Ethical Matters:
Lessons from a Real-Life Romcom

For years, the romcom has been defined by its reinforcement of patriarchal notions of love and relationships, and regressive depictions of female identity. At its centre is a belief that our societal order is in jeopardy unless you’re content and in a relationship.

But the joy of the romcom, for all its schmaltz, is that its love stories give light to one of our innermost needs as humans: to want to know and be known by others. Long disregarded for its lack of “artistic quality”, we’ve witnessed the romcom die and be revived. However, when watched in more radical ways, we can not only learn lessons on the basics of love but our primal urge for connection. And if it can make us laugh or cry along the way, then all the better.

In this Ethical Matters talk, author and journalist Lizzie Frainier asks whether romcoms can prepare us for the good, the bad and the disconcerting of navigating relationships today. She will look to the genre, reflecting on her own experiences, to ask: Why is our relationship to the romcom so complex and contradictory? What does the genre tell us about our basic need to connect with someone other than ourselves? And what does it mean to be empowered and want a happily ever after?

Lizzie Frainier has a decade of experience in travel journalism, writing and editing for Britain’s best magazines and newspapers. She is Associate Travel Editor at The Times and The Sunday Times, makes regular appearances on Times Radio, and has also written viral articles on dating, which have led to appearances on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and breakfast television. Her first book, Main Character: Lessons from a Real-life Romcom – a witty, relatable memoir that explores modern dating through the lens of our favourite romcoms – will be available to buy in person on the day.

Age Recommendation:

All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Price:

*A £2 venue levy is applied to each ticket purchased. This levy helps to support us in covering the costs of keeping our grade II listed building running and our doors open.*

In advance: • Standard £10 • Living Support £6 • Student £7 • Member FREE     (+ £2 venue levy)
On the Door: • Standard £11 • Living Support £7 • Student £8 • Member FREE  (+ £2 venue levy)
Online: • Standard £7 • Member FREE   (+ £2 venue levy)

Access Information:

This event is in the Brockway Room, which is located on the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.