Create an experience with David Harper

Hi, I’m David Harper. You might know me from BBC TV antiques shows like Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip…or possibly Celebrity Masterchef, where I was voted the worst ever contestant in the history of the programme!  

My After Dinner Speeches are lively, interactive, never scripted and full of stories from the world of TV, funny celebrities, odd moments, big antiques profits, bigger losses and lots of embarrassing moments…I made a bit of a mistake after selling Sir Alex Ferguson in a charity auction for £170,000! 

I can be booked for antiques events (valuations / talks / demonstrations) Again, non-scripted, audience participation, funny, informative and easy going 

I’ve written two ‘Funny History For Adults’ books. Both of which I’ve turned into ‘Stand Up’ comedy shows for private events (inc after dinner speaking) book signing appearances and theatre shows. 

Book and show titles: ‘A Romp With The Georgians’ Stories from the Georgian period (1714 - 1830) Funny, outrageous, dastardly and surprising tales our history teachers didn’t tell us! Everything from odd pets, binge drinking, terrible Georgian jobs, hot 18th century dating tips, cosmetic surgery to how to sell your spouse in a public auction!

‘A Bash With The British Empire’ Picking up from the ‘’Georgians’ book, this one takes a funny look at the real people of the empire. Their eccentricities, achievements, odd habits, mad inventions, hobbies, fashions (inc corsets for men!) to the first ever Indian restaurant in Britain and why we drink lager with our curries! 

With all events, there can be meet and greets, book sales and signings. 

Charity Auctioneering: I’m a world record holding event auctioneer and will raise more money for you by far than you doing it yourself, or employing your local auctioneer! I’m also an artist and can include one of my paintings or prints in the sale. I’m happy also to host the evening and keep the night flowing and entertaining 

Appearances / openings / pod casts / interviews 

With all my events, I particularly enjoy the live, non scripted element of the occasion, so I’m always happy to look at interviews, off the cuff podcasts and appearances. 

Here’s some testimonials:

You do this so well, David...book him, he’s brilliant! 
Gyles Brandreth
 
‘Harbinger of great tales…and boy, you’ll find them hilarious!’ 

Steve Coleman, Smooth Radio

World record auction results (literally!) £240,000 in three lots. Astonishing 

Nick Robinson - BBC Journalist

Fabulous. Blew the roof off the theatre! 

Quilter Cheviot Investments

Funny, informative and interactive. A super performance...just like a RR Wraith! 

Rolls Royce Club UK

Always so entertaining, a crowd puller and very popular.  

 McCarthy Stone - Retirement Living    

What a fantastic afternoon - we could have listened and watched David all day long. Future speakers from now on have a lot to live up too! 

Lesley Carter. U3A

Phenomenal! Hundreds of thousands of pounds raised and highly entertaining. 

Shine Trust

David's charm, humour, storytelling and interaction with the audience made for a wonderful and hugely successful evening. Funny Way To Be Comedy

One of the best after dinner talks and display of expertise we have ever experienced. 

Media Messages Ltd

Fantastic results and very funny. David had the room buzzing! 

Tessa Sanderson CBE