The Frozen Deepis an 1856 play, originally staged as an amateur theatrical, written byWilkie Collinsunder the substantial guidance ofCharles Dickens. Dickens's hand was so prominent - beside acting in the play for several performances, he added apreface, altered lines, and attended to most of the props and sets - that the principal edition of the play is entitled "Under the Management of Charles Dickens." John C. Eckel wrote: "As usual with a play which passed into rehearsal under Dickens' auspices it came out improved. This was the case withThe Frozen Deep."