The landmark arts and culture festival SEEN Lewisham returns to Broadway Theatre, Catford from 3–12 October 2025, celebrating cultural expression, community connection and artistic growth.
Presented by Nouveau Riche, Broadway Theatre and Lewisham Council, the festival amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases emerging local talent.
This year’s programme features seven bold new studio shows from rising artists across theatre, music and dance, alongside a vibrant mix of comedy, gospel, club nights and community events.
Actor and writer Tobi King Bakare (Temple, I May Destroy You, For Black Boys) presents Inertia, a cyberpunk-inspired play exploring virtual reality, love and identity.
Multidisciplinary creator Maria Georgiou debuts Strong, a stirring piece following a British Greek Cypriot mother navigating love, loss and resilience.
Actor Demi WilsonSmith makes her writing debut with Cranes, a powerful story of protest and justice through the eyes of an 18-year-old.
Other studio highlights include LIEF, a hip-hop musical by NadineRose; Checkmate by Arethajay McEwen, blending spoken word and movement on a life-sized chessboard; and Sharifa: From The Sofa, a gig-theatre experience by DJ Sharifa Olateju.
Choreographer Akshay Sharma presents Leave To Remain, a pilgrimage of body and place featuring live Indian classical vocals.
All seven artists received mentorship and grant support through SEEN Lewisham’s development programme, with guidance from Theophilus O. Bailey, Powerhouse Music & Vocals and Nouveau Riche.
Artistic Director Ryan Calais Cameron said: “We’re thrilled to bring SEEN Lewisham back for its second year, building on the incredible momentum and community we created in 2024. This year, we’re evolving our mentorship programme, and presenting a powerful line-up of work that celebrates culture and community. Our partnership with Broadway Theatre and Lewisham Council is central to this – together, we’re investing in artists, creating opportunity, and making sure Lewisham’s creativity is truly seen.”
Creative Producer Carmel O’Connor added: “Broadway Theatre has long been home to incredible Global Majority Artists. We are proud to bring back SEEN Lewisham and invest in artists whose stories are all too often, untold. Broadway Theatre is emerging as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in supporting and facilitating new work, bringing communities together and showcasing incredible new talent.”
Main House highlights include CASA DE ALT – Homecoming on 3 October, curated by DJ Shifa Ligero, and Gospel Explosion on 4 October featuring Sherwin Gardner, VaShawn Mitchell and Lewisham Goes Gospel Choir.
Comedy legends Robbie Gee and Eddie Nestor MBE reunite for 2 Farse 2 Funny on 5 October, marking their first sketch show together in over a decade.
On 9 October, IRIE! Dance Theatre presents KEHÃ SEEBII, a moving tribute to the victims of the New Cross Fire.
The festival closes on 12 October with Seen This?, hosted by Eddie Nestor MBE and Robbie Gee, featuring performances from emerging artists and a special guest appearance by Shola Ama.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
