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.

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? 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 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.

Presented by Conway Hall.

This is an all ages event. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.