With his eightieth birthday looming, it crossed Michael Palin's mind that now might be the time to hang up his boots and take things easy. Then the opportunity to visit Africa's most populous nation arose. A few weeks later, he was at Lagos airport, camera crew in tow.
Reflecting on his book In Nigeria and his acclaimed Channel 5 documentary series, Michael will offer a kaleidoscopic view of a country where some 500 languages are spoken and where tropical rainforests give way to grasslands and desert plains. From the vibrant chaos of Lagos to the seemingly deserted streets of Nigeria's hyper-modern capital, Abuja, no two moments are alike.
He'll share the testimony of a kidnap victim of Boko Haram and the collective spiritual ecstasy of one of Nigeria's mega churches, illuminating the contradictions of a country rich in natural wealth and human talent, yet grappling with corruption, religious strife, and deep inequality.
From Monty Python, Ripping Yarns, and The Death of Stalin to his bestselling travel books and acclaimed diaries, Michael remains one of Britain's most beloved storytellers. In this warm and charming evening, he'll share tales from the road, reflect on a lifetime of adventure, and answer your questions on our wide, expansive world.
Michael will be in conversation with presenter Ade Adepitan.
