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Karin Fernald
London, England
Actress (Silver Medallist RADA) Historical Researcher & Speaker
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Biography/Resume:
Karin Fernald's theatre roles have ranged from Hedda Gabler to The Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland. They include Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Jessica to Sir Ralph Richardson's Shylock and Isabella in Measure for Measure at Stratford, Ontario. TV includes the young American Anne Forsyte in The Forsyte Saga. Together with BBC radio producer Piers Plowright she has compiled and produced several radio programmes, including a documentary on the potter, Bernard Leach, which was short listed for a Prix Italia Award. In 1991 she adjudicated at the Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival. Her one-woman show on Fanny Burney (1752 - 1840) diarist, novelist and playwright has been performed at theatres and major festivals all over England and Scotland: and in Berlin, Athens, Stockholm and the Sorbonne, Paris.
Subjects:

Eighteenth and Nineteenth century diarists and correspondents, mainly though not solely British. "Ebullient and intelligent …… an accomplished actress and knowledgeable historian" (Newbury Festival, England). "A unique charm and vision to make history and its people breathe afresh." (Japan Times).

Popular Presentation Titles:

  • Fanny Burney - unique diarist, novelist and playwright

  • Hans Christian Anderson - wit, traveller and artist

  • Young Queen Victoria and The Arts - "I was most EXCESSIVELY DELIGHTED !!!"

  • Benjamin Robert Haydon - Historical Painter and entertaining diarist.

  • The Friendship between Dr Johnson and Mrs Thrale of Streatham Park.

  • Florence Nightingale - correspondent of originality and biting wit.

Speaking Experience:
Literary festivals and fine arts societies all over England. The National Portrait Gallery. The National Trust, English Heritage. Dr Johnson's House, Gough Square, London and the Finchcocks Museum of Early Keyboard Instruments. Karin Fernald has visited universities in Japan three time and is returning again. In 2003 she is visiting Australia for the second time, speaking to the Australian Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. ( AADFAS )