As an actor, Dickens performed frequently and enthusiastically in amateur theatricals; but his performances, as well as the productions, were far superior to typical amateur standards. He often performed for charitable purposes such as the preservation of Shakespeare's house and the raising of funds for impecunious writers and their families. More than once he performed before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Not So Bad As We Seem

The broadside for Not So Bad As We Seem by Edward Bulwer-Lytton is seen at the right. This five-act comedy was written expressly as a charity piece to raise money for impoverished authors. It was first performed in May of 1851 before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Dickens appeared as Lord Wilmot. It is alleged that his editorial cuts and revisions saved the play from utter failure. He and Mark Lemon collaborated on the successful afterpiece, Mr. Nightingale's Diary, in which they also performed. Note that the whole production was "under the direction of Mr. Charles Dickens."

Dickens, as Captain Bobadill in a production of Every Man In His Humour by Ben Jonson. Dickens played this role on several occasions.