Fane Online programme
A Live Stream with Fortunately Podcast – 1st August
The live-stream spin-off from the podcast experience no one knew they wanted, until they got it. Broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover’s smash-hit BBC Radio 4 podcast Fortunately has something of a cult following owing to its frank, razor sharp style and wit; it was once described as “surprisingly successful” by a BBC middle management figure in ankle-swinging chinos.
With 238 years of broadcasting experience between them, Fi and Jane guarantee you an evening of behind-the-scenes revelations and inconsequential, but strangely compelling, chat about living some of their lives behind the microphone.
A Live Stream with Armistead Maupin in Conversation with Ian McKellen – 12th August
Join the bestselling, much-loved author and LGBTQ+ activist, Armistead Maupin, live on stage in a special one-off event, as he discusses his career with Ian McKellen. Maupin has been blazing a trail through US popular culture since the 1970’s, when his iconic and ground-breaking series Tales of the City was first published as a column in the San Francisco Chronicle.
The novel series has been taking the literary world by storm ever since and was recently adapted by Netflix into a critically acclaimed series, starring Laura Linney, Olympia Dukakis and Ellen Page.
Don’t miss the chance to join one of America’s greatest storytellers, as he recounts his favourite tales from the past four decades, offering his own engaging observations on society and the world we inhabit.
Ian McKellen is an actor and activist, who has received a multitude of international awards for his performances in the theatre, cinema and television. He has been an eloquent advocate for gay rights since he came out in 1988 and co-founded Stonewall, the charity which lobbies for legal and social equality for gay people. He was appointed Companion of Honour ‘for services to Drama and Equality’ in 2007.
A Live Stream with Brit Bennett – 13th August
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it's not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it's everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Separated by many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined despite the fact that they have chosen to live in two very different worlds –one black and one white.
Described by critics as ‘utterly mesmerising’, Brit Bennet’s The Vanishing Half has set itself as a standard bearer within modern discussions of race, community and identity. Now, for one exclusive evening, join Bennett in a very special live stream conversation with the novelist and short-story writer Irenosen Okojie, as she talks about her life, her writing, and exploring some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins. Bennett’s work has been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Paris Review, and Jezebel. She is one of the National Book Foundation's 2016 5 Under 35 honourees.
A Live Stream with Sir Trevor McDonald – 16th August
Sir Trevor McDonald has truly led ‘An Improbable Life’. Born and raised in Trinidad, he built a career in Britain, and spent his life travelling around the globe. It’s safe to say Sir Trevor is known, respected and admired the world over as one of the greatest broadcasters the UK has ever seen.
Join Sir Trevor in conversation with the writer Viv Groskop, for this exclusive online event, as he recounts his fascinating stories and anecdotes; from reporting in Johannesburg on
Nelson Mandela’s release from imprisonment, through to his infamous interview with Saddam Hussein–he was the first and the only British broadcaster to have interviewed the infamous dictator.
An intimate and unmissable evening with Sir Trevor to hear what life on the front lines of reporting truly entails
A Live Stream with Stephanie Yeboah – 2nd September
Join thirty-one-year-old plus-size blogger Stephanie Yeboah for a very special live-streamed event to celebrate her debut book, Fattily Ever After. Having experienced first-hand racism and fatphobia throughout her life, Stephanie endured a long, painful journey towards self-acceptance. Fattily Ever After speaks openly and courageously about her own experience on navigating life as a black, plus-sized woman – telling it how it really is – and how she has managed to find self-worth in a world where judgement and discrimination are rife.
Stephanie will be in conversation for one night only, to raise a glass to this incredibly important book, discussing the treatment of black women throughout history, the marginalisation of black, plus-sized women in popular culture and the media, whilst drawing on wisdom from other black fat liberation champions along the way.
Fattily Ever After is essential reading for a generation of black, plus-sized women, helping them to live their life openly, unapologetically and with confidence. Do not miss the chance to experience the inspiring and powerful Stephanie Yeboah live, in this one-off event.
A Live Stream with Jay Rayner – 4th September
Join award-winning restaurant critic, MasterChef judge and Kitchen Cabinet presenter Jay Rayner for a special one-off ‘in conversation’ to mark the paperback publication of his hit book My Last Supper, One Meal A Lifetime In The Making, streamed live from London’s Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel. He’ll be grilled to a turn by his Guardian restaurant reviewing colleague and co-MasterChef judge the marvellous Grace Dent. They’ll discuss Jay’s raucous life in food, he’ll tell outrageous stories from his career in journalism, and explain what inspired him to set out across the world to find the dishes for his last meal on earth despite – he hopes - being a long way from the grave. They’ll also talk about the impact of the current crisis on the restaurant sector.
A Live Stream with Sir Ranulph Fiennes – 6th September
Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken.
Amongst his many record-breaking achievements, he was the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis.
In an exclusive online event, Sir Ranulph offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, the show spans Sir Ranulph’s childhood and school misdemeanours, his army life and early expeditions, right through the Transglobe
Expedition to his current Global Reach Challenge - his goal to become the first person in the world to cross both polar ice caps and climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ many endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell.
A Live Stream with Ant & Dec - 11th September
This October marks a very special anniversary for Ant & Dec; 30 years in entertainment. Yes, it's been 30 years since the boys first appeared on screen in Byker Grove as PJ & Duncan and began their career as the nation's favourite TV duo.
Join them for a very special live-streamed event, in aid of The Prince’s Trust, as the iconic pair look back on their three amazing decades in the spotlight in celebration of their brand-new book; Once Upon a Tyne: Celebrating 30 Years Together on Telly.
From their modest beginnings in Byker Grove through to their ‘unique’ time as pop stars and an award-laden TV career, the years have flown by. Ant & Dec will be looking through the lens of their glittering career, the unforgettable experiences and the incredible array of characters crossing their path along the way.
Sharing behind-the-scenes stories and exploring what they’ve learnt along the way, this hilarious and heartfelt evening explores the journey of two ordinary lads from Newcastle who went on to achieve extraordinary things.
With a rare opportunity to ask the iconic duo your own questions this is an opportunity not to be missed.
A Live Stream with Monty Don – 17th September
Monty Don OBE is the UK’s leading garden writer and broadcaster. He has been making television programmes for over thirty years and has been lead presenter of the BBC’s Gardener’s World since 2003. Since 2011 the programme has come from his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire.
Join Monty for this exclusive online event, as he celebrates the publication of My Garden World: a personal journal of the natural year, observed from the immediate world around him. It is a timely and thought-provoking celebration of the wildlife that we all share. These last few months have given us the enforced opportunity to learn more about the fascinating natural world around us and whether you live in the countryside or the town, Monty’s observations and insights are relevant to each and every one of us.
‘Gardens are the last bastion of many species as a result of the ravages of modern agriculture and the front line of climate change. ‘Wildlife’ or being ‘In Nature’ is not something that exists on the other side of the world but right here, right now outside your back door.’
A Live Stream with Graham Norton – 27th September
As a hugely successful Friday night BBC1 chat show host with his blend of tongue-in-cheek humour and piercing candour, Graham Norton has captured the hearts of millions. Now, FANE present a very special opportunity for you to tune in live, as he celebrates the publication of his new novel, Home Stretch.
Following on from the success of his first two best-selling novels - Holding and A Keeper– this will be Norton’s first Home Stretch event. Set in 1987, and a small Irish community is preparing for a wedding. The day before the ceremony a group of young friends, including bride and groom, drive out to the beach. There is an accident. Three survive, but three are killed.
The story focuses on Connor, one of the survivors and the driver of the car, who leaves the only place he knows for another life. Travelling first to Liverpool, then London and then making a home in New York, Connor tries to forget his past. But the secrets and regrets will not be silenced.
Broadcast live, Graham will be discussing his life, career and what inspired him to write Home Stretch. Don’t miss this one-off event to enjoy an evening with one of the UK’s most loved personalities.
A Live Stream with Ovie Soko – 30th September
Professional British Basketball player Ovie Soko won hearts all over the world during his time on Love Island UK with his openness, authenticity and wise insights. Now, he has a message for everyone: You Are Dope.
You, yes, YOU, are exactly where you’re meant to be right now. For one exclusive evening, Join Ovie live in conversation as he takes you on a voyage of self-discovery, self-love and self-respect. You Are Dope, Ovie’s new inspiring book, will show you that you’re ready for what life is going to throw at you and you’re ready to embrace all its glorious complications that come with it, on your journey to happiness and fulfilment.
You Are Dope is your roadmap to dopeness. Exploring Ovie’s own journey, with a chance to ask him your own questions about his life and career, you’ll learn to follow your internal compass, love who you are right now and embrace who you are going to be.
It’s time to take chances, be vulnerable and allow people to love you for who you truly are. Don’t miss the chance to hear from the man himself in this one-off live-streamed event.
A Live Stream with Elizabeth Day – 2nd October
Join the bestselling author, and creator of the award-winning podcast How To Fail With Elizabeth Day, to celebrate Failosophy: A Handbook For When Things Go Wrong. For one night only, Elizabeth will be live on stage and in conversation, bringing together all the lessons she has learned from her own life, from conversations with her podcast guests, and from meeting readers and listeners who have shared their stories with her. Following the success of her sell-out How To Fail Live tour, this will be her first ever Failosophy event and promises to be a powerful - and deeply empowering - evening.
Failosophy outlines the seven key principles of failure, which build on the words of wisdom Elizabeth has gleaned from her podcast guests, including Malcolm Gladwell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lemn Sissay, Nigel Slater, Emeli Sande, Meera Syal, Dame Kelly Holmes, Andrew Scott and many, many more.
Practical, reassuring and inspirational, this is the equivalent of having a chat with a good friend who wants to make you feel better. In short, it’s an evening you do not want to miss.
A Live Stream with William Boyd – 4th October
Join William Boyd, interviewed by the actor Tamsin Greig, in a live-streamed interview where he will talk about his new novel, ‘TRIO’. His other many fictions will be also be part of the conversation, as will the crazy adventures he experienced during his long career in the movie business, working with, among others, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig --not to mention David Bowie and the art world hoax he and Boyd concocted together, writing a James Bond novel, and the eleven-year law suit he fought against his French publisher --for theft! It should bean intriguing and revelatory encounter...
A Live Stream with Arsène Wenger – 12th October
To celebrate the publication of his autobiography, My Life in Red and White, for the very first time, world-renowned and revolutionary football manager Arsène Wenger tells his own story.
In this exclusive online event, Arsène opens up about his life and unmatched career, sharing vivid tales of his 22 years managing Arsenal to unprecedented success, including winning multiple Premier League titles and a record number of FA Cups.
Live in conversation, Wenger charts his extraordinary career, from starting out in France and Japan, right through to the unrest that led to his resignation in 2018, and his current role as Chief of Global Football Development for FIFA.
This event is not just for Arsenal fans, but football fans everywhere; for management and business leaders, and anyone seeking the tools for success in both work and life. It will illuminate the mystique surrounding one of the most successful and respected football managers, his legendary strategy, and unique vision in the world's most popular sport.
A Live Stream with Fatima Bhutto – 1st November
What does it mean to be a citizen? With nationalist politics on the rise around the world, what do we really mean when we speak of extremism? How are these narratives shaped by race and identity? In an age obsessed with “post-truth”, where do the true deceptions lie?
Fatima will deliver a speech originally written for the Sydney Writer’s Festival but never broadcast, reflecting on Islamophobia, Western Feminism and race.
Fatima Bhutto is the bestselling author of Songs of Blood and Sword, a memoir about her father’s life and assassination, and the highly praised The Runaways, an unflinching and moving portrait of radicalism, belonging and Muslim identity.
Don’t miss this important and thought-provoking evening of live conversation.
A Live Stream with Lady Glenconner – 12th November
Lady Glenconner has spent her life as a close friend of the royal family; she was Maid of Honour at the Queen’s Coronation and was subsequently appointed Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret. Her worldwide bestselling novel Lady In Waiting detailed her story, capturing a generation, a social class, and a first-hand view of royal life.
Now, Lady Glenconner brings her love of storytelling to life with her debut novel, Murder on Mustique. The gripping and endlessly entertaining story draws on Lady Glenconner's wealth of knowledge about the island, which she bought with her husband Lord Glenconner and transformed into a paradise for the rich and famous (including music royalty like Mick Jagger and David Bowie).
Join Lady Glenconner for a one-off online event, as she shares the inspirations for her gripping murder mystery and cast of entertaining characters, giving us a taste of the lifestyle, the physical beauty of the island and its history. With her characteristic warmth and wit, and riveting anecdotes, Lady Glenconner will be live in conversation for a perfect evening of escapism.
