Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.
What will we cover?
How we use pitch, pace and pause to tell stories. How we need clear diction for narrative as well as range and variety for vocal characterisation. The importance of good vocal delivery, powered by correct breathing techniques. We will always include an element of vocal warm -up at the beginning of the class and sight reading skills at the end.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate more confidence in the sound of your voice Acknowledge a greater delight in 20th Century Literature by reading passages aloud and thus sharing stories. Identify some key breathing and vocal techniques to assist reading in public.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is for all those who enjoy reading novels, and wish to develop greater confidence in reading aloud. You will have some ability with sight reading and if you are a non-native speaker, you must be fluent in English. In order to get the most from the course you will be able to: • Speak English fluently. • Communicate in group situations. • Give and receive constructive feedback. • Read and respond to a range of texts. • Take course notes for your own use.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
We will read in a large group together, this will comprise prepared readings as well as sight readings. You will be expected to read and prepare passages in advance each week.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are copies of both books in the City Lit library and you will need to borrow or buy editions of both texts. Please start to read Howards End in advance and come ready to discuss -the tutor will ask you to read a passage to assess your ability level. You will find a small hand mirror useful.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any Voice or Speech course in the programme such as Storytelling for Business and Pleasure, or Voice Technique: Beginners. Your tutor will advise you. Please refer to our full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/reading-english-literature-aloud-early-20th-century164065Reading English literature aloud: early 20th centuryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/e/reading-english-literature-aloud-dvp020_021_022.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Voice and speech/Courses/Performing arts/Voice and speech/Voice for everyone22851314165516581228513141655<p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Come and enjoy reading aloud short stories and passages from novels by early 20th century writers E M Forster; Agatha Christie; Daphne Du Maurier and F Scott Fitzgerald- discuss the plot and themes of the novels while focusing on using your voice to provide narrative and create character. We hope you can join our afternoon reading group!</div>453034999Reading English literature aloud: early 20th century179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/e/reading-english-literature-aloud-dvp020_021_022_5.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Performing artsDVP021179179Reading English literature aloud: early 20th century143125179Vernon Thompsonreading-english-literature-aloud-early-20th-century/dvp021-2627<p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p><p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p>How we use pitch, pace and pause to tell stories. How we need clear diction for narrative as well as range and variety for vocal characterisation. The importance of good vocal delivery, powered by correct breathing techniques. We will always include an element of vocal warm -up at the beginning of the class and sight reading skills at the end.Demonstrate more confidence in the sound of your voice<br/>Acknowledge a greater delight in 20th Century Literature by reading passages aloud and thus sharing stories.<br/>Identify some key breathing and vocal techniques to assist reading in public.This is for all those who enjoy reading novels, and wish to develop greater confidence in reading aloud. You will have some ability with sight reading and if you are a non-native speaker, you must be fluent in English. <br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Speak English fluently.<br/>• Communicate in group situations.<br/>• Give and receive constructive feedback.<br/>• Read and respond to a range of texts.<br/>• Take course notes for your own use.<p>We will read in a large group together, this will comprise prepared readings as well as sight readings. You will be expected to read and prepare passages in advance each week.</p><p>There are copies of both books in the City Lit library and you will need to borrow or buy editions of both texts. Please start to read Howards End in advance and come ready to discuss -the tutor will ask you to read a passage to assess your ability level. You will find a small hand mirror useful.</p>Any Voice or Speech course in the programme such as Storytelling for Business and Pleasure, or Voice Technique: Beginners. Your tutor will advise you.<br/>Please refer to our <br/><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/voice-and-speech-classes-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) </a> as you consider which area you would like to study next.Voice and speechVoice for everyonevirtual143179125DVP021NONEWed16/09/26 - 21/10/2617:45 - 19:4517:4519:456 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVernon ThompsonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Performing arts179179Reading English literature aloud: early 20th centuryreading-english-literature-aloud-early-20th-century/dvp021-2627<p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-16 00:00:00<p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p><p>Come and enjoy reading aloud passages from novels by early 20th century writers in our Wednesday reading group. Set texts will be Howards End by E M Forster and The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. This unique course contains vocal warm-ups; discussion of novels, weekly prepared readings and sight reading skills.</p>How we use pitch, pace and pause to tell stories. How we need clear diction for narrative as well as range and variety for vocal characterisation. The importance of good vocal delivery, powered by correct breathing techniques. We will always include an element of vocal warm -up at the beginning of the class and sight reading skills at the end.Demonstrate more confidence in the sound of your voice<br/>Acknowledge a greater delight in 20th Century Literature by reading passages aloud and thus sharing stories.<br/>Identify some key breathing and vocal techniques to assist reading in public.This is for all those who enjoy reading novels, and wish to develop greater confidence in reading aloud. You will have some ability with sight reading and if you are a non-native speaker, you must be fluent in English. <br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Speak English fluently.<br/>• Communicate in group situations.<br/>• Give and receive constructive feedback.<br/>• Read and respond to a range of texts.<br/>• Take course notes for your own use.<p>We will read in a large group together, this will comprise prepared readings as well as sight readings. You will be expected to read and prepare passages in advance each week.</p><p>There are copies of both books in the City Lit library and you will need to borrow or buy editions of both texts. Please start to read Howards End in advance and come ready to discuss -the tutor will ask you to read a passage to assess your ability level. You will find a small hand mirror useful.</p>Any Voice or Speech course in the programme such as Storytelling for Business and Pleasure, or Voice Technique: Beginners. Your tutor will advise you.<br/>Please refer to our <br/><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/voice-and-speech-classes-city-lit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) </a> as you consider which area you would like to study next.Voice and speechVoice for everyoneconfigurable
16581655Voice for everyonehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/voice-and-speech/voice-for-everyone1/2/285/1314/1655/16581/Courses/Performing arts/Voice and speech/Voice for everyone
