With so much going on surrounding policing during lockdown and the pandemic, coupled with the nation’s love of crime and policing novels and TV crime dramas such as Heartbeat, Happy Valley and Line of Duty, we are celebrating our everyday heroes. Join Britain’s Got Talent finalist Dave Wardell, the UK’s most famous Twitter cop Harry Tangye and internationally recognised comedian Arthur Smith for an evening of talking cops and comedy.

Dave Wardell is known for his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent where he moved the judges to tears with the powerful and emotive story of an incident whilst he was on duty where he and his police dog Finn were stabbed. The pair also won the hearts and minds of the nation and with such support, went on to implement Finn’s Law – the animal welfare bill that prevents those who attack or injure service animals from claiming self-defence. 

Cornishman Harry Tangye is often referred to by the media as Britain’s most famous Twitter cop. He recently retired from the force after serving 30 years as an armed response, traffic and VIP protection sergeant. He went on to write a best-selling autobiography titled Firearms and Fatals, and a debut novel called The Cornish Scoop. As well as being an accomplished author, he is also a public speaker, police consultant and has just finished working on the G7 Summit for world leaders held in his home county of Cornwall. 

Comedian Arthur Smith tells the funny and terrifying story of his father Syd, POW and PC on night duty in 1950s London – an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times. 

The evening will conclude with a comedy gig from Arthur Smith all about his father PC Syd Smith. 

Syd fought at El Alamein, became a P.O.W., and ended the war in the notorious Colditz Castle in Germany. In the 1950s PC Syd patrolled London’s South Bank and met a gallery of characters, whom he tried his best not to arrest.

Arthur tells this 20th Century story with laughter, amazement and a hilarious photo.

You will be sure to enjoy this evening of cops and comedy with this fun trio of authors. 

There will be a book signing after the in conversation and comedy gig. 

Quotes: Arthur Smith’s Syd Smith’s show was The Times ‘Critic’s Choice for Top Comedy Pick’ and The List ‘Top Tip’ show!

“A touching and funny tribute to Arthur Smith’s own father. Beautiful” ★★★★★

“There are Fringe legends and then there is Arthur Smith” Bruce Dessau – Evening Standard

Time: 7.30pm (Duration: 2 hours)

60 mins: Author event with Harry Tangye, Dave Wardell and Arthur Smith

20 min: interval

40 mins: Comedy gig from Arthur Smith about his policeman father Syd.