A guide to Chelsea Arts Festival for all theatre lovers.
Chelsea Arts Festival encompasses art in all of its forms: literature, fashion, music, visual arts and, of course, theatre. With the historic Royal Court Theatre as one of our wonderful venues, here we’ve gathered all of the events that should be top of the agenda for theatre lovers.
A Guide To Chelsea Arts Festival (For Theatre Lovers)
The London Theatre Review: Live With Ambika Mod & David Byrne
After making a name for herself in This Is Going To Hurt and One Day, Ambika Mod has recently established herself as a rising star on the London theatre scene. She will soon star in Porn Play at the Royal Court Theatre – but first she will take to the Royal Court stage to join The London Theatre Review for a very special live podcast recording. Nick Clark, Nick Curtis and Nancy Durrant will be joined by Ambika as well as the Royal Court’s artistic director David Byrne to delve into all things British theatre, new stories, and what the future holds for this storied theatre.
Details: 12pm 20 September 2025 at the Royal Court Theatre. Tickets are £14pp.
Allie Esiri’s 365 Poems for Life
Left alone on the page, poetry lives up to only half its potential. This September, join Allie Esiri as she and an abundance of actors transform the written word into a mesmerising spoken marvel. Taking to the Royal Court stage, they will embark on a journey through a year of poetry, imbuing life into great classics and contemporary gems alike. It all follows the success of Allie’s annual poetry events at the National Theatre, which have featured names such as Asa Butterfield, Emma Corrin, Tom Hiddleston, Sharon Horgan, Toby Jones and Indira Varma. The actors for this event are yet to be announced.
Details: 5.30pm 20 September 2025 at the Royal Court Theatre. Tickets from £24pp.
Blue Plaques Talk Back Live
This uniquely theatrical event blends Chelsea’s history with the art of storytelling. And who is better at storytelling than actors? Though the names of the performers are yet to be announced, audiences can expect an afternoon journeying into the remarkable history of a handful of Chelsea’s former residents: Bob Marley, Oscar Wilde and Princess Seraphine Astafieva. Each of their stories will be brought to life via a specially-commissioned performance, painting an intimate portrait of these extraordinary individuals. The actors will then join a panel of experts to discuss the iconic figures.
Details: 2.30pm 20 September 2025 at the Royal Court Theatre. Tickets from £24pp.
Why Culture Matters With Darren Henley & Samira Ahmed
Culture plays a crucial role in our collective existence – and the theatre plays a fundamental part in that. To learn more about the profound impact the arts have on our lives, join Arts Council England’s chief exec Darren Henley as he and journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed delve into his book, The Arts Dividend, and its findings.
Details: 10.30am 20 September 2025 at Saatchi Gallery. Tickets are £12.50pp.
Backstage Tours of the Royal Court Theatre
One of London’s most storied theatrical venues sits right on Sloane Square – and Chelsea Arts Festival attendees will have the very special opportunity to delve behind the famous red curtain. Across 60 to 75 minutes, explore the intimate spaces where groundbreaking productions come to life – which the prestigious English Stage Company has called home for more than six decades – guided by a Royal Court expert. You can even elevate your journey with a traditional cream tea.
Details: Tours at 12.30 and 1pm Sunday 21 September 2025. Tickets from £12.50pp.