2026 marks 75 years since the death of Ivor Novello, whose career was extraordinary by any measure: composer, playwright, film idol and stage star. Novello, who died suddenly in 1951, was certainly the master of the romantic waltz song which sustains his reputation today, but there is much more to his genius than 'Dear Ivor' and wistful nostalgia. With examples from his songs, scripts and films, this lecture goes to the heart of Novello as an instinctive and innovative force in film and on stage in his day. The range of his music, the wit of his writing and the individuality of his acting fuse into a unique ability to realize the power of dramatic performance time and time again.
Welcome
We are the Dulwich branch of The Arts Society, formerly NADFAS, a leading arts education charity bringing together people with a curiosity for the arts and providing world-class lecturers. The belief that the arts have the potential to enrich peoples' lives is at the heart of everything we do.
Our speakers are selected from 380+ accredited lecturers in The Arts Society's Directory, all of whom go through a rigorous process to ensure a high level of subject expertise and presentation skills.
Our lectures are held at 8pm from October to July in the comfortable purpose-built lecture theatre in the Sixth Form Centre at JAGS (James Allen's Girls' School) in Green Dale, off East Dulwich Grove. No access from the school. See the Where we Meet page for map and details. Access from 7.15pm
If you are unable to get to JAGS, our lectures are also available live on Zoom (but not recorded for playback). Guests are welcome in person at JAGS or on Zoom on payment of £10 per lecture, cash or card at the door or online. To watch on Zoom, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for bank transfer details to pay the fee; use ref. Zoom and the lecture date, e.g. Zoom91025. Once payment received, the Zoom link is sent.
PLEASE NOTE, in spite of our best efforts, lectures that include film or music clips do not transmit well over Zoom from JAGS. Please attend in person if possible. Zoom is a 'nice to have' but we cannot guarantee great quality, because of the system at JAGS.
Wine, water and nibbles are available in the Sixth Form foyer before lectures.
We arrange visits throughout the season - check the visits page. Friends and family welcome.
The Arts Society Greater London Area offers a wide range of in-depth study days in Central London. These are open to all and costs are very reasonable.
