This comprehensive DVD set explores the life, times and work of Charles Dickens, the great Victorian author. Dickens is undoubtedly one of the great literary geniuses of all time. Yet, there is much about Dickens’ incredible life that remains unknown. His is a fascinating story: from rags to riches, complete with bankruptcy, prison, forced child labour and fame and fortune, overshadowed by guilt and secrecy. This DVD set demonstrates how much Dickens drew upon his own experiences when writing fiction.

‘A work-out for the Soul’

DVD 1 - DANCES OF ECSTASY - A cutting edge DVD that explores ecstatic rituals experienced through rhythm, dance and music. Throughout history these states of ecstasy were a way of connecting with divine origins. The drive for spiritual renewal as a reaction against a world obsessed with technology and consumerism has inspired a return to indigenous and mystical traditions. People are turning to ecstatic practices for pleasure, transformation and healing. The experience of ecstasy is universal and transcends cultural and religious boundaries. This DVD reveals how the search for ecstasy is very much alive today in many traditional and contemporary communities around the world. It has been conceived for a general audience with the view that everyone has experienced the power of music and dance in some shape or form.

DVD 2 - POWER WAVE - Join in and ‘do it yourself’ with a complete Power Wave workout by New York urban shaman Gabrielle Roth, or dance your own dance to the global grooves tracks, with psychedelic visuals by D-Fuse: Find two hidden bonus videos by One Giant Leap and James Asher.
‘Energy moves in waves. Waves move in patterns. Patterns move in rhythms. A human being is just that, energy, waves, patterns, rhythms. Nothing more, nothing less. A dance…’ Gabrielle Roth

Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the painter L.S. Lowry in 1987, this award-winning ballet celebrates the life and work of a unique artist.

Created by Gillian Lynne (choreographer of Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), in collaboration with the composer Carl Davis (acclaimed composer for the films Pride & Prejudice and The French Lieutenant's Woman), this memorable production, filmed in 1987, is performed by the Northern Ballet Theatre and led by ex-Royal Ballet and stars Christopher Gable and Moira Shearer.

Re-mastered for DVD, with the addition of recent interviews with Lynne and Davis, it gives a fascinating insight into the creation of an inspirational icon in the history of modern dance, which remains as fresh as ever.

Christopher Gable, Moira Shearer, Northern Ballet Theatre
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra / Carl Davis

A Hidden Portrait and a complete performance of the Enigma Variations.

In an acclaimed BBC drama-documentary filmed in the rolling Malvern Hills, Sir Andrew Davis unravels the mystery of the famous musical puzzle contained in Elgar's seminal work.

A landmark performance of the complete work by the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, given in the cathedral in Elgar's home town of Worcester, is recorded in beautiful 5.1 surround sound.

A HIDDEN PORTRAIT - Elgar's "Enigma" Variations is one of the most well known and well loved pieces of English music. Virtually overnight, Elgar created a British musical revival – and he was catapulted to fame as a result. This film brings the Enigma Variations to life, telling the fascinating stories behind the people who inspired them. Sir Andrew Davis presents this fascinating programme and conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in a selection of the Variations in the glorious setting of Worcester Cathedral. A renowned interpreter of Elgar's music, he illuminates with the orchestra some of the accessible musical details such as the barking dog, or the ‘charming stutter’. Music, photographs, archive images, contemporary reconstructions, and Malvern scenery combines to create a living impression of Elgar's world.

BBC Symphony Orchestra /  Sir Andrew Davis

Recreating a Royal Spectacular
Filmed on the River Thames with the English Concert
Directed by Andrew Manze

The renowned London biographer Peter Ackroyd narrates the ambitious attempt of a team of historical experts to discover the remarkable story behind the 1717 premiere of Handel’s Water Music on the Thames. The result is the second-ever performance on the river, filmed in costume on a regal-style period barge against the backdrop of the present-day Thames from Whitehall to Chelsea. Includes performances by The English Concert of favourite movements from the F major and D major Suites.