5x15 Turns 17: Live at Emmanuel Centre, November 2026

5x15 is thrilled to bring our signature format to the Emmanuel Centre stage for the first time! Five speakers, fifteen minutes each. As 5x15's 17th birthday approaches, come and celebrate with us as we bring our signature format to the Emmanuel Centre stage for the very first time! 5 speakers, each with 15 minutes to change how we see the world. To mark the occasion, we have a stellar line-up of speakers, from the inspiring Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian citizen whose detainment as a political prisoner in Iran captured the attention of the world, to the bestselling historian Dan Jones, recently announced as the author of a new 007 novel, on the fascinating history of castles and the many secrets they have held over the centuries. Expect to hear tales of freedom and resilience, and new perspectives on art, power and technology. Join us to celebrate 17 years of 5x15! Speakers Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe on justice, freedom and life as a prisoner in Iran. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained at an Iranian airport while returning to London, and was falsely accused of trying to overthrow the Iranian governmen. Over the next six years, she was held in different conditions, including solitary confinement, prison, and later house arrest with an electronic tag, and was banned from leaving Iran. After lengthy diplomatic negotiations, she was released and returned to the UK in March 2022. She now speaks publicly about her experience, advocates for political prisoners and prison reform. Dan Jones on the secrets held in castles across the centuries. is a bestselling historian, TV presenter and award-winning journalist. His non-fiction books, which have sold more than a million copies worldwide, include the Sunday Times bestsellers The Plantaganets and Powers and Thrones. His fiction includes the acclaimed Essex Dogs trilogy, and Dan has written and presented numerous TV series. His latest book, Castles, is a history of the world told through over three thousand years of iconic strongholds. Dame Margaret Hodge on life in the thick of politics. Dame Margaret Hodge was a Minister in the Governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. In 2010 she became the first elected Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and was also its first female Chair. She held the post for the full parliamentary term, retiring in 2015, and in 2024, was appointed as the UK’s Anti-Corruption Champion. Her new book, Battleaxe, is a landmark memoir told through the campaigns and battles she has been involved in over the years. Gus Casely-Hayford on the beauty of everyday objects. Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, OBE, Director of V&A East, is a curator and cultural historian who writes, lectures and broadcasts widely on culture. He was formerly Executive Director of Arts Strategy, Arts Council England, and more recently Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington DC. His new book, Objects & Us, explores commonplace and exceptional objects from around the world. Jamie Bartlett on how to talk to AI is the author of several books about technology, including The Dark Net and The People Vs Tech. His latest book is How to Talk to AI. He also writes and presents podcasts, including the international smash hit The Missing Cryptoqueen.