Tell Me What I Want To Hear

Tell Me What I Want To Hear comes to the John Foster Building Drama Studio on Monday 2 November, a staged reading that sits somewhere between a play and a public workshop. It's described as a sharp, tender, and quietly urgent piece of legislative theatre, and the subject matter is one that's becoming harder to ignore: male loneliness, the limits of self-help, and the impact of generative AI.

The story follows Ben, who turns to an AI companion for help. From there, the show moves beyond the script. Rather than just watching, the audience is invited to join the cast in interaction, improvisation, and discussion about how to shape the regulation of AI for mental health. It's a staged reading, so you're seeing the work in a raw, open format, and the whole point is that you're part of the process rather than just a face in the dark.

One of the best things about it is that you don't need to be an expert to get involved. No prior knowledge of AI or mental health is required, and the room is open to anyone 18 and over. Whether you've spent your life thinking about these things or you've never given them a second thought, you're as welcome as anyone else.

It runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM, so you've got plenty of time to get settled before it kicks off. The venue is the John Foster Building Drama Studio at Liverpool John Moores University, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5UZ, and entry is free.