Information for What the Dickens! at Theatre Royal, Bath (Talk). Join Jane Tapley for an illustrated talk on Charles Dickens, exploring the life and times of the most famous 19th century novelist in the world. Follow Dickens's career path from political reporter to his ultimate place as novelist supreme. Hear about his reading tours, and how his incredible popularity hastened his early demise. Find out why he was often referred to as Jolly Old Christmas and learn what fabulously popular phrase he coined that's still popular today.