Two unmissable events this October!
An irresistible double bill of creative brilliance this October. Norfolk Screen and UEA invite you to two standout events. First up on the 12th October, we co‑host an In Conversation with Hugh Bonneville, offering reflections on his celebrated career across Downton Abbey, W1A and Paddington followed by a book signing. Then on the 15th October, we present a special comedy co‑lab with BAFTA‑winning writers Barunka O’Shaughnessy and Helen Serafinowicz, the creative minds behind Motherland and Amandaland, as they unpack the sharp, hilarious realities of parenting and school‑gate politics. They are joined by fan favourite Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Spy, The Tick), who brings an actor’s perspective on crafting one of Amandaland’s standout season‑one characters, Johannes.
In Conversation with Hugh Bonneville – Monday 12th October 2026
Join us for a very special event with Hugh Bonneville, as he shares stories from his celebrated career on stage and screen.
Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face to television audiences with credits ranging from The Vicar of Dibley, Doctor Who, and Season 2 of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series, The Gentlemen. Perhaps best-known for his Golden Globe and Emmy nominated role in Downton Abbey as Robert, Earl of Grantham, Hugh was also in the BAFTA-winning BBC comedies Twenty Twelve, W1A and Twenty Twenty Six. His notable big screen appearances include Notting Hill, The Monument’s Men, and the Downton Abbey and Paddington film franchises.
Hugh has also penned a memoir, Playing Under the Piano, and two children’s books: Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room and Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea, published this October.
There will be a book signing post event.
This event is held in partnership with UEA and will be chaired by Professor Steve Waters
Date and time: Monday 12th October 2026 at 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ
Ticket price: £15 (general admission) £10 (concession), £6 (students)
Ticket link: Hugh Bonneville in Conversation Tickets, Monday, October 12 • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Eventbrite
Inside the writers’ lounge: Motherland and Amandaland with Barunka O’Shaughnessy, Helen Serafinowicz & actor Peter Serafinowicz – Thursday 15th October 2026
Co-creators and writers of BAFTA-winning BBC sitcoms Motherland and Amandaland, Barunka O’Shaughnessy and Helen Serafinowicz join UEA for this special ‘co-lab’ with Norfolk Screen to share their insight into being the creative minds behind the hilarious series that speak about the chaos and competitive realities of middle-class parenting and Alpha-mums at the school gates.
Fan favourite and Hollywood star Peter Serafinowicz (Shaun of the Dead, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy) rounds off the line-up to shed light on being behind one of the standout characters from season one of Amandaland, Johannes.
This event will be chaired by Arts Editor Nina Nannar.
This event is held in partnership with UEA.
Date and time: Thursday 15th October 2026 at 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia, University Dr, Norwich, NR4 7TJ
Ticket price: £15 (general admission) £10 (concession) and £6 (students)
Ticket link: Inside the writers’ room: Motherland and Amandaland Tickets, Thursday, October 15 • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Eventbrite
