Cunard brings celebrity cast to London for Letters Live

Cunard has partnered with Letters Live to bring a cast of celebrity speakers to the Southbank Centre in London.

The cruise line was headline sponsor of the latest instalment of the popular literature series, which sees celebrities read out amusing and historically noteworthy letters from the past.

The line-up of readers at the event on January 22 was Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden, Toby Jones, Damian Lewis, Dominic West, Dame Meera Syal and Dame Harriet Walter, with musical performances from Laura Mvula and Bea and Her Business

In honour of its partnership with Cunard, this edition of Letters Live, which raised funds for The Prince’s Trust, also drew inspiration from 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 among the establishment of Churchill’s risky plans to set foot on the French coast. 

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “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.”