In a city where creativity practically seeps through the pavement cracks, it’s no surprise that London Design Festival 2025 is about to get a hefty dose of East London flair. Hart Shoreditch is once again stepping up with an immersive, history-soaked, and poetically chaotic programme — this time courtesy of Rosie Reed Gold and her bold new exhibition Stage Left, Letter Pressed. A celebration of theatre, typefaces, and storytelling, this show doesn’t just look pretty — it makes you feel smarter just by being near it.
→ From galleries to street food, find it all in our post about things to see in Shoreditch.
Tying together the lost voices of Shakespearean London with the bold fonts of the printing revolution, Rosie’s latest work honours two of East London’s most legendary institutions: the Curtain Theatre and the Caslon Letterpress Foundry. It’s a show that revels in context, from early modern drama to the power of poetic self-expression — not unlike London’s more cerebral cousin to the Instagram selfie wall.
And this year, Hart Shoreditch isn’t just a gallery space — it’s a cultural arena. Alongside Rosie’s installations, they’ve partnered with Ministry of Stories, the writing charity co-founded by Nick Hornby, to deliver panels, performances, and poetry masterclasses that turn this into something far more meaningful.
Rosie Reed Gold Reimagines East London’s Storytelling Legacy
With a background in English and Philosophy, Rosie Reed Gold brings intellect and irreverence in equal measure. Stage Left, Letter Pressed reflects her fascination with the intersection of action and ideas — a theme woven through installations, film, sound, and interactive elements. This is not just design for design’s sake; it’s design as layered narrative.
She’s spotlighting the Curtain Theatre, one of the OG venues for Shakespeare’s early bangers (Romeo and Juliet debuted there, no big deal), and the Caslon Letterpress Foundry, the birthplace of type that shaped newspapers, books, and probably your hipster friend’s wedding invitations. Through Rosie’s lens, these aren’t historical relics — they’re live wires of cultural memory, buzzing with relevance.
A Lineup of Literary Mischief: What’s On at Hart Shoreditch
The month-long celebration spills across panels, open mics, and sound experiences, giving you every excuse to stop pretending you’re too busy.
Behind the Curtain: A Walk with the Artist
🗓 13 Sept, 12–1:30pm
Join Rosie herself for an artist-led walkthrough of the exhibition — think guided tour meets TED Talk with a sprinkle of East London sass.
Panel Talk: The Power of Self-Expression
🗓 16 Sept, 3pm
Writers, artists, and performers discuss storytelling across eras, from Shakespearean soliloquies to post-TikTok culture. Includes a screening of Rosie’s short film and live Q&A.
Opening Party
🗓 16 Sept, 6pm
An invite-only affair where creatives, misfits, and design lovers collide over cocktails and conversation. If you’re not on the list, you’re doing September wrong.
Bring Word: Poetry & Music Masterclass
🗓 19 Sept, 7:30–11pm
Rosie leads this open-mic evening filled with spoken word, music, and collaborative writing. Come with a voice. Leave with a poem.
“Tempests Are Kind”: Sound Bath Experience
🗓 20 Sept, 12pm
Hosted by Jessii Rose and Peter the Reiki Master, this immersive sound bath fuses poetry, meditation, and vibration. Forget calm apps — this is real sonic therapy.
Acaprov Improvised A Cappella Musical Workshop & Show
🗓 21 Sept, 12–1pm (Workshop) / 2:30–3:30pm (Performance)
No instruments. No script. Just pure chaos and harmony from the Acaprov crew, riffing off Shakespearean theatre with beatboxing and physical comedy. Expect audience participation, wild improv, and a musical made in the moment.
Where Art, Activism, and Print Collide
Perhaps the most exciting element? Hart Shoreditch’s collaboration with Ministry of Stories, the East London charity nurturing young writers and creatives. All events are free, with donations going directly to support their empowering workshops and mentoring. Because what’s a design festival without a bit of heart?
Stage Left, Letter Pressed isn’t just about art on walls. It’s about legacy, literacy, and the future of expression. If Shoreditch was once the beating heart of theatre and type, Rosie Reed Gold has just rebooted the pulse — and made it sing.
Ready to dive into more creative happenings this September? Check out our guide to London’s creative events this season.
Stage Left, Letter Pressed runs throughout September 2025 at Hart Shoreditch, 61-67 Great Eastern Street, London. Whether you’re a design devotee, word nerd, or casual curious passerby — this one’s worth your time.
So grab your notebook, leave your cynicism at the door, and go where history, design, and storytelling collide.