The John Warren Lecture 2026: Sancho & Me

John Warren Lecture 2026 - Thursday 18 June 

St Edmund's Church, Warkton is delighted to welcome Paterson Joseph, actor and author of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho. 

Charles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship on the Atlantic Ocean in 1729, yet he became a writer, composer, shopkeeper and respected ‘man of letters’ in 18th century London - the first man of African heritage to vote in Britain. 

SANCHO&ME - For One Night Only is an unmissable evening of storytelling with themes stemming from Ignatius Sancho’s 18th century letters intersecting with Paterson’s own story of growing up Black and British.
This is a vital story connecting a Black Life in the transatlantic world from nearly three hundred years ago with a modern-day Black Life in today’s UK.

Described as 'remarkable' and perfect for all ages 12 and upwards, this live show uses Sancho's compositions and original music by co-creator, composer and musician Ben Park.

Paterson Joseph’s novel ‘The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho’ won the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and The Historical Writer’s Association Debut Novel Prize in 2023. 

Tickets £20 (seating unreserved, some views restricted)

U16 concession £15Tickets from: Edward lamb c/o Lamb & Holmes, West Street, Kettering NN16 0AZ              Tel: 01536 513195  email: edward.lamb@lamb-holmes.co.uk 

and also from Michael Moore, Tel: 01536 483505/ 07887 845778  email: operalad@me.com

The John Warren Foundation are sponsoring this event.