FROM lessons on safe sex to chilling tales of thieves, murderers and ghosts, the British passion for fun and entertainment knows no bounds. For hot on the heels of London's Amora Academy of Sex and Relationships comes yet another theme park - this time, dedicated to one of Britain's best-loved authors, Charles Dickens.

If you're expecting Dickens World to be as sugary and spicey as Disneyland, don't hold your breath. Visitors will, in fact, be taken on a dark and dank journey through Dickens' lifetime, complete with the sights, sounds and smells of 19th century England.

Experience the murky depths of London's sewers in the Great Expectations boat ride.

Steeped in history and literature, the £62mil (RM434mil) park recreates the bustling Victorian London of novels such as Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations.

Instead of shaking hands with the likes of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, you'll probably bump into the novels' dubious characters like pickpockets, rat catchers, convicts and ruffians.

Other themes are also brought to life. They include the Haunted House of Ebenezer Scrooge, Dotheby's Hall Victorian classroom, Peggotty's Boat House, Qulips Creek, Newgate Prison and Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe.

The Fagin's Den, however, is child's play. It's no more than a children's playground, a far cry from Oliver Twist's sweatshop where the master of thieves teaches destitutes the art of picking pockets.

The centre piece is, of course, the 250m long Great Expectations boat ride, transporting passengers from the murky depths of London's sewers to a dizzying flight above the city.

As one enters the darkened tunnel, the animatronic rats splashing about in the waters and sinister figures lurking behind the graves bore all the hallmarks of a perilous journey ahead.

Time warp

Indeed, the ride over the rooftops of a dilapidated London skyline conjures up vivid memories of the rickety back streets and cobbled courtyards of a bygone era.

With century-old advertisements staring blankly out of shop walls such as "Mrs Beaton's Whooping Cough Tincture: Made from Syrup of Squills," one can't help but feel trapped in a time warp.

Yet it is such nostalgic sights - atmospheric streets, gas lamps, period buildings and shops bursting with boiled sweets, wooden tous and tinned goods - that have been drawing the crowds since its opening last month.

Sited at the former naval dockyards in Chatham, Kent, where the author spent part of his childhood, Dickens World has attracted over 20,000 visitors during the first week of its opening.

Its managing director Kevin Christie said the park was not just about Dickens books but revolved around his works and the world in which he lived.

"We created Dickens World using his books and storylines to bring them to life," he said in response to concerns whether the world was ready for such a theme park.

He brushed off critics' claims of "Disneyfying Dickens," saying the park mirrored the author's times based on historical facts.

"We ensure the storylines, characters and even the buildings reflect the accuracy of that period," he explained.

Christie said they also consulted the Dickens Fellowship, a global association of the novelist's fans, to advise on the factual accounts.

Ultimate showman

Rat-catcher Ned is fully equipped with the tools of his trade as he prepares to trawl the streets for rodents.

Then again, would the great man himself approve of the project if he were alive today?

"Yes, I'm sure he'll love the park. He loved entertaining people," he replied confidently.

Christie pointed out that the park had received the blessings of the author's great-great grandson Gerald, who was interviewed by the BBC on the family's legacy during its opening day.

He quoted Gerald as saying that his great-great grandfather would be running the place if he were still around.

"Dickens was the ultimate showman; his works represent a kind of soap opera for Victorian times," he said.

He said when Dickens' career took a dip, he hit the road with his show, putting his books up on stage.

The author's legacy has, undoubtedly, spread far and wide - there's even a Dickens Street in Penang - with reportedly more fan clubs in the United States than in Britain itself.

Christie said they hoped to encourage the younger generation to become more aware of the author's works "although we can't force them to read or buy the novels."

Towards this end, the park has somewhat rekindled a stronger interest in Dickens' books, with over 500 copies snapped up in its bookshop in just five days.

"We hardly have any stock left - it's a good sign," enthused Christie as he spoke of a new wave of Dickens-mania sweeping across the land.

The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating. So, even if the park fails to convert the iPod carrying youngsters into the next generation of Dickens fans, it has, at least, whipped up considerable interest in one of the greatest works in British history.

The author's promotion of individual values and social concerns are, after all, as relevant today as they were 150 years ago.