Lemn Sissay: Let the Light Pour In – Live
Spoken word master, award-winning author, activist and performer Lemn Sissay unravels the stories behind his poems in a night bursting with hope and light.
Last few tickets
Every morning for ten years, Sissay writes four lines and shares them on his socials with no explanation and no title. After catching the public’s attention, the lines have been transformed into murals, quoted in books and made into songs and even tattoos.
He’s chosen the best of them for his book Let the Light Pour In, which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller – and now, a live show.
With live readings from his books, Sissay unravels some of the original stories behind the poems, and how they have been used in people’s lives and his own. Expect the unexpected. A night bursting with light to stave off the dark.
This thought-provoking and entertaining show on the power of creativity also brings the unique chance to pepper Sissay with questions. An evening full of truth, humour and hope, Sissay allows us into his morning poetry practice and shows us all how he lets the light pour in.
I will build an embassy
In your heart over time
There is a plot of land inside me
Build one in mine
Need to know
Join the author for a book signing after this event, where Let the Light Pour In and other titles are available to purchase.
Reviews
‘I am not sure I’ve read a more beautiful poetry book’ Fearne Cotton
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
29 Oct 2026, 7.30pm
Run time
1 hour and 20 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
Concessions
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Refunds and exchanges
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For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
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Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.