priority

LIFI25: Where have all the good men gone?

15 Oct 2025

  • Tickets
    £10.00
  • Venue
    Courtyard
  • Running time
    90 mins

Masculinity has never been more hotly debated, with social media and pop culture splitting opinion—from toxic traits to the rise of positive and healthy male role models.

So, what does it really mean to be a young man today? Is strength about giving protection or showing vulnerability?

This powerful conversation will attempt to untangle the pressures and expectations facing men and boys now—exploring misogyny, online grooming, identity, stereotypes, mental health, safety and knife crime, education, and feminism—to challenge outdated narratives and redefine what masculinity should be in an ideal world.

Priority booking

Priority booking is available for users with a Playhouse Pass, Priority Access, Supporters’ Club or Under 30s membership from 19 Jun 25 at 1pm. General booking will open on 24 Jun 25 at 12:30pm.

Please log in if you are eligible.

Book tickets

Wed 15 Oct
BSL
BSL Interpreted
CAP
Captioned
7.30pm

Who's who?

Caitlin Moran

Host

Dr Alex George

Speaker

Karl Lokko

Speaker

Richard Pomfrett

Speaker

Dr Stephen Whitehead

Speaker

BIOGRAPHIES

Caitlin Moran is one of Britain’s most influential columnists, interviewers, critics, and is an award-winning screenwriter and author. Home-schooled on a council estate, Caitlin is now known for writing, truthfully, and incessantly, about women’s lives – unless she’s writing truthfully and incessantly about men’s lives or being truthful and incessant about how The Frog Chorus might actually be Paul McCartney’s best song.

Former A&E professional, Dr Alex George is a mental health advocate, bestselling
author, broadcaster, and supporter of workplace wellbeing and personal resilience. He co-founded Mettle (a mental fitness app for men) and writes and campaigns extensively
about psychological and physical resilience, challenging outdated perceptions to
address mental health.

A former gang-leader-turned-activist and entrepreneur, Karl spent the past decade
advocating for a more inclusive business ecosystem. After a youth anti-violence project
intervention, Karl turned his life around. He is now co-founder of DBK Studios and Black Seed and works with famous decision-makers to role models and fundraisers.

Richard Pomfrett is an inspirational educator, former martial arts instructor and founder of ‘The Stay Safe Initiative’, designed to educate and protect young people. Richard is also the driving force behind Boyz-2-Men, a programme that helps boys and young men navigate the complexity of modern masculinity, challenges harmful online influences, and empowers future leaders and role models.

Dr Stephen M. Whitehead is a distinguished academic, sociologist, feminist, and
educationalist, known for the study of men, masculinities, and gender identity. Over his
career, he has authored or co-authored 20 books, numerous academic articles, and
received global media attention for his work on gender theory and identity

  • MAJOR FUNDERS

    Arts Council
  • Leeds City Council
  • LTB Foundation
  • Founded by UK government
  • Suppoprted by west Yorkshire
  • Principal Partner

    Caddick Group
  • Principal Access Partner

    Irwin Mitchell