2025 Festival Event

Gordon Corera
Photo Credit: Colour Publicity

The Spy in the Archive 

Leading intelligence and security expert Gordon Corera discusses The Spy in the Archive – the remarkable story of how the unassuming archivist Vasili Mitrokhin turned KGB traitor when he decided to steal secret Soviet archives and smuggle them to the West.  In conversation with Libby Spurrier, Gordon explains how Mitrokhin had access to extensive intelligence files and why he copied and shared Russia’s secrets.  Gordon has written widely on intelligence issues; he co-hosts the popular ‘The Rest is Classified’ podcast and is a Security Correspondent for BBC News.

Libby Spurrier
Libby Spurrier abridges both fiction and non-fiction works for radio. Her work is regularly featured on Radio 4’s ‘Book of the Week’.
Tickets cost £12 / £18 / £20 depending on the event.
There is a 25% saving on all festival books pre-ordered with event tickets.

Other events on the same day

Alex Edmans -

Why do smart people fall for bad information? Alex Edmans shows how bias clouds our thinking and how to see clearly again.

Adam Nicolson -

Adam Nicolson introduces us to ‘bird school’ and what our feathered friends can teach us about the natural world.

Clive Aslet -

Clive Aslet discusses HM King Charles III views on architecture - from carbuncles to Dumfries House - during his time as Prince of Wales.

Harriet Cullen -

Harriet Cullen discusses Lady Pamela and her remarkable life of passion, politics and power.

Dolly Jones with David Gandy -

A practical discussion for the next generation of working women on careers and family life given by Dolly Jones and David Gandy

Gyles Brandreth -

The wonderful Gyles Brandreth discusses AA Milne, Christopher Robin and possibly the world’s most famous teddy bear.

Rachel Joyce -

Rachel Joyce meets actress Niamh Cusack to discuss her latest novel, focusing on siblings, family tensions and the legacy of a dominant father.

Michael Morpurgo -

Sir Michael Morpurgo talks with Sir Jonathon Porritt about writing his personal memoir, inspired by the changing season of spring at his home in rural Devon.

2025 Festival Schedule

4pm

6pm

8pm

10.00am

11.30am

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.