Award-winning performers from east London will discuss how their home turf is represented in the media at a free event in Stratford.

The discussion will focus on how east London is portrayed through the arts and media, and the impact of the creative economy in this vibrant part of the capital.

East London speakers at the event at Stratford Circus in Stratford’s cultural quarter include the writer, comedian and actor Andi Osho, choreographer Freddie Opoku-Addaie, and Guardian journalist Hugh Muir.

The evening event next Wednesday will be the second of three debates making up Birkbeck Connects. The series of free events is being staged to celebrate the opening of University Square Stratford – a new state-of-the-art university campus shared by Birkbeck, University of London, and the University of East London.

Comedian Andi Osho will share her thoughts about the creative industries in east London. She said: “Having grown up in east London, I know how much it has developed in recent years but there is still a journey to make to turn it into a creative hub for performers, artists, and writers. Our discussions will be a chance to explore how this is possible but also acknowledge the creative talent that is already here.”

Historical insights about the East End will be shared by well-known London historian Professor Jerry White, of Birkbeck. The event will be moderated by Anita Sethi – a journalist, writer, broadcaster and presenter.

Questions can be submitted to the panellists in advance by emailing info@newmedianetworks.org. Questions submitted will be entered into a prize draw for theatre tickets.

The event will run from 6.30pm to 8pm at Stratford Circus in Theatre Square.

You can book online or book a place direct with Stratford Circus: Box Office on 0844 357 2625