Behind the Nightlight: Quaint Beasts in an Edwardian Nursery

Join variety artiste Ada Campe, pianist Sarah Rose, and cabaret legend Dusty Limits for the revival of a 1912 viral literary sensation, Behind the Nightlight - and the whimsical imagination of a three year old called Joan - set to music by Liza Lehmann, one of the most prolific Edwardian female composers. Ada will recite, Sarah will play, and Dusty will lead a sketching workshop in which you can explore your own interpretations of the fantastical creatures that emerge from Behind the Nightlight.

The event will begin with a short introduction to the history of the book and the suffragist and creative networks that its creators were part of. This will be followed by the live performance and sketching session. Sketching materials for the session will be provided.

If you like art, storytelling, history, music, and cabaret – this is the event for you!

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 6 - 15 November 2025. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy.