Jim Henson and Charles Dickens

They do have nothing in common, Jim Henson and Charles Dickens and still they do. First of all Brian Henson (Jim's son) made a wonderful version of the Christmas Carol called The Muppets Christmas Carol, and second of all they have my childhood in common. I always loved the Muppet Show and I still see myself in my pyjama's, with wet, combed hair and a bit of crisps on the couch watching Kermit and his friends. It was in English, but I never had any problems with it. There were always subtitles and I was a very good and fast reader, even at a very young age. I always had a laugh with Waldorf and Statler when they made their comments from their balcony. My altime favorites were Animal and the Swedish Chef, my favorite episodes were with Danny Kaye (an actor I admire) and Vincent Price. Ofcourse there were many shows and many guests but these I loved best. The funny thing is that they are still good. When I watch them now a days, I still laugh and it is still funny. At Christmas time there always was the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens on TV. I was always fascinated with the story and at a later age I started to read Dickens books in English. I think that Dickens is one of the writers you should read in English. If I read his stories in Dutch, the meaning of his words get lost.

When I was in London some years ago I visted the Dickens House. It is a wonderful house in London and it was great to walk into his footsteps. The house has a very impressive library. At the time I visited there was a lovely old lady there and we had a good chat about Dickens and his book. It was great to be able to visit the house. Every time I go to London I try to bring back a Dickens book. So far, I've collected a lot of them.

A few years ago I had the chance to visit a TV studio in Amsterdam. There was an interview with Brian Henson about the Muppets Christmas Carol. It was great and Brian was very nice. He brought the Storytellers Dog with him (also one of my favorite characters). One thing I do regret and if there is one day in my life I want to do over again it is this day. I didn't bring my photocamera as I didn't think they allow people to make pictures. After the taping Brian took all the time in the world to answer questions of fans and have his and the dogs picture taken. I didn't dare to ask some one to take mine (and have it send to me later), and now I regret it. Brian was really nice and the dog was big fun. I even had a chat with him. The Storyteller is a wonderful series of 9 tales, told by John Hurt (another fabulous actor) to his dog. It is out as a 3 set DVD series and if you like fairytales, you will love this. I didn't like the other series about the Greek stories, but the ones with John Hurt are really wonderful.

2 people who are already dead and who I admire dearly. Jim Henson and Charles Dickens, 2 people who have nothing in common, but still I love to read their books and see their shows

http://www.dickensmuseum.com/
http://www.henson.com/