ISLINGTON’s Union Chapel is set to host a variety of popular authors and broadcasters.

The award-winning venue, in Compton Terrace, Highbury, will kickstart its 2011 schedule with a new series organised by literary group, 5x15. Each event in the series will feature five well-known media and literary-based professionals, such as journalist and broadcaster, Janet Street Porter and The Simpsons’ writer, Harry Shearer, who will speak to the audience about a variety of their favourite topics and projects. Each speaker will have the opportunity to give a fifteen minute talk before answering any questions from spectators.

Pete Stapleton, the director of Union Chapel, said: “We are really excited to be hosting this new series of events and to bring such an interesting group of people to the local area. We hope that the series will provide local residents with an alternative to television documentaries and interviews and give them a chance to actually take part in live talks with some literary greats.”

Rosie Boycott, one of 5x15’s creators, added: “Union Chapel is the most stunning venue and we completely fell in love with it. We were looking for a North London home and as soon as we walked in we knew that it was for us. It’s got soul.”

The first in the 5x15 series will take place on February 7 and, in addition to Ms Street Porter and Mr Shearer, will feature Amy Chua, author of the controversial parenting book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and children’s author, Judith Kerr.