Grayson Perry: Being A Man, Southbank Centre

They say it’s a man’s world – but how much power do men feel they really have? Why are more men than women afflicted with porn addiction and suicide? And is our education system is failing boys?

These are the questions Grayson Perry, Billy Bragg, Hardeeep Singh Kohli, Simon Armitage and other eminent chaps will be grappling with in a groundbreaking weekend of talks at the Southbank Centre this January. Over three days the inaugural Being A Man festival sees a host of talks, film screenings and concerts exploring the challenges, joys and expectations that come with being a man, and the role of men in creating an equitable society for all genders. 

The schedule is packed but the indisputable highlight is Grayson Perry’s keynote Men, Sit Down for your Rights! The master gender-transgressor asks what constitutes the ‘male role’ that is pushed on men and boys by society and the media, and whether fulfilling this role is as much of a performance act as the traditional concept of femininity. 

Perry’s a hot ticket in the talks-world at the moment, and if you heard his BBC Reith lectures in October last year you’ll know why. Expect irreverence, insight and wit in spades. Tickets are £10 and selling out fast. Book as soon as you can. 

Click here to see all the events in the show, including a talk about How to be a Male Feminist, an eclectic Chaps’ Choir and a play about Jean-Claude Van Damme.