Richmond Theatre
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.
In conversation with Matthew d’Ancona, political broadcaster Iain Dale and General Sir Richard Barrons, who served as one of the Chiefs of Staff leading the UK’s armed forces and led military operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan, join us to share insights into military leadership through history.
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?
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
Award-winning Broadcaster and Author
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.
General Sir Richard Barrons
Former Commander, Joint Forces Command
General Sir Richard Barrons served as Commander Joint Forces Command, one of the six ‘Chiefs of Staff’ leading the UK Armed Forces, 2013-2016. His military career began as an artillery officer and included the last decade of the Cold War, leadership from Captain to General on military operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, and serving as the Director of all UK military operations as Lieutenant General. Now as Co-Chairman of Universal Defence & Security Solutions, he advises on senior leadership, defence and national security matters - especially Digital Age transformation for 21st Century warfare - and is a regular media commentator. He was one of the leaders of the UK Prime Minister’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review and is a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House. His latest book, War and Peace, the Life and Times of General Sir Richard Barrons was published in 2024.
Matthew d’Ancona
Award-winning journalist and author
Matt d’Ancona is Editor-at-Large for The New European and co-host, with Matt Kelly, of its weekly podcast, The Two Matts. He is also a Contributing Editor at Prospect and a columnist at the London Evening Standard. His most recent book was Identity, Ignorance and Innovation (Hodder).
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Richmond Theatre
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.
Richmond Theatre