LUNCH, THEN LISTEN
KATE ADIE Monday 24th November 1pm Main Auditorium, GRCH Former chief news correspondent for BBC News who reported from war zones around the world, Kate Adie is well known for having found herself in some incredibly dangerous situations. Her latest fascinating book, Into Danger, is a result of worldwide research into why people like herself voluntarily choose jobs that could cause them harm. From prostitutes to missionaries, food tasters to gangsters, all recognise
that understanding danger is key. If fear can be analysed and care and calculation learned then confronting fear and danger becomes the accepted norm. A talk from a high-profile journalist whose wit, insatiable curiosity and sharp insight are the hallmarks of her writing. This is a fearless exploration of the furthest reaches of human capability.
DR PHIL HAMMOND Friday 28th November 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH Britain’s favourite and funniest GP, Dr Phil Hammond is known for his television appearances on Have I Got News for You and Countdown. He is also medical correspondent for Private Eye and presents The Music Group on BBC Radio 4.
THE LUNCH CLUB IS THE PERFECT WAY TO MEET UP WITH FRIENDS BEFORE EACH TALK (AND AVOID QUEUES AT THE CAFÉ BAR!) Before you settle into your seat, join us for some pre-talk cuisine and conversation at our popular Lunch Club. A delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches followed by a selection of cakes, as well as unlimited tea or coffee; all served in the peaceful Lunch Club area for just £5.95. Spaces are in high demand, so to be sure pre-book by calling our Box Office, although it may be possible to pay on the day.
GLASGOW’S CONCERT HALLS
CONVERSATION PIECES AUTUMN 2008
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A SERIES OF LUNCHTIME TALKS FOR THE DISCERNING LISTENER
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Although he still works part time as a doctor, he is best known for his humorous commentary on the National Health Service. Having starred in his own show 59 Minutes to Save the NHS at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, his latest book Medicine Balls is an amusing dissection of the NHS, a subject close to his heart and his other organs! Take a seat, roll up your sleeve and let Dr Phil explain all in his highly engaging manner. He is certainly “one of the most entertainingly subversive people on the planet” (The Guardian).
Conversation Pieces Attender
If after hearing the piece you’d like to buy the author’s work, then we’ve teamed up with Waterstone’s Booksellers who will be selling copies of the relevant books before and after the conversation. Take advantage of your new insight into the author and uncover aspects of their work that will remain unknown to others! Glasgow’s Concert Halls is an operating name of Glasgow Cultural Enterprises Ltd which is a registered Scottish charity no: SC002932. All details were correct at the time of going to print, but may be subject to change. Design by: weared8.com
WELCOME TO CONVERSATION PIECES A HANDPICKED SELECTION OF STIMULATING LUNCHTIME DISCUSSIONS SURE TO ENLIGHTEN AND ENTERTAIN. This season we once again bring you an eclectic mix of authors who invite you to make the most of your lunchtimes and enjoy their thought-provoking Conversation Pieces led by Iain Anderson. Enjoy personal accounts from stars of the literary world, hear the story behind the text and find out exactly what inspired them to put pen to paper.
IAN RANKIN Friday 26th September 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH
GLEN MICHAEL Thursday 23rd October 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH
The UK’s number one bestselling crime author famed for his acclaimed Inspector Rebus series, Ian Rankin is a major contributor to the Tartan Noir genre and has won many awards for his writing. He’ll discuss his first stand-alone thriller for over a decade, Doors Open. This novel follows in the wake of the enormous celebrations of John Rebus’s 20th year in 2007 and is something completely new and sensational for Rankin’s enormous fan-base.
His aptly titled autobiography, Life’s a Cavalcade, makes interesting reading as, in a career which has spanned more than 60 years, he has worked with hundreds of legends of stage and screen. He will discuss his personal recollections of working with stars such as Peter Sellars, Chic Murray, Thora Hird, Ronnie Corbett, Clint Eastwood and many, many more.
Delve into the mind of this top author and be the first to hear all about his latest exciting new “masterful creation” (The Observer) in this informative talk.
Take a trip down memory lane with this entertaining TV host who will discuss his road to fame and fortune including the characters he met along the way.
With each piece lasting around an hour, most importantly there’s always time to quiz the speakers themselves so come along armed with your questions. CONVERSATION PIECES TICKETS: £4 IN ADVANCE OR £5 ON THE DAY
DAVID STAFFORD Friday 17th October 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH
IAN HAMILTON QC Thursday 18th September 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH A Scottish national hero having stolen the Stone of Destiny from beneath the Coronation Chair in 1950, Ian Hamilton holds audiences spellbound when he recounts the events surrounding the taking of the Stone. He’ll discuss his book Stone of Destiny, the publication of which coincides with the release of the Hollywood film. It is not simply a retelling of
a stunt that made nationwide news, but instead a book about how a country’s conscience was stirred by a symbolic act that changed the lives of many. Hear the inside track on that monumental night, and enjoy an intriguing conversation with a well-known and respected Scot who has led a long and interesting life.
Historian and former diplomat David Stafford has written extensively on espionage, intelligence and the Second World War. His latest book Endgame 1945 is a gripping and moving novel which tells the story of soldiers and civilians who are enduring the daily horrors and hardships of the aftermath of the war. A book which looks behind the headlines of history, its strength lies in using
Best known and loved as the host of one of STV’s most popular programmes Cavalcade, Glen Michael introduced generations of Scots to some of the world’s greatest cartoons over its 26 year run.
ordinary men with ordinary voices. It shows that victory in Europe was not the end of the story as it only raised new problems. Would families be reunited? Would lives be rebuilt? Would freedom and democracy rise from the ashes? Enjoy a thought provoking discussion with a Second World War expert who has taken a fascinatingly different angle in his latest “gripping and moving book” (The Sunday Times).
GRAEME PEARSON Friday 31st October 1pm Strathclyde Suite, GRCH One of the UK’s most outspoken and respected senior police officers, Glaswegian Graeme Pearson will provide the inside story on his remarkable 40 year career as he rose through the ranks to ultimately lead the fight against serious organised crime as head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency. His book The Enforcer – A Life Fighting Crime is a very personal tale which shows that the lessons he learned in the
tough environment in which he grew up stayed with him as he crossed swords with some of the UK’s most fearsome and brutal gangsters. A revealing insight into the gritty world of crime from an engaging figure who will share his real life experiences of rubbing shoulders with some of the most notorious criminals operating in the UK.