Gillian Anderson to Headline Southbank Literature Season With Her Book About Female Sexual Desire

Gillian Anderson is set to take center stage at the Southbank Centre season of literature and spoken world in London this fall.

The “Sex Education” actor will host a panel discussion around her new book “Want,” which tackles female sexual desire. Anderson will be joined by special guests for the panel.

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Also set to appear during Southbank’s literary season are comedian and filmmaker Richard Ayoade who will discuss mid-century playwright Harauld Hughes (about whom Ayoade has written a memoir), former FBI boss James Comey on his new legal thriller “Westport,” Neneh Cherry on her memoir “A Thousand Threads” and “Normal People” author Sally Rooney.

Other writers set to take part include Hari Kunzru, unveiling his new novel “Blue Ruin,” Matt Haig, David McWilliams and Elizabeth Strout while media and political dignitaries include broadcaster Carol Vorderman and MP Jess Phillips

East and South East Asian literature will also be celebrated at the ESEA Lit Fest which will run alongside.

“We’re thrilled to be presenting many of the most anticipated moments of the summer, with an array of world-class writers sharing new works for the very first time on our stages,” said Ted Hodgkinson, the Southbank Centre’s head of literature. “From thought-provoking non-fiction to captivating poetry, the season is a testament to literature’s ability to inspire, inform, and spark crucial conversations about our modern world. This is all part of our role and a shared commitment to provide a truly diverse offering for all of our audiences.”

The season will kick off with a creative workshop on April 28 and run through Oct. 6.

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