Soho Theatre Walthamstow will host a day of discussions, workshops and activities this month on the challenges facing men and boys.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy is hosting We Can Build It Better – for Men and Boys Too on Sunday 22 November. It follows an International Women's Day showcase held at the venue earlier.
The programme asks what boys and men need to thrive, covering mental health, the expectations society places on them, and wellbeing. Research cited by Creasy's team says that "men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide, while around half of young men say they feel pressure to 'man up'."
The first panel, Is It a Man's, Man's, Man's World?, will discuss masculinity and expectations. Its speakers are former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, actor and presenter Sanjeev Bhaskar, comedian and writer Richard Herring, and drag performer Ella Vaday (Nick Collier).
A second panel, Action Man: How Do We Change Things for the Next Generation?, will feature Alessandro Babalola, Stephen Barnabis, Elliott Rae, Lee Chambers and Brad Marchant.
The foyer will host more activities on men's mental and physical health, parenting and relationships. Speakers will come from organisations including MAN v FAT and Listen Out.
Proceeds will go to the men's health charity Movember and the local organisation Project Zero.
Going along
- When: Sunday 22 November. Doors open at noon, and the main stage programme starts at 12.30pm.
- Free entry: from 2.30pm, parts of the event will be free and open to the public, subject to capacity.
- Tickets: £12 including booking and restoration fees, from Soho Theatre. Discounts are available for students, older people and unwaged visitors.
