The Southbank Centre has an unmissable lineup of Literature and Spoken Word this summer. The programme brings a diverse array of UK-exclusive launches, non-fiction talks and poetry readings to the stages of the UK’s largest multi-arts centre, promising something for everyone.
This season offers salutary encounters with leading writers and thinkers, which restore a sense of shared humanity. These are writers who capture the complexity of the modern world and give it human scale and meaning.
Featuring an outstanding lineup of internationally acclaimed authors and journalists, the season taps into today’s vital and topical issues, ranging from political polarisation to the profound human impact of money.
This jam-packed summer features a host of momentous events for the biggest fiction launches, with appearances from Elizabeth Strout, Matt Haig, Richard Ayoade, and many more.
Southbank Centre Literature and Spoken Word summer features
UK Exclusives
Gillian Anderson [pictured left] (1st Sep), acclaimed actor and star of Sex Education, presents Want, a groundbreaking volume of anonymous female correspondence about sexual desire, which reveals so much that is usually left unsaid.
Comedian and filmmaker Richard Ayoade [pictured right] (1st Oct) returns to Royal Festival Hall, continuing his quest to rescue the legacy of mid-century auteur “Harauld Hughes” from obscurity. Richard dives into the world of his uncannily similar doppelgänger, famed for his work on stage, screen and some of the shortest poems ever written.
Fiction
Former head of the FBI and New York Times Bestselling author James Comey (25th Jul) presents his gripping legal thriller, Westport, brimming with been-there-done-that authority.
Matt Haig (30th Aug) discusses his latest novel, a captivating tale of adventure, hope and self-discovery set in Ibiza.
Elizabeth Strout (20th Sep) explores the poignant bonds of friendship, as her latest novel, Tell Me Everything, uncovers meaning in shared stories and the transformative power of love.
Non-fiction
David McWilliams (11th Sep) unveils his groundbreaking new book, Money, delving into the mysteries of money and offering unparalleled insights that promise to transform your understanding of the world’s most essential currency.
MP Jess Phillips (21st Sep) lifts the lid on the nature of democracy and attitudes towards elections, while audiences can hear Carol Vorderman (21st Sep) discuss her unlikely journey to becoming one of the UK’s leading political commentators and how we can use our voices in politically divisive times.
The 10th anniversary of the investigative journalism podcast Serial will be marked with a London exclusive event, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sarah Koenig (3rd Oct), as part of The International Women’s Podcast Festival in partnership with Spotify.
Reflecting on Serial’s achievements as the most listened-to of all time and first to win a Peabody award, the evening will reflect on the shifting landscape of podcasting and journalism over the past decade.
Beloved music icon Neneh Cherry (6th Oct) shares her deeply personal and powerful memoir, which explores the highs and lows that shaped her as a woman and her legacy as an artist.
You can view details of all events happening between July and October 2024 by visiting the Southbank Centre event page.
Accessibility information
Accessibility information, including wheelchair access, concession tickets, queuing exemptions, captions, BSL and other facilities, can be found in each of the Literature and Spoken Word event details on the Southbank Centre website. Simply, click on the event you’re interested in, scroll down to Venue and select Access.
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