A romp through the history of London Theatre from Shakespeare to Fringe and Site Specific. Learn about the buildings, the personalities , the superstitions, the divas and the landmark performances. Why did the theatres close down in 1642? Who were the first women to grace the stage? Why did audiences riot in 1809? When was the first drama school founded? Why is it unlucky to whistle on stage? Discover the answer to all these questions and more on this entertaining illustrated talk.
Views: 1622 | Enquiries: 5A qualified London Blue Badge Tour Guide and Historian, I've been leading tours in London for over 20 years. My contributions to local radio stations BBC London and LBC have helped to make me one of the capital's best known tour guides. I love to show visitors and Londoners the more unusual sites away from the tourist trail. I teach Discovering London courses at one of London's top Adult Education Institutes - The City Lit. At the outbreak of Covid 19 I started giving regular talks via the medium of Zoom and if your group still meets this way I have the license to facilitate this if your group doesn't have a license but I am also back giving talks to groups "in person".
An experienced speaker I have spoken to a variety of groups including National Trust, WI, Rotary Clubs, Local History Groups, Corporate Groups, Social Groups and Livery Company members. My topics include specific London related subjects such as Literary London, Theatrical London, Artists in London, London Film Locations, Jewish Connections in London, History of London Shops, Charles Dickens' London, Sinister London, Secret London, The History of the Regents Canal, The History of the BBC, Suffragette City, The South Bank and the Festival Britain, The London of Sir Christopher Wren and London's Christmas Lights. I also speak about all the areas where I guide so you can look at the tours listed on my website www.dianesguidedwalks.london , click on the GROUP Tours section for tour descriptions and pick an area of London that you would like to hear about. I am always happy to put together a special talk on the London related topic of your choice with notice.
This is what some of my regular clients say about my speaking skills:
“On every occasion Diane had delighted our audiences with her expertise and enthusiasm. She has a very natural, confident manner and I consider her to be an accomplished communicator”.
Mike Paterson. Director, London Historians.
“Diane has always been totally professional in her preparation and has provided excellent events. She has a strong confident delivery and never has to refer to notes. I am always impressed by her depth of knowledge and her ability to weave different threads into her talks. Whenever I advertise an event with her name it is guaranteed to sell out”. Susan Boome, Friends and Events Co-ordinator, Museum of London.
“Our members have always found Diane’s talks very interesting and entertaining, inspiring us to visit the places she has talked about. She has a good delivery and is lively and vivacious, our concentration never wanders”. Sheila Allighan, Stanmore and Harrow Historical Society
“The depth of Diane’s knowledge was amazing and the way she delivered her talk had us all engrossed”. Peggy Roe, Richmond U3A
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