A Special Evening with Natalie Haynes: “For the love of Gods”
Last week, BSA Supporters and guests gathered for an inspiring evening at the British Academy in London, featuring an insightful conversation between Director Professor Rebecca Sweetman and acclaimed writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes.
“For the love of Gods: my life in Greek myth” offered a behind-the-scenes look at Natalie’s unique journey from studying Classics at Cambridge, through stand-up comedy, and ultimately to retelling ancient stories for modern audiences.
In answering questions from Rebecca, Natalie shared entertaining and moving anecdotes from her decade-running BBC Radio 4 programme Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics, including recording episodes in her laundry cupboard to drown out noise during the lockdown.
-
- Professor Sir Roderick Beaton with Natalie Haynes
-
- Kate Smith giving the closing remarks
Quizzed by Rebecca on her impressive run of nine books of fiction and non-fiction, Natalie gave the audience a tantalizing glimpse into her creative process—such as translating Euripides’ Medea from scratch for her forthcoming book No Friend to This House, which will be published in September. Her passion for making Greek myth accessible and resonant today was clear throughout the warm conversation, and it’s one of the many reasons we are proud to have her as a BSA Vice-President and a regular contributor to our Communicating Archaeology postgraduate course. We are so grateful to Natalie for sharing her time, insights, and sparkling wit with the BSA community.
As highlighted by our Chair of Council, Professor Sir Roderick Beaton, and Council member and former British Ambassador to Greece Kate Smith, the evening was also a welcome chance to reconnect with our Supporters over a glass of wine and a flick through the freshly printed BSA Newsletter. This annual summer gathering, now a regular feature in place of our traditional London Garden Party, was the perfect way to close the 2024–25 academic year’s events programme.
Καλό καλοκαίρι – have a great summer!
BSA Staff, Vice-Presidents and Council members
Learn more about becoming a BSA Supporter and gaining access to exclusive events here: https://www.bsa.ac.uk/join-us-2/become-a-supporter/
photos: Katerina Kalogeraki for the BSA