The Frozen Deep (Unabridged)

Book excerpt: The Frozen Deep was written by Collins during 1856, although conceived, cast and revised by Dickens. It was based on the ill-fated 1845 Franklin expedition to discover the Northwest Passage. Dickens had published several articles in Household Words rebutting the charge of cannibalism (later proved to be true) made by John Rae in 1854. The role of Richard Wardour was acknowledged by Dickens as an influence on the self-sacrificing Sydney Carton of A Tale of Two Cities (1859). The play was first performed at Tavistock House on 6 January 1857 with subsequent performances on 8, 12 and 14 January. Collins played the part of Frank Aldersley and Dickens that of Richard Wardour. The scenery was designed and painted by Clarkson Stanfield and William Telbin, with music composed by Francesco Berger.