In a previous incarnation the priest and former host of Radio 4’s Saturday Live scored chart success with Don’t Leave Me This Way. Since the heady days of 1980s pop stardom he’s been an agony uncle, a best-selling memoirist, a regular on Have I Got News For You, and a contestant on Strictly. After dinner he admits to lurid excesses as a Communard, reveals how he got through the interview to train as a vicar, and how they avoid poisoning on Bake Off.

 


Biography

Reverend Richard Coles is a broadcaster, writer, and former Church of England priest. He was the host of Radio 4's Saturday Live for twelve years, and first found fame as one half of the eighties band, The Communards. They enjoyed three UK Top Ten hits, including the biggest-selling single of 1986: Don't Leave Me This Way.

With a successful media career already established, Richard trained for a priesthood in the Church of England - becoming what could only be described as a ‘very modern’ vicar. He was Curate at St Botolph’s in Lincolnshire, before moving to St Paul's Knightsbridge, and becoming Chaplain to the Royal Academy of Music. His career in the church inspired the hit BBC2 comedy Rev.

He recounted his journey from ‘pop star to parson’ in his honest, amusing, and best-selling memoir Fathomless Riches. In his book Bringing in the Sheaves, Richard writes about his first ten years in the ministry, and his continuing career in media. His novel Murder Before Evensong, is the first in his Canon Clement Mystery series.

Multi-talented Richard has turned his hand to acting, penned music for film and TV, served up advice as ‘agony uncle’ on BBC London, and won a Sony Gold as presenter of The Mix on Radio 5 Live. Richard continues to work in broadcasting as a frequent guest on Have I Got News for You, QI and Would I Lie to You? He has also co-presented BBC One’s The Big Painting Challenge, competed in MasterChef, won Celebrity Mastermind, and has the distinction of performing “the worst Paso Doble in the history of Strictly Come Dancing”. 

Videos

JLA+ Briefing

Reverend Coles on pop and priesthood

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Agent Recommendation

Richard's speech is one of the warmest I’ve heard. After a glance back to his days as a pop star, he describes the shock of wearing cassocks and sharing a dormitory at the age of 40. If you’re a fan of Rev. (for which he is the inspiration), Richard will leave you in fits of giggles.

JLA Agent Carrie Wood
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Books

Book written by Reverend Richard Coles
Book written by Reverend Richard Coles
Book written by Reverend Richard Coles
Book written by Reverend Richard Coles

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JLA Presents

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Event - - Date TBC

Speakers Breakfast

Racing to High Performance with Guenther Steiner and Paul McKenna

Speakers
Paul McKenna and Guenther Steiner

Date TBC.  We will be looking at high-performance and mindset with our two excellent speakers.

Guenther Steiner is the Former Team Principal of F1’s Haas, a role he held from the team’s inception until this year. Under his leadership, he grew Haas into one of the sport’s leading independent teams.

Joining Guenther on stage will be broadcaster and behavioural scientist Paul Mckenna, who has written a number of bestselling books, and works on how psychology and mindset can impact achievement.

Please register your interest using the link above for what is sure to be a fascinating and illuminating session.

Location

Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH

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Event - 17/09/2024 - 09:00

Speakers Breakfast

Navigating Risk and Chaos – Strategies For Coping With An Uncertain World.

Speakers
Clive Myrie, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Rt Hon Lord Parker of Minsmere, and Robin Niblett

On Tuesday 17th September we had the pleasure of hearing from a remarkable panel of speakers, who shared their expertise on the challenges of managing Risk in a chaotic world.

The panel featured esteemed speakers, Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton KFSM (Firefigter and Neuroscience researcher), Lord Parker of Minsmere (Andrew Parker, Former Director General of MI5), and Sir Robin Niblett (Former Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House). The event was hosted superbly by Mastermind and BBC News presenter Clive Myrie.

Over the hour, our panellists explored Risk on multiple levels, from global affairs to business environments and personal everyday challenges. They provided valuable insights into how we can better manage and mitigate Risk in today’s unpredictable world.

 

Location

87 Barts Close, 87 Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7EB

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