Join award-winning historian, broadcaster and author Professor David Olusoga for a powerful live talk exploring the hidden histories behind the weapons that shaped the modern world.
Best known for landmark series such as Black and British: A Forgotten History and A House Through Time, Olusoga brings his signature storytelling style to the stage in A Gun Through Time, offering a compelling and thought-provoking journey through history.
This live event examines how a small number of iconic firearms transformed not only warfare, but entire societies. Through detailed historical insight, Olusoga explores the far-reaching consequences of these weapons—how they influenced empire, conflict, industry and everyday life across generations.
From the Maxim gun, which played a central role in European colonial expansion in Africa, to the Lee-Enfield rifle, carried by millions of soldiers through two world wars, the talk reveals the complex human stories behind these technologies. The infamous Thompson submachine gun and the historic Brown Bess musket are also explored, highlighting their impact on both military and civilian life.
Rather than focusing solely on weapons themselves, Olusoga examines the wider cultural and social consequences—how these tools of conflict shaped identity, power and global history. The event also includes an opportunity for audiences to engage directly, with a live Q&A session following the talk.
Combining academic insight with accessible storytelling, this performance offers a unique opportunity to experience history brought vividly to life by one of the UK’s most respected public historians.
Event Details:
Start Time: 7:30pm
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including interval)
Ticket Prices:
£39 – £44
Age Guidance:
12+
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