Tortoise Lates: Masculinity

An evening of conversation, ideas and entertainment, new and exclusively at Tortoise Media.
Join us as we try to make sense of masculinity: what it looks like, how it works, the problems it causes and why we need it.

Please note!
Tortoise Lates is a live studio recording. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.15pm start. If you arrive late, we will show you to your seat during the first interval.

Part one: How to be a man
What does it mean to be a man today? The term ‘toxic masculinity’ can describe bad behaviour associated with archetypal performative masculinity – aggression, lack of empathy and emotional illiteracy. It’s also been used to explain why mental ill-health amongst particularly younger men is on the rise. Is it fair to say that public discourse has neglected to examine how masculinity has, or should, change, leaving men struggling to cope? How can we have a better conversation about what masculinity means today?

Part two: Fathers and sons, with Tom Allen
The relationship between fathers and sons can be complicated. A boy or man’s relationship, or lack thereof, with his father can play a defining role in his mental health, emotional intelligence, professional life, and future relationships.
When Tom Allen’s father died suddenly at the end of 2021, he had to find a way to face that loss and come to terms with their imperfect relationship. Join Tom in conversation as we explore his journey to being an adult and struggling with manhood – whatever that means – now his much-loved role model is gone.

Part three: The Tortoise Interview with Richard Herring
Richard Herring is an author, award-winning comedian and podcaster who rose to fame as one half of the comedy act Lee and Herring, with Stewart Lee. In 2021, Richard published The Problem with Men, in which he took on sexist internet trolls to tackle big questions around the battle for gender equality. At the start of 2021, Richard was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In his book Can I Have My Ball Back, he explores how his diagnosis and subsequent treatment forced him to reflect on his own mortality and masculinity. Join Richard for a candid conversation about his personal story, and what defines masculinity and maleness today.