Join the BBC's World Affairs Editor and Magdalene College Honorary Fellow and alumnus, John Simpson CBE (English, 1963) for an exclusive evening packed with unparalleled insights from one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents of our time.

With decades of first-hand encounters and personal dealings, John will explore the enigmatic personas of global figures such as Putin, Xi Jinping, bin-Laden and Thatcher.

John will navigate the intricate web of international relations, delving into the complexities of our global issues - from conflicts, war and famines, to world economies and climate change.

What links Mandela and Princess Diana? Or Zelenskiy and Mugabe? John will reveal the common threads linking these figures, and offer a unique perspective on the impact they’ve had on world affairs.

As a household name who has covered almost every major event in the world from the 1960's to present day, you will have an opportunity to ask John your questions – what were these leaders and lunatics really like, and what on earth is going on? Don't miss John for an evening that promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire with his fearless journalism and captivating storytelling.

Programme

Date: Friday 31st January 2025
Venue: West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Rd, Cambridge CB3 9DP
6.45pm: Doors open
7.30pm: Show to start

Doors will open at 6.45pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm prompt. Latecomers arriving after the show has started will not be permitted entry to the auditorium until the interval. There is a bar at West Road Concert Hall which will be serving drinks prior to the show and during the interval (card purchase only). The running time will be c.2 hours including the interval, and the anticipated finish time is c.9.30pm.

Tickets

Tickets are £35.00 each (or £15 for selected balcony seats with a very restricted view).

All profits from this event will be going to support the Pepys Restoration Project, which will completely renovate and repurpose Magdalene College's unique Grade I listed Pepys Building in Second Court. We are most grateful to John Simpson for his time and generosity in offering this event.

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  John Simpson CBE

John Simpson, the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, is a household name and considered by his peers and public as the most  distinguished foreign correspondent of the age. A multi-award winning veteran broadcaster and accomplished author, John has covered most of the major world news events from the 1960s to the present day. John is an alumnus of Magdalene College (matriculated in 1963 and read English) and is also an Honorary Fellow of Magdalene, elected in 1999.

Magdalene College Cambridge

Magdalene College is one of the Colleges of the University of Cambridge, with around 600 students. It was originally founded in 1428 and re-founded in 1542. The College houses Samuel Pepys' Diaries, and the Pepys Library collection gifted to Magdalene in 1724. With 2024 marking the 300th anniversary of the Pepys Library arriving at Magdalene, we are raising funds to completely renovate and repurpose the unique Grade I listed Pepys Building. 

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