Teenager performs at Dickens's birthday celebrations (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Teenager performs at Dickens's birthday celebrations

3:07pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

A teenager from Harpenden had the opportunity to perform to members of Charles Dickens’s family at his 200th birthday celebrations.

Along with her performance troupe West End Kids, Pari Shahmir, of Granby Avenue, danced and sang at a Bicentenary Dinner at Mansion House in London on February 7.

The 17-year-old, who attends Sir John Lawes School in Manland Way, said: “It was nerve-racking and quite scary but it was incredible.

“He was such an important person in British society.

“Many of his novels have been made into musicals which makes them more accessible to more people.”

The great great grandson of Charles Dickens and the Lord Mayor of the City of London were among guests at the dinner.

Ms Shahmir added: “It is a real honour to have performed for someone who is related to such a great man.”

The group, which consisted of about 20 young performers, treated guests to a number of performances including a rendition of Food Glorious Food from the musical Oliver.

Dressed in rags to represent the orphans, the youngsters danced around the table with empty bowls just before guests were served their meal.

Ms Shahmir also had a chance to sing solo during a melody of songs from musicals based on the work of Charles Dickens.