James Corden to give South Shields Lecture

Published on 11, December, 2024

Writer, actor and TV host James Corden will deliver the 2025 South Shields Lecture, supported by the University of Sunderland.

The lecture, which is titled ‘To America and back: James Corden tells his story’, will be held at Harton Academy on Lisle Road, on Saturday 25 January, 2025, starting at 6pm.

James, whose television credits include sitcom Gavin and Stacey, panel show A League of Their Own and The Late Late Show, will follow in the footsteps of former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, former Prime Minister John Major, television presenter Gary Lineker, actor Patrick Stewart, comedian Jo Brand, and film producers Sam Mendes and Danny Boyle. 

The lecture series, which was established in 2001, is organised by former South Shields MP and Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who said: "James Corden is a true British superstar. Having conquered the London stage, British TV and American late-night TV, the South Shields lecture is the obvious next venue.

“I promised that the South Shields Lecture would bring global talent to South Shields. After Hillary Clinton’s appearance in 2022 I am thrilled that James Corden is bringing great British talent to South Shields.  When I explained to him the history of the town and the lecture he jumped at the chance - but his diary has been a handful."

Mr Miliband added: "Many people in South Shields will be watching the final ever Gavin and Stacey on Christmas Day, so what better way to start the New Year than to have a discussion with the star and writer of the show.  ‘Smithy’ will be in South Shields.  Everyone loves to know what happens behind the scenes in the world of television, film and the stage – and James brings with him the answers."

The sponsors of the 2025 lecture are the University of Sunderland and Durham University, along with Colmans of South Shields.

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Sir David Bell, University of Sunderland Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: "The University of Sunderland has a strong reputation for its film and TV courses, and we have been pleased to be home to the northern office of production company Fulwell 73, of which James Corden is a partner, since 2021.

"With Sunderland and the wider region seeing major investment in filmmaking thanks to the development of Crown Works Studios, we could not think of a better guest for the 2025 lecture, and we are delighted to be a sponsor."

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance by emailing: events@hartonacademy.co.uk

Tickets will be limited to two per household, and priority will be given to residents of the NE33, NE34 and SR6 postcode areas. 

Please remember to include the name, full address and contact number and the name and address of the other guest who will be attending, if two tickets have been requested. 

Tickets will be posted out week commencing January 6, 2025.