In conversation with director Neil Ferguson, Sir Michael Palin will reflect on processes of change witnessed in countries featured in recent documentary series: North Korea, Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and the Philippines.
Please note, this event is for Members only.
About the speakers
Michael Palin established his reputation with Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Ripping Yarns. His film credits include Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Life of Brian; A Private Function, Fierce Creatures, The Death of Stalin, The Missionary, American Friends and a BAFTA winning performance as the hapless Ken in A Fish Called Wanda.
As a celebrated writer and presenter Michael’s travel series include Around the World in 80 Days; Pole to Pole; Full Circle; Hemingway Adventure; Sahara; Himalaya; New Europe; Brazil; North Korea; Into Iraq and Nigeria. And in September 2025 his latest Channel 5 series In Venezuela.
Michael is the author of several children’s stories, the play The Weekend and the novels Hemingway’s Chair and The Truth. In 2018 Michael published his bestselling book Erebus – The Story a Ship. In 2023 Great-Uncle Harry, A Tale of War and Empire received critical and public acclaim. Michael has published four volumes of diaries; 1969–1979: The Python Years; 1980-1988: Halfway to Hollywood; 1988-1998: Travelling to Work and 1999-2009: There and Back was published in September 2024.
From 2009–2012 Michael was President of the Royal Geographical Society and he was made a BAFTA fellow in 2013.
Having been awarded a CBE for services to television in the 2000 New Year Honours, Michael was Knighted in the 2019 New Year Honours when he was appointed a KCMG for services to travel, culture and geography.
Neil Ferguson is a television director and producer, specialising in travel documentaries. His credits include Joanna Lumley’s Japan for ITV, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy for CNN/BBC and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s Scandimania, for Channel 4.
Since 2018, he has been working with Michael Palin on five series produced by ITN Productions for Channel 5/Paramount. Featuring journeys across North Korea, Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and The Philippines, these series aim to go beyond the stereotypical view of these countries, showing a more human and nuanced side.
Booking information
Monday night lectures are open to Fellows and Members and are included in the cost of membership.
Attending in-person
- All Fellows and Members wanting to attend in person must pre-book a free ticket. You will receive an e-ticket with a QR code that will be scanned on arrival. Your ticket can be shown on a mobile phone or printed. If you do not have a smartphone, we can find your name on the door list instead.
- Doors open at 5.30pm. Please use the Society's entrance on Exhibition Road. The lecture will begin at 6.30pm.
- Monday night lectures are held in person in the Ondaatje Theatre. The bar will be open in the Map Room before and after the lecture. Please be advised all payments are card only.
- The Ondaatje Theatre is fitted with a hearing loop. For the best quality sound we recommend sitting on the outside rows of the front seating section.
- There is step free access to the theatre. Wheelchair spaces can be booked in advance. If you have any questions about the venue, please contact events@rgs.org
Watch online
- You do not need to pre-book to watch the lecture online.
- All Monday night lectures are livestreamed via our website so you can watch them from wherever you are.
If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org
Venue information
This event will be held in the Ondaatje Lecture Theatre at Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.
Plan your visit to the Society and find more information about our venue, including our address, accessibility and transport links.
About Monday night lectures
Our Monday night lectures are exclusive to Fellows and Members and are included in the cost of membership. Members can book to attend the lectures in-person at the Society, or enjoy them live from the comfort of your own home.
These lectures are also recorded and uploaded to our website solely for members to catch up on whenever they like. If you would like to receive a weekly reminder email about the upcoming Monday night lecture, please sign up to our Updates about our Monday night lectures newsletter.
Accessibility at our events
We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. Key accessibility features of this event include:
- Step-free access to the event
- Accessible toilets
- Assistance dogs are welcome
- Hearing loop
For full details, please visit our accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org
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