The Esquire Townhouse is nearly upon us. In partnership with Breitling, we’ll be taking over 10-11 Carlton House Terrace from 11-14 October for a weekend packed with exclusive conversations, masterclasses, supper clubs, fitness sessions, and how-to panels galore.
It’s probably a good idea to start buying your tickets now. Because when else are you going to get the privilege of being so up-close and personal with genuine A-listers? Townhouse’s ‘In Conversations’ are always highly revealing, rewarding, and can’t-miss experiences. Here’s the line-up of the stars we’ve got slated for this year.
Thursday
5:30pm – 6:30pm: In conversation with Peter Crouch
Join us for an intimate conversation with one of Britain’s favourite footballers, Peter Crouch. As one of the most likable men in English sport, expect a candid conversation that will explore an illustrious career that has taken in goals, world cups and plenty of memorable anecdotes. Tickets to this event will also include a copy of Crouch’s recently released memoir, How to be a Footballer as well as an audience Q&A. Peter will also be signing copies of his book immediately after the talk.
6:30pm – 7:30pm: In conversation with Chuka Umunna MP
The former shadow business secretary is one of the most interesting figures in British politics, a former Labour leader in waiting whose star is rising once more in the wake of post-Brexit Britain. In conversation with Tim Lewis, who recently wrote a long Esquire profile feature on Umunna, expect a full, frank and fascinating discussion taking in Brexit, Trump and the future of Britain.
7pm – 8pm: In conversation with Sir Clive Woodward
Get up close and personal with England’s only World-Cup winning head coach, knight of the realm and now as a renowned speaker, motivator and outspoken pundit. A highly successful sportsman in his own right, it’s as a coach that Woodward really excelled, applying psychology, attention to detail and tactical analysis to help bring sport coaching into the modern era. In conversation with sports presenter Mark Durden-Smith, expect a fascinating no-holds-barred discussion on what it takes to succeed in rugby, sport and life.
8pm – 9pm: Breitling Squad Series – In conversation with the Turner Twins
If it’s inspiration you’re looking for, then an hour spent in the company of the Turner Twins could be just what you’re after. The British brothers’ passion for adventure was sparked by a near-fatal diving accident in their teens and the charismatic pair now spend their days taking on the toughest challenges in the planet’s most hard-to-reach places, raising funds and awareness for charities and medical research as they go. As their adventures become more challenging, so their anecdotes and stories become even more fascinating. Now experienced speakers and motivators, their talks are always funny, frank and informative. Be prepared to leave planning an expedition of your own.
Friday
4pm – 5pm: In conversation with Christian Louboutin
There are few fashion staples as iconic as a red-soled Christian Louboutin shoe. We are honoured to host a live in-conversation with the designer himself who will be interviewed by Esquire’s editor-in-chief, Alex Bilmes. At Esquire Townhouse you will have the chance to hear the Parisian designer talk candidly about his esteemed career, a rare opportunity to see one of fashion’s most influential creatives in an intimate setting.
6:30pm – 7:30pm: In conversation with John Grant
John Grant is a man who has been to hell and back. And this Townhouse-exclusive opportunity to hear tales told by the award-winning musician is guaranteed to be a hell of a time. Jon Savage – whose revealing profile of Grant in our October issue examined everything from the creative process behind the singer’s latest album to his struggles with drugs, alcohol, and growing up in the conservative Midwest – will be leading the discussion. Expect a frank insight into Grant’s incredible story and remarkable body of work ahead of his October 30th gig at the O2 Academy Brixton.
8pm – 9pm: In conversation with Paul Dano
Talents like Paul Dano don’t come around very often. Giving a rare on-stage interview to an intimate audience, Dano will be at Townhouse to discuss his impressive career so far, and equally impressive transition from beloved indie darling to fully-fledged leading man. With an acting career that spans over a decade of quality pictures, Dano will also cover his recent move behind the camera for directorial debut, Wildlife. The film – based on the novel by Robert Ford with a screenplay adapted by Dano and his partner Zoe Kazan – is set to take the London Film Festival by storm, and its captivating performances from its leading actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan have already impressed critics.
8pm – 9pm: Breitling Squad Series – How to Find Adventure in Your Life with Inge Solheim
As a former City stockbroker, Inge made a career move that most of us only daydream about – trading the office world of stocks for life as an adventurer and polar guide. Now a proud member of the Breitling Explorers’ Squad, Inge believes that adventures are a powerful metaphor for all the various challenges we face in life. In conversation with Esquire deputy editor Johnny Davis, Inge will be discussing his many escapades in the world’s most inhospitable climes, including keeping Prince Harry safe in the arctic, and passing on his passionate advice on how to reach your own goals and live your own adventures.
Saturday
1pm-2pm: In conversation with Kit Harington
Winter is coming to Townhouse. So, wrap up warm (in something rakish, of course). Kit Harington – who has kept global audiences rapt with his performance as the honourable Jon Snow in Game of Thrones – will be gracing Esquire Townhouse with his presence on Saturday October 13th. He’ll be discussing what it’s like to act with one of the world’s most recognisably rugged faces as well as offering exclusive Thrones insights to Townhouse attendees. Harington’s stellar career has had a bit of a change of course recently. No longer confined to the great north of Westeros, Harington is set to star alongside Johnny Flynn (Lovesick, Beast) in the West End Premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winner Sam Shepard’s ‘True West’. Showing at the Vaudeville theatre from November through February, this production promises to show a side of Harington that we’ve never seen before. As an actor who had to face dire wolves, volcanoes, and even attempted to kill the King of England, Harington is no stranger to a challenge and certainly no stranger to the stage, having first cut his theatrical teeth in the National Theatre’s War Horse. This opportunity to hear Harington in conversation about his epic journey from horse-loving foot soldier to bonafide King of the North is one you won’t want to let slip by. Join us to find out just how much Jon Snow really knows.
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Breitling Squad Series – In conversation with Bertrand Piccard
Breitling Explorer Squad member Bertrand Piccard offers an insight on how to achieve the impossible.
He shares his experiences and pioneering spirit in realizing successfully two historical aviation firsts, around the world nonstop with the Breitling Orbiter balloon and more recently without fuel in the Solar Impulse airplane.
9:15pm – 10:15pm: In conversation with Harry Enfield, hosted by Paul Whitehouse
When it comes to the annals of British comedy, there are few people who have made us laugh for as long and as hard as Harry Enfield. A master of character and sketch comedy – as well as the amusing anecdote – Enfield will be at Townhouse to talk us through his stellar comic career, from the early Loadsamoney days through to hosting the most watched TV comedy show in the country and creating some of the most quotable characters of all-time. What's more, it will be the brilliant Paul Whitehouse – his long-time collaborator and comedy co-star on shows like Harry Enfield and Chums and Harry & Paul – who'll be doing the questioning. This isn't one too miss.
Sunday
12pm – 1pm: ‘Reporting on the Front Line’ with Lindsey Hilsum
Lindsey Hilsum has spent the past two decades operating on the frontlines of the world’s biggest conflicts. The International Editor of Channel 4 News will be at Townhouse to reveal what it’s really like to report from the likes of Rwanda and Iraq, while also discussing her new book ‘In Extremis’, which celebrates the remarkable life and career of Hilsum’s good friend – and fellow foreign correspondent – Marie Colvin. Like Hilsum, the late Colvin made a name for herself by exposing the atrocities that others simply could not, or would not, report on. The story of both women is one of immense courage and bravery in the face of danger. This promises to be a compelling and fascinating talk.
Nick Pope is the Site Director of Esquire, overseeing digital strategy for the brand.
