Hostage: The story of John Cantlie with Anthony Loyd and Manveen Rana

Dragged from his car at gunpoint in Syria in 2012. Then a reluctant presenter in ISIS propaganda videos in 2014 and from war-torn Mosul in 2016. Then, nothing. What happened to British photojournalist John Cantlie?

Join award-winning Times foreign correspondent Anthony Loyd and Manveen Rana, host of the flagship podcast The Story, as they revisit their eight-part podcast series from 2022, Last Man Standing. Their gripping story of Cantlie’s life, kidnapping and disappearance will leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat.

Their investigation has now been built on by the BBC in their new three-part documentary series Hostage, which tells the story of John Cantlie’s fight to survive, against the backdrop of Britain’s hardline hostage policy, in a powerful depiction of the risks and necessity of journalism in wartime. Hostage will air in Spring 2026 on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Anthony will also share his firsthand account from the Ukrainian front line and his unique perspective on the broader geopolitical tensions reshaping the global landscape – plus take questions from the audience.

Illuminating, enthralling – and completely unmissable.

Booking information

To book tickets, please visit the event booking page.

This event has not been organised by the Society. If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking please contact the event organiser via timesevents@thetimes.co.uk

Doors open at 6.30pm.

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