PICCADILLY by Midge Gillies, read by Jessica Alade - audiobook extract

Published: Nov. 11, 2022, 2:18 p.m.

b"A people's history of Piccadilly: London's bustling meeting place for over a century.\\n\\nThere's nowhere quite like Piccadilly Circus.\\n\\nFrom the moment they emerge, blinking from the underground station, visitors to Piccadilly Circus face a sensory onslaught. Its streets and alleyways merge into an intoxicating thoroughfare, with the power to propel an individual onwards to adventure, romance, or something more sinister. Ever since its iconic Eros statue appeared in 1893, the junction has been a vibrant meeting place, attracting visitors and pleasure-seekers from all walks of life: political plans and theatrical careers were hatched at its restaurant and caf\\xe9 tables, lovers met below the statue of Eros, and to this day tourists pour out of its historic Tube to experience the bright lights of London's nightlife.\\n\\nPiccadilly explores how the area has been shaped by social and historical events\\u2014from female suffrage to world wars to technological advancements\\u2014and by its colourful cast of characters\\u2014from flower girls, shop assistants and sex workers, to film stars, Bright Young Things and conmen (and women).\\n\\nFor many, the Circus has represented both a home from home and a brave new world, as campaigners, revellers, opportunists and romantics have all been drawn to Piccadilly's bright lights. \\n\\nThis is the story of why Piccadilly Circus continues to mean so much to so many."