Classics Fest 2025 | ClassicsFest Competition finale

Saturday 17th May | 2pm

At Alphabetti Theatre, St James Boulevard

Following a call out earlier this year for new persuasive arguments inspired by the rhetoric style of the Roman orator and lawyer, Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 – 43 BC), eight entries have been shortlisted.

At this special event you will be able to vote for your favourite three entries and help select the winners following the performance of each piece.

The qualities that Cicero embodied in his persuasive arguments were:

· Clarity of focus

· Coherent and persuasive argument

· Containing a call to action, decision or resolution

· Dynamic and written to be spoken out loud

Cicero was very keen on political participation and direct engagement by the Roman people, one of the pillars of Republicanism. This competition empowers individuals outside of academia or expert circles to be recognised, promoting an ethos of equality in the process and you are invited to take part.

The speeches you will hear are:

· In Toga Candida by Michael Brandon

· Carefree by Teresa Kirby

· By The Pricking of my Thumbs by Laura Burdon

· Imagination for the People! by Martyn Halsall

· Please mind the Generation Gap by Laura Burdon

· Be careful what you wish for by Paul Stott

· A Literary Crisis by Sarah Bond

· Neo-Ciceronianus and the Ape of AI by Daniel James Taylor

Advance booking recommended as capacity is limited

A LIVE Event at Alphabetti Theatre | Pay what you feel

Tickets are ‘pay what you feel’ and must be booked through Alphabetti Theatre on www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk/classicsfestcompetitionfinale

Most events are free and take place at the Lit & Phil unless otherwise stated. Where there is a ticket charge, those on unemployment benefit and students are free.

Age recommendation for all events is 12 years+

For the full Classics Fest 2025 events CLICK HERE

All events must be booked in advance unless otherwise stated. Except for the ClassicsFest Competition Finale at Alphabetti Theatre.

(If you would prefer to book directly over the phone, please call the Alphabetti Theatre team on 0191 261 9125 and they will be happy to help)

The Lit & Phil CANNOT take bookings for this event, either in-house, over the phone or online. Please contact the Alphabetti Theatre directly.