One of the most recognisable stars in TV and movies will be in conversation at a York festival next month.
Actor Paterson Joseph, who starred as Johnson in Channel 4 comedy Peep Show and Slugworth in last year’s movie hit Wonka is taking part in the York Festival of Ideas.
He will be in conversation with Gretchen Gerzina, author of Black England, to discuss the idea that Britain’s black community was established in the Georgian period, and not the mid-20th century as commonly thought.
Paterson is the author of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho. Sancho was a correspondent of novelist and North Yorkshire resident Laurence Sterne.
Paterson’s award-winning debut novel has been called ‘utterly captivating’.
The online-only event, on Monday 3 June, will see him and Gretchen discuss the dramatic and often moving stories of Georgian England’s forgotten Black community.
Other events at this year’s festival include, War Horse, the concert with Michael Morpurgo and Ben Murray, performed at Central Hall at the University of York.
War Horse is one of the most beloved children’s books, and will be re-told with music and songs from the National Theatre production.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, will join a panel of speakers to discuss the power of chemistry to tackle air pollution and provide clean air solutions.
Emphasising measurement and answers, the event marks the tenth anniversary of the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories at the University of York.
York Festival of Ideas will run from 1 to 14 June 2024 with more than 200 mostly free events, in-person and online, under the theme of ‘the power of…’ with a range of topics that help improve understanding of our world – from the ‘power’ of nature to awe and inspire, to the ‘power’ of education to open minds, and the ‘power’ of history to help inform the present and future.
Joan Concannon, Director of the Festival, said: “In 2024, we are arguably more in need of ideas and inspiration than ever before as we face challenges on a global scale. Our Festival Focus sessions in particular are aimed at interrogating the complex challenges we face, offering audiences an opportunity to join in the conversation.
“Our speakers will examine issues ranging from wealth and poverty, to the security of elections, to the challenges of preserving our heritage.”
The University of York leads the Festival, with key support from the Holbeck Charitable Trust, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Higher Education Investment Fund as well as a range of additional generous sponsors, donors and individuals committed to enabling the festival to deliver so many events for free to diverse audiences.
The Festival works with more than 100 programme partners who help to co-curate and deliver an eclectic programme of events with something for all ages and experiences. .
Tickets are now available to book from the website.