Friday, December 19, 2008 | print version

Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People

at The Bloomsbury Theatre

A Rational Celebration of Christmas
19th December, 2008 at The Bloomsbury Theatre, London

Last year, Robin Ince made the mistake of appearing on ITV's London Talking to debate "Is Britain becoming more secular?" By the time he got to the studio, the subject had changed to "Who is taking the Christ out of Christmas?"

Suffice to say, he got quite cross during the barrage of lies from radio shock jocks and misinformed fundamentalists. Robin tried to make it clear that, as an atheist, he wasn't against Christmas as a time for gluttony and reflection; he was just against the journalists and manipulated fundamentalists shouting about winterval and other myths. This was beyond Stephen Green of Christian Voice's comprehension, so he kept muttering, "I don't think he does want Christmas blah blah blah".

Well, to prove that he does enjoy this season of laziness, alcoholism and regret, he is presenting a rational celebration of the Christmas season in the guise of Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People. Rather than talking of Jesus's birth, acclaimed science author Simon Singh will talk about the birth of the universe. Instead of talking about Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, Bad Science Columnist Ben Goldacre will talk of alternative medicine and charlatans, while Josie Long will talk about the wonder of the stars.

So far the confirmed speakers are Stewart Lee, Phill Jupitus, Mark Thomas (who might be bringing along his grandfather's travelling harmonium for a carol sing-a-long), Natalie Haynes, Chris Addison, Ben Goldacre, Christina Martin, Simon Singh, Josie Long, Jo Neary and Richard Dawkins.

Music will be provided by Tim Minchin, Darren Hayman, Robyn Hitchcock, Phil Harris, Gavin Osborn, Colin Watson (aka Waen Shepherd) the fabulous Martin White Orchestra and more TBC.

The evening will also include projections of classic archive footage of Carl Sagan and Richard Feynman.

Robin Ince will host the night.

It's not just for agnostics and atheists, hopefully it will be a night celebrating the wonder of the universe so as long as you're not a crazed fundamentalist you can enjoy it. If you are a crazed fundamentalist, then please come and hold a placard up outside and shout like a halfwit.

Bloomsbury Theatre
19th December
Doors 7pm/show 7.30pm
Tickets available by calling the box office - 020 7388 8822
Price: 20 GBP and are available on line.

For more information go to:
http://www.thebloomsbury.com/
http://skeptic.org.uk/news/2008/1219