Born poor in 1920s London, Joan looked like Marilyn Monroe but had the strength of Schwarzenegger. As a strong-woman she performed for the Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, and became an unlikely star attraction on the stage, rubbing shoulders with Fred Astaire and Bob Hope. Her affair with Marlene Dietrich is only part of her extraordinary personal story. Triona Holden, veteran BBC reporter, knew Joan well and her An Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove is a riveting biography of this feminist icon.

Please note that in the event of a change to the schedule, or a cancellation, ticketholders will be refunded no later than 7 days after the event. You will be contacted nearer the time with more information related to current government guidance.

Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 (these are listed on the NHS website) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus.

If you are unable to use your tickets because you are unwell, please contact events@waterstones.com before, or on the day of the event to organise a refund. Refunds will be processed within a week of the event.