Opening event of the Night of Ideas 2026 with:
- HE Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK
- Anissia Morel, Director of the Institut français du Royaume-Uni
- Dance performance by Alice Renavand, ballerina and former Danseuse Étoile of the Paris Opera Ballet with piano improvisation by Karol Beffa
- Opening address by Benoit Swan Pouffer, Artistic Director of Rambert, the London-based contemporary dance company
- Conversation between Alice Renavand and Benoit Swan Pouffer, chaired by Sanjoy Roy
- Master of Ceremonies: Pierre-Antoine Denis, BBC News Journalist
Event recorded on 5 February 2026