Nathalie Emmanuel Protest Poetry Reading at Marylebone
Actress combines activism and art with stirring lines that spark conversation in London this week.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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From Screen To Stage
British actress Nathalie Emmanuel traded her onscreen scripts for verse on Monday night, hosting a protest poetry reading at the Marylebone Theatre in central London. Best known for roles in Game of Thrones and the Fast & Furious franchise, Emmanuel invited an audience of supporters to hear a selection of politically charged poems that reflect modern social justice themes.
In an Instagram post announcing the event, Emmanuel wrote, “I did a lovely poetry reading on Monday at The Marylebone Theatre to read some protest poetry and had to get cute or whatever,” crediting her stylist team—hair by Dionne Smith and makeup by Minnie MUA—for the evening’s look.
A Night Of Activism
The performance featured a curated lineup of writers whose work spans civil rights, environmental justice and calls for reform. Emmanuel opened with a reading from W. Kamau Bell’s “We’re Not Here to Be Polite,” followed by selections from Claudia Rankine’s celebrated collection of protest poems. Each piece was chosen to resonate with current movements, from #BlackLivesMatter to climate activism.
Emmanuel has long championed intersectional causes. Earlier this spring she teased the event in an Instagram Story, inviting her followers to a May 19 reading of Ben Okri’s #RiselikeLions political poems at the same venue. “Hope to see you there!” she wrote at the time, signaling her commitment to bringing literature into public conversation on justice.
Bridging Art And Advocacy
Reviews from attendees praised Emmanuel’s warm stage presence and clear delivery. One guest called her “the perfect bridge between entertainment and earnest activism,” noting that her performance underscored poetry’s power to effect change. The Marylebone Theatre, a 200-seat off-West End venue, has become known for spotlighting new voices in spoken word and small-scale music events.
In an era when actors increasingly take public stances on political issues, Emmanuel’s turn as curator felt both natural and timely. Her selection of poems emphasized personal narratives—stories of migration, systemic bias and grassroots resistance—inviting empathy rather than grandstanding.
Style And Substance
For the evening, Emmanuel kept her look understated yet polished. Stylist Dionne Smith crafted a sleek updo that framed her face, while makeup artist Minnie MUA opted for a soft bronze eye and neutral lip, allowing Emmanuel’s expressions to carry the emotional weight of each poem. Photos from the night show her in a simple black jumpsuit—a nod to the classic attire of spoken-word artists—paired with minimal jewelry.
Looking Ahead
Emmanuel hinted on social media that more literary events are in the works, encouraging fans to stay tuned for future dates. With her ongoing work in film and television, she’s carved out a space for creative activism, using her platform to elevate under-heard voices.
Staying true to her dual identity as performer and advocate, Nathalie Emmanuel’s poetry reading at Marylebone Theatre offered a fresh perspective on how art can fuel dialogue. Audiences left energized by the night’s fusion of celebrity presence and grassroots solidarity, proving once again that the stage—whether on screen or in a theatre—can be a catalyst for change.
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