The season is brimming with big personalities, ranging from psychotherapist Philippa Perry to documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux. To make it easier to navigate, we've picked out the highlights.
Sara Pascoe: Sex, Power, Money
Sunday 8 September | 7.30PM
Following her hit book Animal, award-winning comedian, writer and actor Sara Pascoe has turned her attention to the things that really matter to humans – sex, power and money. In a discussion based on her new book (its title an acknowledgement of those three topics), Pascoe examines the blind spots in relationships whilst casting a comedic eye over anatomy and the history of sexual representation.
Philippa Perry in conversation
Thursday 19 September | 7.30PM
Expanding upon the ideas in her bestselling book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), the psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry sets out to challenge the notion of the ‘perfect’ parent in conversation with broadcaster and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake. For anyone with burning questions about parenting: the talk is followed by an audience Q&A.
Louis Theroux in conversation
Wednesday 25 September | 7.30PM
Most will recognise filmmaker Louis Theroux from his many documentaries exploring the offbeat corners of contemporary life. Many also give his name when asked who they'd most like to have as a dinner party guest. This September, Theroux is unveiling his highly-anticipated new memoir as part of the Southbank Centre's literary season, in which he looks back at some of the larger-than-life characters and biggest challenges he has encountered on his weird and wonderful journey through two decades of ground-breaking television making.
Lenny Henry: Who am I, again?
Monday 30 September | 7.30PM
This time around, the comedian and national treasure Lenny Henry is not stepping onto the stage to perform one of his cherished comedy shows. Instead, he's sharing his long-awaited autobiography, Who Am I, Again?, reflecting on his early years and sudden rise to fame. We cannot promise, however, that he’ll hold back on the banter.
Hannah Gadsby
Friday 25 October | 7.30PM / Sunday 27 October | 5PM and 8PM
Coming all the way from Tasmania, comedian Hannah Gadsby is presenting her new comedy show Douglas at the Southbank Centre this autumn. The film version of Gadsby’s stand-up show Nanette from 2017 quickly became an international hit on Netflix (with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 44 reviews) – and we expect the comedic quality of Douglas to be no lower.
Mariam Khan: It’s Not About the Burqa – Essays by Muslim Women
Monday 7 November | 7PM
Why do we hear so much about Muslim women from people who are neither Muslim, nor female? This question prompted editor and activist Mariam Khan to create the essay collection It’s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race, in which 17 Muslim women express their views on the Muslim female experience. At the Southbank Centre, Mariam Khan, together with writer Salma El-Wardany (the woman behind the TEDx Talk Burkas and Bikinis), provide new perspectives on what it means to be a Muslim woman today.
Nadiya Hussain: Finding My Voice
Sunday 1 December | 7.30PM
When Nadiya Hussain appeared on The Great British Bake Off in 2015, her characteristic warmth, honesty and humour won everybody’s hearts. Ever since she won the BBC baking competition, she has been juggling her roles as a mother, chef, bestselling author and a TV-personality – and amongst all this, she found the time to write her memoir: Finding My Voice. Celebrating the publication of her brand-new book, Nadiya Hussain will be in conversation with broadcaster and cultural critic Emma Freud – together they will question the barriers which many women must cross in order to be accepted or heard today.
| What | Autumn 2019 Literature Season, Southbank Centre |
| Where | Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Embankment (underground) |
| When |
03 Sep 19 – 09 Dec 19, 12:00 AM |
| Price | £varies |
| Website | Click here for more information |
