Actors Shaun Evans and Maxine Peake perform Liverpool's Penny Readings to sold-out audience

By Antonia Paget - Liverpool Echo

Actors Shaun Evans and Maxine Peake performed the annual Penny Readings to a sold-out audience today.

The traditional event, which dates back to the Victorian times when Charles Dickens once performed the readings, was held in St George’s Hall .

Special readings, music and entertainment were put on at the event, all for the price of a penny.

Liverpool-born actor Shaun Evans , from ITV drama Endeavour, performed the penny readings with actress Maxine Peake, known for her roles in The Theory of Everything, Shameless and Dinnerladies.

The penny readings take place every year and have become a much loved feature of Liverpool’s festival calendar.

Previous readers include ECHO editor Alastair Machray, TV presenter Loyd Grossman and Roger Phillips, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster.