This is the story of Homo sapiens… us
Host of BBC landmark show ‘Human’, Ella Al-Shamahi, palaeoanthropologist, TV presenter, explorer and stand-up presents a talk on our remarkable origin story.
Once upon a time we shared this planet with many species of human – it has been said that our world was a bit like Lord of the Rings. To start with we Homo sapiens weren’t that remarkable, our origins were in fact rather humble and yet somehow today we are the only ones left. But we didn’t just survive against all odds, we thrived, innovated and travelled like no other species of human - becoming the explorer species who built cities, iPhones and painted the Sistine Chapel. Our success was profound, but how on Earth did it happen and at what cost?
Ella Al-Shamahi started studying evolution as a creationist and so she interweaves her own story demonstrating the power of tribalism not just in the past, but also in the present. Expect a talk that draws on the latest discoveries, heart, humour and wild expedition stories.
Al-Shamahi is a National Geographic Explorer specialising in searching for fossils in Palaeolithic caves in politically unstable, hostile and disputed territories. She is the presenter of HUMAN, a flagship BBC/PBS science series as well as other TV and radio shows. She is also author of a Times/Sunday Times book of the year ‘The Handshake: A Gripping History’
Reviews for Human BBC Two
The Guardian ★★★★★
“She is the best teacher you never had”
Financial Times ★★★★
“Infectious enthusiasm”
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Standard | £21.00 |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
| Ella Al-Shamahi (28 June 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Sunday | 19:30 | |
"It's back again! Exeter Phoenix’s famous Summer Film School returns, created in…
British multi-vocalist, musician and comedian from London renowned for his beatboxing…
Electronic Synth Rock 80’s band BETAMAX finally comes to Exeter after a number of…
Mr B invented chap-Hop in the summer of 2007, having drunk too much sherry and…
Sculpture from Life 1 Day Workshop.
Work from a model to develop your own sculpting…
"Work from a model and using clay learn how to hand sculpt a hollow ceramic bust. During…
Work in pairs with a family member or friend and use fun techniques to create portraits…
All the way from Canada, Dennis Ellsworth returns to the UK with his brilliant four piece…
In this two day course, you’ll explore the art of Foley and basic sound design, learning…
Exeter’s poetry platform presented by Chrissy Banks and Matt Bryden.
Each month we host…
Born out of a love for southern soul, blues and roots music and a passion to create a…
Learn how to bring your films to life with Adobe After Effects’ animation and visual…
The acclaimed author and New Yorker writer is live in conversation about his new book,…
Taking place over the Glastonbury weekend, Everywhere at Once brings live music to your…
Since launching in 2017, Ultimate Coldplay have been widely recognised as being the…
Canadian-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter Anthony Gomes is a critically acclaimed…