I remember commenting on this in another thread. I sometimes perform comic recitations, mostly several written by Marriott Edgar - Albert and the Lion, The Battle of Hastings, Three Ha'pence a Foot, etc. It would be ridiculous for me to speak in my own Washington DC Southern drawl, so I imitate the accents used in my sources - mostly recordings, but I also have very fond memories of hearing Tony Barrand perform them live. They are usually well received, but I'm waiting for the day when someone is offended by my imitation of the accent.

Don