Back after 40 years away . . . veteran theatre director gives sell-out lecture

Jan 30 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

THEATRE director Sir Jonathan Miller addressed a sold-out audience last night, as part of the University of Liverpool’s 2008 lecture series.

Around 500 eager listeners packed the Sherrington Building, on Ashton Street, to hear his talk, entitled Under The Influence, chronicling the people and events which have helped shape his life and career.

He said last night: “I last visited Liverpool 40 years ago to write an article on the city.

“I was very keen to come here and speak tonight when asked; I thought it sounded like a very interesting opportunity.”

Sir Jonathan is the first in a series of famous faces to speak in the city, as part of university’s Capital of Culture programme.

Professor Drummond Bone, said: “The programme of lectures will cover ideas on religion, film, theatre and science from some of the UK’s most well respected performers, writers and theorists.”

The series continues next month with Professor Richard Dawkins, the evolutionary biologist, who is well known for his views on religion. He will discuss evolutionary theory and his view that belief in God is illogical and harmful to society.

In September, Lord Robert Winston will lecture on advancements in fertility research.