Armando Iannucci at the Shakespeare Society

Armando Iannucci (1982, English) has, for several decades, been among the pre-eminent British writers and directors of television, film, and several other media. He returned to the College on Tuesday, 17 October to chat with Professor Joe Moshenska, Beaverbrook and Bouverie Fellow and Praelector in English, and current student members of the Univ Shakespeare Society. The event was introduced by the Master.

Student, Sahar Rajabali (2021, English), commented: “The Shakespeare Society events have been a great opportunity for aspiring writers and creatives to meet those who came before us at Univ and hear of their experiences and adventures since leaving Oxford. Meeting Armando Iannucci was one such experience. He was such a lovely person to meet with fantastic advice and brilliant stories of his research sneaking into various Official US Government buildings (though perhaps not through any covert ops mission but simply by walking in and saying he was with the BBC). His visit was more than needed, at a time when listening to the news is drawing us much towards pessimism and gloom, Iannucci showed how it was possible not just to find light in certain situations, but also how valuable it was to make fun of those in power who frustrated us, finding humour in our times whilst still addressing the problems that are necessary to face and talk about. Apart from his commendable work, Iannucci was wonderful to talk to and had a great many stories to tell us about his days at Univ (and such exclusive parties or notable characters). I can’t wait to see what he does next!”

Our very great thanks to Armando Iannucci for joining us, to those who attended – both in person and online – and to all in College who worked so hard to make this event happen.