While TED talks are a chance to hear from some of the world’s most influential figures and learn about a wealth of different topics, many of London's finest cultural institutions host live and virtual talks, featuring some of today's best thinkers and creatives as special guests.
Here, we round up the most exciting talks happening in London and online.
From a naked John Lennon caressing a clothed Yoko Ono to Leonardo DiCaprio with a swan draped around his neck, American photographer Annie Leibovitz is the eye behind many of the most iconic celebrity portraits. To celebrate the publication of her breathtakingly stylish picture book Wonderland, co-authored with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Leibovitz is speaking at the Barbican Centre, reflecting on her career, the famous faces she’s captured and how her style has evolved over the last half a century.
Price: £74 - £204
To celebrate the launch of her new book These Precious Days (Tuesday 23 November) American novelist Ann Patchett is in conversation with author and podcast host Daisy Buchanan (Insatiable). The online talk will see the pair discuss their literary careers, their favourite books and the enduring role of bookshops in an increasingly digital world.
Price: £16.99 (includes a copy of the book)
The man, the myth, the rap-cum-movie legend that is Will Smith is gracing London with his presence this November, speaking candidly about his upbringing, career and inner happiness in a talk at the West End’s Savoy Theatre, where he’ll be joined by special guests.
Price: £45+
The capital’s leading book festival is back and this time it’s in person – with selected virtual and hybrid events broadening its accessibility. Head to the Southbank Centre from Thursday 21 to Sunday 31 October to catch some of today’s most dynamic voices reflecting on friendship and celebrating the magic of human connection after over a year in which it was limited. Artist Grayson Perry, Japanese author Mieko Kawakami and readings from the Booker Prize shortlist are among the highlights to catch.
Price: Varies depending on event
Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes released her first book, a collection of essays on modern living titled How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right, in the aftermath of the first lockdown. As a result, she was robbed of live, in-person launch events. Fifteen months on, and Sykes is speaking about her book and the core subjects it touches on in a live talk at the Lyric Theatre, where she’ll be in conversation with fellow author Candice Brathwaite (I Am Not Your Baby Mother).
Price: £30.50 - £40.50
Celebrated Ghanaian photographer James Barnor comes to the V&A to talk all things fashion and colour photography with Dr Christine Checinska, curator of Africa and Diaspora: Textiles and Fashion and the upcoming exhibition Africa Fashion. This event is being held online.
Price: FREE
Delia Owens’ 2018 bestselling novel Where The Crawdads Sing saw a second surge in sales this year ahead of its release as a film, adapted by Reese Witherspoon, in 2022. In this exclusive event at Waterstones Piccadilly, readers can hear from Owens herself, as she speaks about her literary ode to the natural world that cleverly triples up as a coming-of-age story and suspected murder mystery.
Price: £13 (includes a copy of the book)
Book tickets
Netflix has revolutionised where and how we consume TV shows and movies, but when co-founder and initial CEO Marc Randolph originally pitched the idea, no one believed it could work. Two decades and 207 million subscribers later, and it’s hard to remember how we ever lived without it. Recalling the journey is Randolph himself, in conversation with How To Academy’s Hannah MacInnes. Tune in for the inside story of the conception, setbacks, rise and ultimate success of one of the world’s leading streaming platforms.
Price: £19.99 (includes a copy of the book)
Bimini Bon Boulash, celebrated drag queen and star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, invites audiences to join her for an evening of frank conversation and no-holds-barred humour at Hackney Empire. Boulash will be discussing the release of her first book, Release the Beast, an inspiring guide to transforming your life through drag that fizzes with celebrity anecdotes (Boulash credits models Kate Moss and Katie Price as among those who have inspired her.) Plenty of time will be left for questions, so be sure to bring your best.
Price: £29 (includes a copy of the book)
Stanley Tucci’s life is delicious – on screen and off. In this live event at the London Palladium, the Italian-American actor (The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games) speaks to journalist and best-selling author Dolly Alderton about his new memoir Taste, a culinary voyage through the memorable meals and recipes that have punctuated his life. Look forward to humorous anecdotes on Tucci’s growing up in Westchester, NY, falling in love over dinner and filming for foodie titles including Big Night and Julie & Julia.
Price: £40 - £51.20 (includes a copy of the book)
If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy, which includes our Cookie Use
