Paterson Joseph Interviewed by Suzi Feay

Actor and writer Paterson Joseph talks about his debut historical novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, based on the true story of the man born on a slave ship who went on to be a writer, leading abolitionist and the first Black Briton known to have voted in an election.

Joseph describes Igantius Sancho’s birth in the Atlantic and the ensuing journey that finds him dodging slave traders in Georgian England, learning to read thanks to a kindly duke who took him in, meeting the king, writing and playing acclaimed music, and leading the fight to end slavery.

‘An absolutely thrilling, throat-catching wonder of a historical novel. Told in wonderful prose and with dazzling energy and brilliant panache.’ Stephen Fry

Joseph will be installed as the new Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University in 2023. He is a well known actor who has recently been seen in Vigil and Noughts and Crosses. Joseph has also starred in Peep Show and Law and Order UK. He appears in the new film Wonka, about the early days of Willy Wonka, due for release in 2023, and is filming a new series, Boat Story, for the BBC. Here he talks to journalist and reviewer for the FT Suzi Feay.