It’s a tale of poverty and transformation and one that has played to a packed out theatre in London’s West End over Christmas. But now, Simon Callow’s moving one-man rendition of Charles Dicken’s classic tale A Christmas Carol has helped raise funds for a vital service for Big Issue vendors.
Last week, a crowd of around 300 Big Issue supporters, vendors, and members of the public descended on London’s Arts Theatre where Callow masterfully brought to life the Victorian novella at a special show in aid of the Big Issue.
Following the event, Callow, who is Honorary Patron of the Big Issue Foundation, said, “There’s a logical link between the Big Issue and Dickens. A Christmas Carol is all about inequity in society. In these times of economic woe the story reminds us that disadvantage is not just something we should think about at Christmas, but the whole year through.”
The evening was staged free of charge and all proceeds from the night will go towards training vendors on the Capital’s streets. Callow’s relationship with the Big Issue began in 2009. Since then he’s opened Hard Times, an exhibition of portraits of homeless people captured by photographer Paul Wenham Clarke.
Last year he recorded an audio version of a book written by Big Issue founder and Editor-in-Chief John Bird called Dickens – The Socially Mobile Cat. “The Big Issue is all about self respect and a sense of connection. It reminds us we must fight against poverty and continue to enable people who feel excluded and out on a limb,” Callow added.
Speaking at the event, John Bird said: “The Big Issue started 20 years ago when homeless people were doing the opposite of making their own money. It was unique and it works because it provides a wonderful interface between the public and our vendors.”
Dickens – The Socially Mobile Cat is available from the Big Issue at £11 (including P&P). All profits go to help The Big Issue Foundation
The CD offer is made by The Big issue Company Limited, which will donate all profits made from the sale to The Big Issue Foundation (Charity No. 10049077).