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Exploring Covent Garden’s Theatre History: Inigo Jones, Samuel

Explore the historical context of a particular area in London’s Theatreland and three figures associated with its development through three walks that start in the classroom.  

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  • Start Date: 15 Jul 2026
    End Date: 05 Aug 2026
    Wed (Daytime): 15:30 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 4 weeks)
    Course Code: HMI68
    Tutors:  Vernon Thompson
    Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00
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Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00
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What is the course about?

Explore the historical context of a particular area in London’s Theatreland and three figures associated with its development through three walks that start in the classroom...  

What will we cover?

Inigo Jones, Samuel Pepys, and Charles Dickens are three examples. Inigo Jones was commissioned to design the Piazza in 1630. Samuel Pepys, a diarist, mentions Covent Garden in his diary, observing a Punch and Judy show there. Charles Dickens, the author, is associated with the area through characters in his novels who reside or visit Covent Garden (Job Trotter).      

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

•    Discuss three figures associated with Covent Garden  
•    Describe their importance in developing or extending the reputation of the area 
•    Identify the area in terms of modern development as well as historical incidences. 

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge.

You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course.

An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.

You will also need to be able to walk for an 90 minutes at a leisurely pace (there will be stops along the route).. 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The session will entail tutor presentation, discussion and a guided walk.

Your tutor will be Vernon, who has been full-time academic staff in the DRADAS department since September 2005 and prior to this a part-time tutor at the college from October 2003. His responsibilities include being Programme Manager for the year-long OCN accredited Foundation in Drama course. He is also Tutor-Co-ordinator responsible for overseeing all Voice Speech and Communication courses and also City Lit Theatre Company, for whom he has also directed ten productions. He has a major presence in teaching on the accredited courses. Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama, and a PGCE from City University. Previous posts include Head of Voice at the Academy Drama School and teaching at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He works for Channel 4 News in London and TRT World in Istanbul as a voice consultant to their broadcasters and journalists, as well as accepting private clients. Vernon produces and directs his own professional London Repertory Company. Recent directing credits are "Dial M For Murder" (Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2024) and "An Intervention" (Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington, 2024).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No additional costs, but please bring suitable footwear. You may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for note taking. 

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please Explore Histories, Memories & Heritage Courses | City Lit for additional courses on heritage. 

Please also find Vernon's other courses here:

Vernon Thompson

Vernon has been full-time academic staff in the DRADAS department since September 2005 and prior to this a part-time tutor at the college from October 2003. His responsibilities include being Programme Manager for the year-long OCN accredited Level 2 Acting: Foundation course. He heads up all Voice Speech and Communication courses including Radio Theatre Company and is Producer of the City Lit Theatre Company, for whom he has directed eleven productions. He has a major presence in teaching on the accredited courses. Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama, and a PGCE from City University. Previous posts include Head of Voice at the Academy Drama School and teaching at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He works for Channel 4 News in London and TRT World in Istanbul as a voice consultant to their broadcasters and journalists, as well as accepting private clients www.vernonthompson.co.uk Vernon produces & directs his own professional company London Repertory Players and recent directing credits include "A Brief History of Women" (Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2025) "An Intervention" (Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington, 2024).

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.