The Curiosity Lecture series returns to the Festival with a line-up of our most thought-provoking speakers delivering one-time talks on topics of intrigue, interest and importance. In this entertaining talk, author Tabitha Carvan shares the story of how falling for Benedict Cumberbatch while stuck at home with two young children became an unlikely catalyst for self-discovery. She casts light on what becomes of women’s passions in adulthood and what happens if you subvert the narrative and simply love something like you used to.
Supported by UNSW Sydney.
Tabitha Carvan (Australian)

Tabitha Carvan is the author of This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch and a science writer for the Australian National University. Her writing on identity, family, pop culture, and science has appeared in The Best Australian Science Writing 2022, The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Saturday Paper, Crikey, Junkee, Overland, and Australian Geographic. She lives in Canberra.