QED 2025 adds broadcaster Matthew Sweet, journalist Sian Norris, and magician Paul Zenon

We are delighted to announce three additions to the line-up for the final QED: writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet, author and far-right researcher Sian Norris, and magician Paul Zenon.

Matthew Sweet is co-writer, with Mark Gatiss, of the U&Alibi series, Bookish. He presents Free Thinking on BBC Radio 4 and Sound of Cinema on BBC Radio 3. His 25 years of programmes include The Culture Show (BBC2), Checking into History (C4), five series of The Philosophers Arms (Radio 4) and 1922: The Birth of Now, a ten-part history of modernism (Radio 4). He is the author of Inventing the Victorians, Shepperton Babylon, The West End Front and Operation Chaos.

Sian Norris is a writer and journalist, currently working as Senior Investigations Reporter at openDemocracy. Her book, Bodies Under Siege: how the far right attack on reproductive rights went global, was published by Verso in 2023. She has reported from the UK, Ukraine, Poland, Kenya, Bangladesh and Romania for the Times, Observer, i news, the Ferret, the Lead, the Guardian and many more.

Paul Zenon is currently celebrating 40 years as a multi-award-winning full-time professional trickster, presenter, actor, writer, pundit and avoider of 'work'. He's performed live in around 40 countries and appeared on hundreds of TV shows, most notably as the UK pioneer of 'Street Magic', debunker of peddlers of the paranormal, and as long-term guest in Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown. His specialist subjects also include the history of Magic, Variety, and unusual entertainments. Since the inception of QED, Paul has been involved variously as host, panellist, speaker, and gala dinner comedy performer. His talk, 'Monkey Business', is the amazing, strange-but-true story behind the weird stuff advertised in vintage American comics. A deep-dive into the cynical sea of con tricks targeting kids - a world of wonder, promising the Moon on a stick, but which generally delivered just a stick. A really small one. Science-laced nostalgia with a darker twist than you might imagine!

Sadly, due to unforeseen scheduling issues, Dr Anna Ploszajski will no longer be able to join us for QED 2025. However, we are very pleased to add Matthew, Sian and Paul to what promises to be a fascinating and exciting line-up for this final QED.

Tickets for QED 2025 are now sold out, however there is a waiting list, where we will offer any further tickets that become available on a first come, first served basis. To join it, simply email tickets@qedcon.org. Plus, all content from the main stage, podcast room, and panel room will be live streamed to anyone with an online ticket - streaming tickets are still available, priced £49.