
About Why Are We Obsessed with True Crime?
Get to grips with humanity's dark side with psychologist and co-host of the Bad People podcast Julia Shaw, former forensic scientist-turned-comedian Ria Lina and psychologist and behavioural geneticist Kathryn Paige Harden.
Whether it's serial killers or master fraudsters, stories of terrible crimes and even more terrible people dominate podcast and streaming charts. But what's behind our fascination? Is it morbid curiosity, a craving for justice or the thrill of solving the puzzle from the safety of our sofas?
Delve into the science behind our obsession with true crime and uncover what happens in our brains when we consume stories of crime with our expert panel. Chaired by Catherine Loveday.
This event may include references to crime scenes and murder investigations.
There will be a book signing after this event.
Get ahead of your Festival reading and visit the Waterstones Cheltenham Science Festival bookshop and support Cheltenham Festivals with every purchase.

Making Evil: The Science Behind Humanity’s Dark Side (Paperback)
by Dr Julia Shaw

Green Crime: Inside the Minds of the People Destroying the Planet, and How to Stop Them (Hardback)
by Dr Julia Shaw

Original Sin: The Genetics of Wrongdoing, the Problem of Blame and the Future of Forgiveness (Hardback)
by Kathryn Paige Harden

The Brain (Paperback)
by Catherine Loveday
Getting Here
Parking
Imperial Gardens (GL50 1QA) is in the centre of Cheltenham, with numerous car parks nearby. The nearest car parks are Rodney Road (GL50 1HX), St Georges Road (GL50 3DT), Royal Well (GL50 3DS) and Regent Arcade (GL50 1HN). There is a regular bus service from Cheltenham Racecourse Park and Ride car park to the centre of Cheltenham.
Rail
Imperial Gardens is a 25-minute walk from Cheltenham Spa Railway Station. There is a taxi rank outside the station should wish you get a taxi.
Bus
Stagecoach bus services stop nearby on the Promenade. Imperial Gardens is 5 minute walk way. For further information on Cheltenham bus services, please visit the Stagecoach website.
There are bike racks located near Imperial Gardens should you wish to visit the festival on your bike. Please note that anyone wishing to secure their bike at one of the bike racks does so at their own risk.
More infoAccess
The Helix has step free access and guide dogs are welcome in the venue. There are accessible toilets located in the Cheltenham Town Hall which is located behind Imperial Gardens.
More info

