Discuss, debate, consider and learn at the best talks in London 2017

Blast away those brain cobwebs with our selection of the best philosophical discussions, political debates, and literary talks in London 2017

Hillary Rodham Clinton: What Happened, Southbank Centre

What happened? What on earth has happened? It's the question that echoed around the world when a pussy-grabbing tangerine was declared leader of America. Now Hillary Clinton comes to London to shed light on the election and reflect on her own milestones and mistakes.

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WHEN
On 15 Oct 2017, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE
Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Margaret Atwood talk, Southbank Centre

When a feminist dystopia begins to resemble actual current affairs, it's time to worry. Margaret Atwood discusses The Handmaid's Tale and many more of her best-selling books in this Southbank Centre talk.

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WHEN
On 02 Oct 2017, 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
WHERE
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

The Great Realignment: Britain’s Political Identity Crisis, Emmanuel Centre

A panel of politicians and political thinkers, including Ken Clarke and Hilary Benn, will consider how the meanings of 'left' and 'right' are changing, and where this could lead us in the post-Brexit age.

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WHEN
On 13 Sep 2017, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE
Emmanuel Centre
SW1P 3DW

An Evening with Robert Webb, how to: Academy

Robert Webb, known to his fans as hapless Jez from Channel 4 hit Peep Show and one half of comedy duo Mitchell and Webb, comes to London to share some life lessons.

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WHEN
On 12 Sep 2017, 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE
Emmanuel Centre
9-23 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 3DW

Why Race Matters, British Library

A panel of writers and thinkers including Renni Eddo-Lodge and Bernadine Evaristo lead a conversation on how ideas about race intersect with discussions of class and feminism, and the role this plays in text. The discussion is hosted by the Royal Society of Literature at the British Library.

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WHEN
On 09 Oct 2017, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE
British Library
96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005 - 2016, Royal Festival Hall

The world famous celebrity and fashion portrait photographer, Annie Leibovitz, comes to the Southbank to discuss the most defining works gracing the pages of her new book.

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WHEN
On 22 Oct 2017, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
WHERE
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

AC Grayling: Democracy and its Crisis, British Library

AC Grayling, the Master and Professor of Philosophy of London's New College of the Humanities, delves deep into the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in an insightful talk at the British Library.

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WHEN
On 25 Sep 2017, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE
British Library
96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

Philip Pullman: La Belle Sauvage, Royal Festival Hall

Writer Philip Pullman explains why he has returned to the His Dark Materials trilogy with hotly-anticipated prequel La Belle Sauvage. He will reflect on the fictional world of Lyra Belacqua and why it is especially relevant to our own society.

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WHEN
On 20 Oct 2017, Event starts at 19:30
WHERE
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Warfare 2.0: The Cyber Threat to States, Businesses, and All of Us, Emmanuel Centre

In this talk, organised by Intelligence Squared, a panel of national security and cyber experts will consider how tensions could play out. Will people use traditional military tactics to confront the cyber threat, or will warfare take on an entirely new face?

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WHEN
On 23 Oct 2017, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE
Emmanuel Centre
SW1P 3DW

Vivienne Westwood: Get a Life, Royal Festival Hall

Fashion designer, activist, and punk hero Vivienne Westwood discusses her life and work in this keynote talk at the Southbank Centre.

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WHEN
On 24 Sep 2017, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

John le Carré: An Evening with George Smiley, Royal Festival Hall

From Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to A Most Wanted Man, le Carré is undoubtedly amongst the most significant authors of the late 20th century. This autumn, le Carré makes a rare public appearance to discuss his prolific achievements.

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WHEN
On 07 Sep 2017, Event starts at 19:45
WHERE
Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Marina Abramović art talk, Serpentine Sackler Gallery

This Frieze Week, Marina Abramović comes to London to talk candidly about her extraordinary life, career and pioneering performance art.

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WHEN
On 04 Oct 2017, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Serpentine Sackler Gallery
West Carriage Drive , Kensington Gardens, London , W2 2AR
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
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