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John Simpson: The Leaders and Lunatics Tour
John Simpson CBE brings his talk on world leaders and tyranny to the Royal Hall, Harrogate, on Saturday 10 October 2026 at 7:30pm, with audience questions in the second half.
What the evening is
John Simpson CBE is a long-serving BBC foreign correspondent and World Affairs Editor. The Leaders and Lunatics Tour is a one-man stage show built on nearly 60 years of reporting. He looks at figures such as Putin, Assad, Saddam, Gaddafi and Trump, and at leaders he admires, including Gorbachev, Mandela, Havel and Zelensky. The theme is how societies can slide into despotism, and why that can happen more easily than people expect. The second half is given over to questions from the audience.
It is a public ticketed event at the Royal Hall, not a trade show. It is promoted by Harrogate Theatre and suits anyone interested in current affairs and recent history.
Dates and times
There is a single performance on Saturday 10 October 2026. It starts at 7:30pm and runs for about 110 minutes. Harrogate Theatre lists it as suitable for ages 14 and over. Tickets are priced from £37 to £94, and the top price is for a box seating two. Some boxes may have a restricted view.
For visitors
Tickets are sold through Harrogate Theatre. You can ring the box office on 01423 502116 or email boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk. The venue accepts card and contactless payments only, so do not plan on paying with cash. Wheelchair and companion bookings need to be made directly with the box office.
The Royal Hall is one of the town's best-known theatres, and many of our apartments and townhouses are a short walk from it and the Convention Centre. If you are coming from out of town, a late finish makes an overnight stay easier than a rush for the last train. Staying with us gives you a kitchen, space to spread out and no need to worry about the journey home.
Getting there
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly once an hour. Leeds is about 35 minutes away by train. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi, which suits anyone flying in.
Booking early
This performance is tomorrow, so check ticket availability with Harrogate Theatre directly. If you still need a room, contact us soon, as a Saturday night in Harrogate can fill up quickly. For future events at the Royal Hall or Convention Centre, booking your accommodation as soon as you have your tickets gives you the widest choice of apartments.
After the show
The show ends at around 9:20pm, which leaves time for a late dinner. Central Harrogate has plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Royal Hall, so you can carry on the conversation over a meal or a drink. If you are staying on until Sunday, the Turkish Baths are a relaxed way to spend the following morning. A stay with us also lets you take the next day at your own pace.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
Make a night of it: dinner in town before the show, then a short walk back to your apartment.
See available homesCentral and walkable
Our homes are spread across central Harrogate, many within a short walk of the Convention Centre, the Royal Hall and the station.
Room for the whole team
Apartments and townhouses that sleep groups, often better value than booking several hotel rooms for exhibitors or delegates.
Book direct, best rate
Self check-in for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi and a local team on hand. Rated 4.9 from 1,500+ five-star reviews.
Getting there
Harrogate station is in the town centre, with direct trains to London King's Cross roughly every hour and to Leeds in about 35 minutes. The Convention Centre is around a ten-minute walk from the station.
Book early
Big shows and conferences fill the town quickly, especially multi-day trade fairs. Book your stay as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Make a night of it
After the event, Harrogate's restaurants, bars and Turkish Baths are on the doorstep. See our local guide for where we eat and drink.
More events in Harrogate
See what's onQuestions people ask
Where should I stay for John Simpson: The Leaders and Lunatics Tour?
Somewhere within walking distance of the Royal Hall makes the evening easiest, particularly as the show finishes after 9pm. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses across central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall.
Is John Simpson: The Leaders and Lunatics Tour open to the public?
Yes. It is a ticketed public performance on Saturday 10 October 2026. Harrogate Theatre recommends it for ages 14 and over.
What time does it start and how long is it?
The performance starts at 7:30pm and lasts about 110 minutes. The second half is an audience question session.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are sold by Harrogate Theatre, with prices from £37 to £94. Call 01423 502116 or email boxoffice@harrogatetheatre.co.uk. The venue takes card and contactless payments only.
How do I get to the Royal Hall by train?
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct services to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away.
