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Letters Live in association with Cunard

On Thursday 22 January, we welcomed a star-studded cast to the stage for an exclusive sold-out showing of Letters Live, celebrating remarkable letters penned at sea. If you missed it, read on for more.

3 min 27 Jan 2026

Cunard

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Letters Live in association with Cunard event

Our partnership

Spend the hours between in the most exclusive residence at sea

Letters Live in association with Cunard event

Held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank in London, a line-up of incredible performers (Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden, Toby Jones, Damian Lewis, Dominic West, Dame Meera Syal and Dame Harriet Walter) breathed life into extraordinary letters written across the centuries. Musical performances by Laura Mvula and Bea and Her Business added to the event’s wonderment. As part of a special show, presented in association with Cunard, Letters Live is donating all profits from ticket sales of this show to The King’s Trust, which celebrates its 50th year in 2026.

Since 2013, Letters Live has celebrated the enduring power of literary correspondence, bringing remarkable letters to life through unforgettable readings by a surprise all-star cast which is only revealed on the night. Last night’s line-up also featured Captain Aseem Hashmi, Sharon Small, and Rob Rinder.

Dominic West, Meera Syal, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter

Grey silhouette of a person's head and shoulders

Letter-writing asks us to slow down, to take time to pause, reflect, and choose words with care. In today’s frantic world, that change of pace is increasingly rare, which made this show, in association with Cunard and its long tradition of unhurried journeys by sea, feel particularly special. We are also thrilled that the evening supported The King’s Trust, which marks its 50th year in 2026 and has empowered more than 1.3 million young people to shape their own futures.

Shaun Usher, co-producer of Letters Live

In honor of its partnership with Cunard, this particular edition of Letters Live also drew inspiration from the calmness of sea travel, and the human need to reflect, to write, and to stay connected across oceans during voyages. Damian Lewis read a letter recounting the story of an English sailor who, in 1694, led a mutiny and remade himself as a pirate captain. Months later, he helped orchestrate one of the most notorious attacks in maritime history. Meanwhile, Dominic West performed a letter penned by Sir Robert Falcon Scott a British Explorer, who reached the Pole only to discover a rival Norwegian explorer had beaten him there.

Finally, Cunard Captain Aseem Hashmi had the audience engrossed as he read a historical letter penned by King George VI to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ahead of the D-Day landings, as concerns grew amongst the establishment of Churchill’s risky plans to set foot on the French coast.

EDITORIAL FREE TO USE PHOTOGRAPH
EMBARGOED UNTIL 1100GMT THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER; 2023
Katie McAlister, Cunard President under the bow of Cunard s newest ship, Queen Anne, during the final phase of her construction at the Fincantieri ship yard near Venice, Italy.
The fourth ship in the fleet will enter service in six month s time on May 3rd; 2024.
Client: Cunard.
For further information, please contact Sam Cole, Global PR & Events Director on Sam.Cole@cunard.co.uk, also Hannah Reay on Hannah.Reay@cunard.co.uk and Sam Balls on sam.balls@cunard.co.uk

Picture date: Thursday October 5, 2023.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

The event was a beautiful reminder of the power of a letter and why the written word continues to endure. Seeing letters brought to life on stage, many inspired by the magic and romance of ocean travel, was truly moving. We have long believed that ocean travel creates the space to think, feel and connect. Our Cunard Grill Suites have always offered room for reflection and creativity, and throughout our history we have carried mail as well as welcomed some of the world’s greatest literary figures, including Charles Dickens, Noel Coward and Tennessee Williams.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard

Our partnership

Rooted in Cunard’s literary heritage, this partnership celebrates a tradition that has inspired travelers for over 185 years. On board, the experience is shaped by spaces designed for reflection and refinement, such as the Grill Suites, where generous living areas, private balconies, and attentive concierge and butler services create an atmosphere of calm and elegance.

Spend the hours between in the most exclusive residence at sea

A stay in a Grill Suite opens the door for unbridled inspiration in every curated detail. Spacious suites that provide the perfect sanctuary for ideas to flourish. Exclusive restaurants and bars that transport your tastebuds to uncharted territories. Sweeping balconies from which to watch the world pass by. 

On board, spend the hours between ports winding down, reflecting, and letting your boundless creativity free. And there's no better setting than a Grill Suite. These spaces provide a private retreat, complete with dedicated service from a personal butler in Queens Grill Suites. Access to exclusive Grill Suite venues, both inside and out. The finest dining at sea. All designed to create inspiring experiences you’ll never forget. And what better way to commit these moments to memory than in the intimacy of a letter?

For the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel, look no further than Cunard's Grill Suites. Find your next voyage in Queens Grill Suites or Princess Grill Suites here. 