Stage & Screen Speakers

Dame Joanna Lumley

Joanna has had a long and distinguished career on screen. Her notable appearances include On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, two Pink Panther films, Paddington 2, and The Wolf Of Wall Street. Her iconic portrayal of Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, won her two BAFTAS.

Ruby Wax

A qualified psychotherapist, Ruby has made the leap from brash television star to respected campaigner, writer and communications expert. She shows how leadership skills can be taught then honed like a muscle, and how techniques she used in celebrity interviews translate directly into the boardroom – witness the clip of her talking to Madonna. The Veuve Clicquot Woman of the Year also talks about her work to raise awareness and public understanding about depression and mental illness, and how to cope better with the stresses of the modern world.

Mariella Frostrup

Mariella has moved from film review to Panorama and writing about menopause. She has also served as agony aunt on The Observer and has interviewed luminaries of stage, book and screen from Oliver Stone to Kermit the Frog.

Meera Syal

The Goodness Gracious Me star has appeared in Broadchurch and US comedy, The Brink, and taken to the West End. She’s also penned three bestsellers (two of which she’s adapted for the screen).

Jon Culshaw

Radio 4’s favourite impressionist broke through on Big Breakfast as ‘the man of 1000 voices.’ With a remarkable, instant recall of 350 voices from politics, showbiz and sport, the star of Dead Ringers and The Impressions Show can respond on the spot to virtually any audience request from Brian Cox to Barack Obama. He’s also a keen astronomer.

Simon Evans

Simon is a regular guest on Radio 4’s News Quiz and The Unbelievable Truth, and expanded his range alongside Tim Harford taking a wry look at economics and money in Simon Evans Goes to Market. With unstinting sarcasm and wonderfully timed put-downs, he targets a whole herd of sacred cows – including the joys of parenthood.

James Nesbitt

Jimmy’s credits extend from hospital drama to travelogue, fantasy to comedy, on big and small screens, with roles in The Hobbit trilogy, Cold Feet, The Missing, and Stan Lee's Lucky Man.

Hugh Dennis

The ex-Unilever brand manager and Outnumbered dad revisits the news on MTW and R4’s Now Show. He also co-stars in Lee Mack’s Not Going Out and made a cameo in a Bond film. 

Matt Lucas

Actor, writer and presenter Matt created characters that became part of the fabric of British comedy with Little Britain. He went on to star in stage musicals, films and sitcoms on both sides of the Atlantic, before co-hosting proceedings in the Great British Bake Off.

Alexander Armstrong

Actor, writer, and more recently singer, Xander is also one of the country’s most popular hosts; fronting Pointless and hosting his morning show on Classic FM. He’s also one half of Armstrong & Miller, has explored Italy for BBC One, portrayed David Cameron, and recorded Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

Sue Perkins

One of the nation's most popular presenters, Sue has moved from writing French & Saunders sketches to conducting orchestras, getting the nation baking, and exploring the Mekong River. Her quick fire, self-depreciating comedy has made Sue a household name and a firm favourite on British television for over twenty years.

Anton du Beke

With partners from Ann Widdecombe to Jerry Hall, Anton danced on every Strictly series before graduating to a seat on the judges’ panel. He’s also hosted Hole In The Wall, appeared on Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas, and is a regular on Steph's Packed Lunch.

Lorraine Heggessey

Lorraine was the first woman Controller of BBC One. Armed with a £1bn budget she launched Spooks and Strictly, reinvented Dr Who and introduced new branding – changing the feel of the network. She then achieved hits at Talkback Thames with X-Factor, BGT and The Apprentice. Away from the media she was appointed CEO of The Royal Foundation with a mission to professionalise the set-up. As well as key insights into leadership and implementing change, her time working with The Foundation and the Heads Together campaign has provided her with an understanding of the duty of employers to the mental health of their people.

John Lloyd

The producer behind Spitting Image, QI, Blackadder and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy steps out of the shadows for Radio 4’s Museum Of Curiosities. After dinner the ‘Professor of Ignorance’ draws from his Meaning Of Liff, and explains why complaints to the BBC can sometimes be a good thing.

David Harewood

A popular and acclaimed actor, David made his reputation as the CIA boss in Homeland. He also received plaudits for his portrayal of Martin Luther King in The Mountaintop, starred in The Night Manager, and hosted Have I Got News For You.