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie, from her young days roller-skating on Torquay Pier to her glittering career and mysterious disappearance, including the inspiration for her two most famous characters. With wonderful photographs of Agatha & her family.
FILM TALKS - Directors, Divas & Back Stage Rows: The Making of...(series)
It's time to sit back and enjoy the story of how each film became a classic from the Golden age of Hollywood with fascinating facts and amusing anecdotes of the film's journey from page to screen. Discover what personal and practical issues the filmmakers overcame on their creative journey to create a great film. An avid film fan since childhood, David's love of historical research and film has manifested in his radio documentaries on Zulu and the films of Lesley Gilliat (St Trinian's Films, The Lady Vanishes etc), in addition to being the subject of his MA thesis.
The Making of ‘Casablanca’
A fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at one of the world’s most romantic films. Sit back and enjoy the story of this back-lot B movie which became a classic from the golden age of Hollywood, forever remembered for its incredible cast of Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and of course, the song…’As Time Goes By’. PowerPoint presentation with clips from the film and wonderful photos.
The Making of ‘The Wizard of Oz’
A joyous insight into this iconic Judy Garland classic with all the backstage secrets; the early silent film, the search for Dorothy, the original Tin Man, the poisonous face paint, Toto, the ruby slippers, the mischievous Munchkins, and of course, THAT beautiful song! PowerPoint presentation with clips from the film and wonderful photos.
The Making of ‘The Sound of Music’
Meet the real Maria Von Trapp that inspired this wonderful film, and what she thought of Julie Andrews! Discover the diaries, the books and the early German film adaptations and hear how this led to the making of one of the most popular films of all time. Where was it filmed? Who was really singing? Find out the truth behind the movie fiction, including backstage gossip and a few of your favourite clips from the film that brought you Doh a Deer, Eidelweiss, The Hills are Alive….feel free to sing along!
The Making of 'Gone with the Wind'
Discover the journey from page to screen of this all-time great movie; watch favourite clips from the film including behind the scenes footage of ‘Scarlett Auditions’, the premiere and Oscar ceremony attended by all the stars; and learn about the key creative figures including the author Margaret Mitchell, producer David O. Selznick, the actors, directors and writers, with all the gossip, scandals, hirings and firings and back stage bust-ups.
Merry Christmas Mr Dickens!
Known by many as the man who invented Christmas, this talk tells the story of Dickens’ amazing life, including how the novella, 'A Christmas Carol', written at lighting speed, inspired aspects of the Victorian Christmas that have continued to this day, including family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games and a festive generosity of spirit. With dramatic readings from the great man's work.
Tangiers or Bust! Hitchhiking to Morocco
Join David on his dramatic hitchhiking adventure from London to Morocco, featuring hair-raising tales of high speed terrors in a thunderstorm, endless hours of waiting, tactics to get a lift, encountering hippies, cheesemakers, a family carrying goats, and a menacing lorry driver who drove into the woods...
London to Cairo on Two Wheels
Armed with just a second-hand bicycle, gritty determination, and a sense of humour, this is a tale of continent crossing adventure, wild dogs, foreign toilets, scythe welding goat-herders and saddle sore extraordinaire. David᾿s hair-raising stories from the road will leave you excited, thrilled, and yearning for your own adventure.