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I needed to belong somewhere and those words anchored me…the truth is living like this…adrift…always alone with no comforts to speak of…it leaves one so full of longing The Oracle of the Taprooms – Joseph Henry Liggins (1801-1872)

After being asked to leave Cambridge University, Joseph Liggins struggled for years to make a living before being wrongly identified as the author of ‘Scenes of Clerical Life’ and ‘Adam Bede’. He eventually died in poverty at the Union Workhouse in Chilvers Coton and was buried at Holy Trinity on 1st June 1872

This riveting monologue tells the story of Joseph Henry Liggins who was wrongly identified as author of George Eliot’s books, ‘Scenes of Clerical Life’ and ‘Adam Bede’. The piece written by locally born writer Vanessa Oakes received great reviews the last time it was performed in the borough 2012. This revival is being performed specially to celebrate George Eliot’s bicentenary.

The public performances will be at the following venues and times

No need to book just turn up! Each performance lasts for about 15 minutes.

Friday 13 September 2019 - Bedworth

11am Bedworth Alms Houses

12pm Civic Hall / Legends Bar

3pm  Griff House (Beefeater)

Saturday 14 September - Nuneaton

11am  Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery

12pm  George Eliot Obelisk-Riversley Park

2pm  The Ropewalk Centre

3pm  The George Eliot Hotel

Councillor Ian Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for Arts & Leisure stated:

"It is wonderful to have this fantastic piece of theatre revived in time for the bicentenary of George Eliot’s birth. I hope that everyone who sees it finds that it offers a new opportunity to explore the life and achievements of this inspiring Nuneaton born author.”

Contact can be made to the museum via 024 7637 6158 or museum@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk.  Also see website www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/museum