Candice Brathwaite – celebrated author, podcaster, advocate and TV personality wows the North.
It was always going to be a special night and so it proved, as Candice Brathwaite brought the house down at her ‘Talking’ in-conversation event at Leeds Playhouse.
Candice, author of three Sunday Times bestsellers – Manifesto (2024), Sista Sister (2021) and I Am Not Your Baby Mother (2020) – was given a standing ovation as she left the stage following her interview with Out of Many People’s Susan Pitter.
Charting her journey from a marketing assistant at a publishing house to becoming a hugely influential author, blogger, podcaster and TV personality Candice spoke about motherhood, racism at work, colourism and her experiences a Black British woman.
The irreverent best-selling author also talked candidly about her early life growing up in Brixton, South London, what inspired her to the manifestation she has written about, Black women’s health, hair and style. She shared that it’s never too late to manifest the life you deserve – answering a question from one 75-year-old super fan!
The on-stage interview, in partnership with Leeds Playhouse, was organised by Out of Many People as part of Rooted, a series of events showcasing Black storytelling.
Speaking afterwards, Susan Pitter, co-founder of Out of Many People, said: “It was such a privilege to share the stage with Candice.
“She spoke with a passion and honesty that only comes from someone who has experienced what it is to be a Back woman in the UK.
“As well as exploring serious issues, Candice has a knack of connecting with her audience, They’re completely at ease because of her unapologetic confidence and disarming humour. Judging by their laughter, the audience enjoyed the evening as much as I did!”
After the show, Candice’s devotees – or Candie Canes as she calls them lined up patiently to have their books signed by the multi-talented powerhouse voice of today.
As one fan put it, “She’s not afraid to say the things that we’re afraid to. She expresses how we feel, our joys and hurdles. She gets us and I can’t wait for her to come back up North again.”
Talking: Candice Brathwaite was staged in partnership with Leeds Playhouse as part of the Out of Many People Rooted series made possible with Arts Council England funding through the National Lottery Project Grants programme
Images: Photos by Laurelle