Instant Classics: LIVE! With Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins

On February 23, the world's best-loved classicist Dame Mary Beard and the Guardian’s chief culture writer Charlotte Higgins join us at Union Chapel for a special live edition of Instant Classics, the podcast that brings the classical world into conversation with the present.

Determined to show that history podcasting isn’t just a boys club, Mary and Charlotte launched Instant Classics in 2025. Each week, they discuss everything from emperors and epic poetry to democracy, desire, power and scandal, and debate the most contentious questions on the Ancient World — asking what they can still tell us about the world today.

What do modern retellings get wrong about Greek myths? What can the power struggles and bloodshed of Rome teach us about politics now? And why does translating the Odyssey still generate so much drama?

For this special live show, expect ancient history in all its entertaining, salacious glory – plus interactive audience Q&A and games, and a special guest soon to be announced.

Please note that Margins will not be running before this event.More Information:

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The venue is seating only. All seats are unreserved and are taken on a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early before event door times if you have preferred seats. Due to the nature of our venue, please be prepared to queue for entry.

The venue is fully accessible, with use of ramps and the upstairs bar is accessible with use of a platform lift. Please email [email protected] with your accessibility requirements as soon as you purchase your ticket as requests are dealt with on a first come, first serve basis.

The bar is located on the first floor of the venue and will be open from the stated door time and remain open after the show.

Alcohol consumption will be limited to the bar area only, it is not permitted to take alcohol to the main chapel space. An array of soft drinks and snacks will also be available and are permitted in the main space - please note the Union Chapel bar and kiosk accept card payment only. Strictly no food or drink may be brought from outside into the venue. Water bottles must be emptied before entering the venue, with refilling stations available inside.