Fifteen miles from Oxford, Wantage is often described as a “jewel in the crown of English towns”, celebrated for its rich heritage, market-town charm and enduring cultural associations – not least its links to Charles Dickens, who is said to have drawn inspiration from the area while writing Bleak House.
That literary connection will take centre stage this month as The Rivus hosts a special evening of performance and storytelling, bringing Dickens’ legacy back into the heart of the community.
The event will feature Gerald Dickens – actor, director and producer, and the author’s great-great-great grandson – performing his acclaimed one-man show The Signalman!.
Adapted from one of Dickens’ most chilling and atmospheric ghost stories, the performance promises an immersive theatrical experience that blends Victorian suspense with contemporary stagecraft.
Gerald Dickens is widely known for his dynamic interpretations of his ancestor’s work, touring internationally across theatres, arts centres and literary festivals.
His performances are recognised for their fidelity to the original texts, combined with a dramatic style that brings Dickens’ characters and narratives vividly into the present.
Residents and visitors are invited to an evening of powerful storytelling, history and drama, offering a rare opportunity to experience Dickens’ work in an intimate, live setting.
Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum, highlighted the growing appeal of towns like Wantage for those seeking a more active and connected retirement lifestyle.
“A growing number of retirees are prioritising an active, engaged and independent lifestyle when they choose a downsizing location,” he said. “They’re looking to move to smaller cities and large towns rather than just heading for the countryside or coast.
“Wantage offers quieter, more affordable living than Oxford itself, with easy access to both Oxford and London, as well as having a fantastic array of countryside within easy reach, and the blue spaces of both the Thames and the Wilts & Berks Canal.”
The Rivus is part of Cognatum’s wider portfolio of retirement estates across central and southern England, designed to combine independent living with thoughtfully planned architecture, landscaped surroundings and on-site estate management.
The evening will take place on Thursday 18 June from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at The Rivus, Grove Road, Wantage (OX12 7BY). The event is free to attend, with refreshments included, and guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
