The Generals - What Makes a Military Leader?

The Generals - What Makes a Military Leader?

Live at
Richmond Theatre
Sat 18 Jul 2026
Talk
1 hour 50 minutes
incl. interval
From Sun Tzu to Joan of Arc, Saladin to Charlemagne, Erwin Rommel to George Patton, Iain Dale takes us across human history to answer the question: what makes a military leader?

Richmond Theatre

Sat 18 Jul 2026
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
1 hour 50 minutes incl. interval
Sat at 19:30
Age guidance: 14+ or at the discretion of a parent or guardian
For group bookings of 10 or more:
Read more about our resale options

The one theme that runs through the history of virtually every country in the world, right from the dawn of time, is war. Military strategy fascinates us, and yet for many it remains a mystery.

The Generals - What Makes a Military Leader?

We may think we know what the word ‘general’ means and what a general actually does. But do we really? What made them successful? Why have they become military legends? How much is it to do with their strategic abilities, leadership qualities or force of personality? What can we learn?

One of the country’s best loved political broadcasters, Iain Dale has taken us through the lives of history’s most notable prime ministers, presidents, and dictators: now he joins us to share his insights into military leadership. Join us and discover how the lives and strategies of generals from Timur to Napoleon have shaped not only the history of our tumultuous world, but the present too.

Iain Dale is an award-winning broadcaster and presenter of the Evening Show on LBC Radio. He is the author/editor of more than 30 books and co-host of the For the Many podcast and the Iain Dale Book Club podcast. He was named Radio Presenter of the Year for 2013 and 2016 and is the former Managing Director of Biteback Publishing. He hosts the theatre show Iain Dale All Talk. Iain lives in Tunbridge Wells.

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Richmond Theatre

Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
Richmond (District Line), Overground (SW Trains)
The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. Please note we will not be open on days we do not have any performances. See the ‘What’s On’ section for performance times.
Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks
Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)

One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, Richmond Theatre has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.

The beautiful Grade II-listed venue presents a wide range of quality shows, from pre- and post-West End Drama to record-breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment.

The theatre is also a popular filming location, having been used for film and TV including Finding Neverland, Bugsy Malone, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso.

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Richmond Theatre

Sat 18 Jul 2026
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
1 hour 50 minutes incl. interval
Sat at 19:30
Age guidance: 14+ or at the discretion of a parent or guardian
For group bookings of 10 or more:
Read more about our resale options
Join ATG+, the UK's biggest live entertainment membership to enjoy these benefits and much more across 35+ venues:
Priority booking and ringfenced seats
Exclusive member ticket savings and prices
Flexible tickets
Join today

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