Caleb Azumah Nelson is a British-Ghanaian writer, photographer and filmmaker, living in South East London. 

Caleb was was selected by the Observer as one of the '10 Best Debut Novelists of 2021', and his debut novel OPEN WATER was chosen by the Booksellers Association as its Fiction Book of the Month for February 2021.

OPEN WATER has since been longlisted for the Desmond Elliot prize and the Gordon Burn prize, shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2021, and won the Costa First Novel Award 2021. In 2022 it was selected as Waterstones Paperback of the Month and longlisted for the 2022 Dylan Thomas Prize. 

Caleb's second novel, SMALL WORLDS has received high praise, with Katie Kitamura calling Caleb’s prose “unmatched in its musicality and sensitivity” and Candice Carty Williams stating that it is “Beautiful, unforgettable and all-consuming”.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

Unpopular high school senior best friends PJ and Josie start a fight club to try to impress and hook up with cheerleaders. They soon find themselves in over their heads when the most popular students start beating each other up in the name of self-defense.

Get ready to laugh until your stomach hurts at this night of hilarious live comedy hosted by Paul Certi.

Peckham’s own Paul Certi is bringing the culture back to the streets with five of the best comedians on the circuit and a surprise guest headliner as seen on TV.

After the comedy show, the fun doesn't stop as the night moves into an epic After Party to keep the good times rolling. Hosted by Peckham native, the legendary DJ Big Ryde. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of laughter and celebration!

Tickets are limited and it is bound to sell out, so secure your tickets ASAP. Super Early Bird tickets start from £10 for both events but, once they are gone they are gone.

Unleash your creative spark at the next R.S.V.P. (Raps, Songs, Vibes, Poems) open mic night.

RSVP is a space where creatives can express themselves, be inspired and inspire others.

At these nights, people can perform in whatever art form they like, whether that’s spoken word, poetry, rapping, singing, dancing or all of the above, If you want to be part of the vibe or just catch a vibe, this is the space for you.

Share your work in a supportive and safe environment, and be part of a night you won't forget.

UAL invites you to their inaugural Black History Month Open Mic event, hosted by Kat Francois, BBC TV and World Poetry Slam Champion.

.Come along to spit bars, sing, read poetry or prose, improvise or just listen! There'll be music to get you in your groove should you want to dance or freestlye to some instrumentals. Feel free to bring your backing tracks too. Enjoy a drink at the bar and grab some nibbles too.

The theme of this year's BHM is Reclaiming Narratives - what narratives do you wish to share or set straight? Here's your chance to do so.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

When small town high-school student Jennifer is possessed by a hungry demon, she transitions from being "high-school evil" - gorgeous, stuck up and ultra-attitudinal - to the real deal: evil/evil.

Written by Diablo Cody, writer of the 2007 hit film Juno, Jennifer’s body is a modern feminist cult classic.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

A jolt of adrenaline shot straight to the heart of 1990s British cinema, this darkly funny adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s novel was a major breakthrough for director Danny Boyle, producer Andrew Macdonald, and screenwriter John Hodge.

With live-wire energy and stylistic verve, Trainspotting bounces across the life and times of Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), a Scottish heroin addict who, along with his misfit mates, gets high, gets in trouble, gets clean, and gets high again, all in a bid to outrun the banality of modern existence.

Kinetically cut to an iconic soundtrack of techno, rock, and Brit-pop, this indie phenomenon chooses life in all its ugly, beautiful, terrifying exhilaration.

What’s the word? That’s entirely up to you.

Aicha Thérése presents another evening of empowerment through poetry, music & art.

The night will touch on the teachings, stories and philosophies passed down through the ages and the power of spoken word since the conception of language - all, poetry & music style!

This will also be celebrating the launch of their poetry writing prompt book Off The Dome: The Word Book, going live on 29 September!

Expect an extra special line-up of amazing artists, musicians, and poets. Minimizing the noise and focusing on pure expression.

#THESTREETSAREBETTERWITHPOETRY

Join us, for the world premiere of short film: THE SOCK.

An absurdist dark comedy. A perfectionist can't sleep without her missing sock.

7 min | UK | Comedy

• Written & directed by Alina Nedelcu, in her first film as writer and director

• Produced by Patricia Hetherington for Action On The side

• Starring Alexis Buncich and Tom Argus

Made by a group of lovely humans who all worked together to make something creative across four weekends.

Join us for the premiere of this short film, and to celebrate with the cast and crew.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

Rising J-pop star Mima quits singing to pursue a career as an actress and model — but her fans aren’t ready to see her go. When she takes on a recurring role in a popular television detective show, her handlers and collaborators suddenly start turning up murdered, and Mima begins to lose herself — and her mind — in her role. Harboring feelings of guilt, haunted by visions of her former life, and hunted by a stalker who grows ever nearer, Mima will succumb to a frenzied paranoia that blurs reality and fantasy in this surreal animated psychological thriller.

Based on a novel by Yoshikazu Takeuchi, animation visionary Kon’s feature debut is a justly lauded, mind-bending journey into the snares of fatal fame that will keep you off-balance right up to the unbelievable, gory climax.

Written and directed by Sofia Coppola in her directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides follows the story of a group of male friends in suburban Detroit in the 1970's who become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents.

Based on the 1993 novel by Jeffrey Eugenides and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, The Virgin Suicides was met with praise from critics upon release, and today is widely regarded as a cult classic.

"The Virgin Suicides has become a shorthand for a kind of girlhood, one which is warmly lit, observed voyeuristically, and deceptively brutal." — Sophie Mackintosh, New Statesman

Bad Gal Film Club is a community dedicated to championing women in cinema both on and off screen. The mission is simple: we’re passionate about amplifying women’s voices, and strive to build a community of film lovers who have an interest in women-centric cinema.

Get ready for an unforgettable night at the On the Block Kiki Ball, presented by the iconic Princess Amani, Mother Bambi, and Isaac from the legendary House of Laveaux.

This vibrant celebration of voguing, community, and culture is set to light up the heart of Peckham.

Watch as the ballroom scene is brought to life, paying homage to the unique spirit of Peckham. The ball will feature dynamic categories inspired by the rich culture, style and energy of the neighborhood. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a newcomer to the scene, you’re invited to serve your fiercest looks, boldest moves and showcase your most creative expressions.

Expect electrifying battles in categories that nod to the vibrant streets of Peckham — from streetwear to high fashion, art to nightlife. Categories will celebrate everything from local street style and entrepreneurial hustle to Peckham’s creative flair and global influence.

So, grab your crew, come dressed to impress, and get ready to slay the runway! This Kiki Ball is not just a competition, but a celebration of identity, unity and self-expression, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re here to walk, vogue or simply soak up the atmosphere, this will be an evening to remember.

We’re delighted to be welcoming storytelling night, and genuine international phenomenon, Seanchoíche (pronounced: ‘shanna-key-huh’) back to Peckham Levels for an evening filled with empathy, catharsis, laughter, tears and joy.

Rooted in Irish storytelling traditions, Seanchoíche host nights for people from all corners to come and listen and engage with spoken stories, ranging from personal anecdotes, monologues, fictional narratives, to poetry pieces and anything in between.

For some people, it’s their first time ever speaking in front of a crowd, which makes it even more meaningful and memorable for them. For others, it’s an opportunity to try out their creative juices, and see how a crowd reacts to their story, their comedy, their poetry, or their spoken word.

Theme: Fear

If you have a story to tell, submit your story via their website.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

Baz Luhrmann’s adrenalized, florid, flash-bang adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy, featuring Teen Beat-heartthrob-era Leonardo DiCaprio and a fresh from My So-Called Life Claire Danes in the title roles, lays its scene in a present-day “Verona Beach” where the sound of MTV hits on the radio is inescapable, and a shooting war between the rival Montague and Capulet gangs means the constant threat of violence.

With Romeo + Juliet, Luhrmann hotwires an old junior high reading list standby, tapping into the hormonal delirium of the original material via the stylistic conceits of the modern music video and effectively returning Shakespeare to his popular origins.

Veranda is London’s flagship poetry and music jam curated and hosted by BORN::FREE’s Co-directors Belinda Zhawi and malakaï sargeant, featuring a house band boasting London’s top emerging musicians, and an audience made up of minds ready for meditation, conversation and creative elevation.

Veranda facilitates experimental live performance that prioritises Afro-diasporic narratives – opening up space for rhythmic dialogue + curious encounters. This edition of Veranda is a dub poetry special, warming us up just in time for carnival. Features are MALIKA BOOKER and JAMES MASSIAH ft. a DJ set from 16THSS (Voices Radio, Recess) and a house band led by NATE RICKETTS (Steam Down).

There will be an opportunity to perform on our open mic. If this sounds like a bit of you, get in touch with a sample of your work with your name and 'Veranda open mic' in the subject line to bornfreejam@gmail.com.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

Long before he became an arthouse brand name commanding big budgets, Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite, The Lobster) had his first palpable international success with this, his skin-crawling third film, about a despotic taskmaster father who, for reasons known only to himself, has kept his three adult offspring in a state of perpetual stunted childhood by immuring them inside their fenced-in family compound from which, inspired by an outside visitor, they begin to plot a “jailbreak.”

“Takes the concept of home schooling to squirmy extremes… Dogtooth is like a car crash. You cannot look away.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

A new, regular night to showcase work from the cutting edge of London's underground performance and art scene.

The all singing, dancing, posing, crying, ‘piss’-drinking live artist Midgitte Bardot has a new monthly residency at Peckham Levels every second Thursday of the month!

Midgitte - the hilarious, subversive drag alter-ego of the supremely talented performance artist Tamm Reynolds - has been performing across the UK cabaret, live art, drag, theatre and club spaces since 2016. Midgitte Bardot’s Personal Spot is an evening of drag, performance art, radical weird stuff, liberation from today’s costly world, and a place for performance to buffer and polish.

The first half is Midgitte attempting to find herself whilst entertaining you most of the while.

THEN

Acts from the city and beyond (amusing you, titillating some, confounding and shaking others to their core) in the second half…

Line-up:

• An(dre)a Spisto and Joana Nastari will be presenting 50 Ways To Kill A Slug, a queer, Latinx, neurodiverse-led, multidisciplinary, hyper-sensory performance. Celebrating radical slowness, with a sexy, ugly divergence from the unsustainable grind.

• An(dre)a Spisto is an award-winning maker of live theatre, art buffoonery, comedic interventions, filmed and live performance with a current view into entomology, media and its relationship to perspectives as a queer, neurodivergent, Venezuelan immigrant.

• Joana Nastari is an award-winning writer, performer, and community organiser. She is best known for her debut theatre show Fuck You Pay Me, about working as a stripper in London. Joana co-runs live art night Sliding Slow. 

• NiCKY: the solo venture of artist, musician and composer Nicky Harris. Their debut EP by has been described as ’a cross between Nick Cave and the Eels’ and ‘A tour de force of something, even if I’m not exactly sure what it is’. Never far away from a piano, Harris has worked across theatre, radio, cabaret and circus. Rumours still surround their departure from Zippo’s and Barbra Streisand’s 2006 American Fall Tour. They look forward to delivering the big top experience. 

• Fresh from the campaign trail, Samir Campaign is fired up, full o’ juice and ready to blow the walls off of this multi-storey whatever with the dulcet tones of the harmonica and the microwave. 

• Hosted and curated by Midgitte Bardot.

• Produced by Sarah Tarry.

Don’t miss the next instalment of our open mic night where anything goes. Expect creative talks, shower thoughts, true stories, hidden talents, deep and meaningfuls, and much more.

Previously, members of the audience have taken the mic to share their grandma’s wisdom, say what they wish they’d said to their ex, dance, share their red pill moment, apologise to their vagina, rewrite the dictionary definition of “An Essex girl”, pun on command, ask for a hug, reveal a tattoo of Phil Mitchell, share their life motto, observe a minute of silence, form a human pyramid, serenade the audience, thank their mum, or invite the audience to kiss them.

"The most beautiful and life affirming thing I've done in a long time." – @jackgarratt

“Wow wow wow. Last night was so so magical. @SpecialGuestLDN has literally changed my view on community and our generation. If you stop to listen to people you can be so inspired.” – @afrocreative

“Such a simple idea but inspiring: emotional, hilarious, motivational & genuinely hopeful.” – @RachSkyer

How it works:

• Listen, clap, cheer. Support your fellow special guests. 

• Sit back, listen, and enjoy the ride. 

• If you want to, you can take the mic to share anything for 60 seconds. It's optional.

ATL's Word on the Street is back with another spectacular event, diving headfirst into THE SOUL with an amazing line-up of artists, musicians and poets.

Soul searching? Seek no more. Aicha Thérése presents an evening of music and poetry exploring and interpreting the concept of the soul. From acapella poetry performances to stripped-back original songs, acoustic-style renditions and a variety of other styles, these events are a recognition and empowerment of creative excellence.

Share your voice and your story at an evening of insight and inspiration, where people from all over the UK will be uplifted, appreciated and understood!

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Chelsea Birkby: This is Life, Cheeky Cheeky:

Following her award-winning debut and sell-out run, Chelsea Birkby's back with a meditation on lust for life. Playfully combining pop culture and philosophy in this smart and silly show unpacking being in the moment, desire and also ass.

• 'Very funny... There's a sharp mind behind the sweet exterior' **** (Telegraph).

• 'Brilliant... Hugely promising and already accomplished' **** (Scotsman).

• 'A real star' ****½ (Sunday Post).

• 'Deceptively smart' **** (Fest).

Amused Moose Best Debut 2022. Comedian's Choice Best Show Nominee. Best Jokes 2022 (Telegraph, Times). Writer on Mock the Week. Ass seen on BBC Three.

Directed by Dan Emery and Molly Stacey.

Will Owen:

Will Owen loves watching shows. He wishes he could watch this one, but regrettably he's the one performing it.

The Winner of Leicester Square New Comedian 2022 debuts a glittering hour of fastidiously-curated spontaneity. He will dance like nobody's watching. Just as long as somebody is.

• 'Biting yet with an archetypal Gen Z indifference... it's a winning formula' (Chortle.co.uk).

• 'A queer comedic force' (OnTheMic)

Directed by Daniel Emery and Molly Stacey.

BELLA HULL, SAMI ABU WARDEH, ADAM FLOOD

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Bella Hull: Piggie (Work in Progress)

Bella Hull has let out her inner child, and now it's at large. Hide your kids, hide your wives, hide your lunch. She'll eat them all for breakfast. As seen on BBC1's Stand Up For Live Comedy, Comedy Central Live and ITV2's The Stand Up Sketch Show. Tour support for Russell Howard, Phil Wang, Ed Gamble and Simon Amstell. Only supports men on tour.

'Very talented' ★★★★ - TheArtsDesk.com

'A great storyteller' ★★★★ - One4Review.co.uk

★★★★ - Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe

Sami Abu Wardeh

One of The Guardian’s top ten comedy acts of 2022, Sami Abu Wardeh is a rising star on the British comedy scene. Having created, written, led and produced his Channel 4 Digital comedy debut The Sheikh as well as his smash hit debut live hour Bedu in partnership with the Soho Theatre, his energetic feel-good character comedy plays as well on screen as it does on stage.

‘Blissfully funny while barely speaking a word’ - The Guardian ★★★★

‘The single funniest face I’ve seen in years.’  - Chortle ★★★★

Adam Flood: Back Of The Spoon 

Blah blah blahing about his feelings has, quite honestly, made things worse for Adam Flood. OK sure, he might have won some awards, been on telly and dubbed by The Times as in the Top 3 Rising Stars of the Fringe but things have got to change for the Stoke-on-Trent urchin. 

Behold, an anti-mental health show. Do you open a dropped bottle of coke right away - no, you leave it, for a long time before opening up. On a mission to find his own ways to avoid the deep stuff, can Adam distract you, but most of all himself, with fixations on ASMR, football (table), carpentry (table), pigeon watching, and big questions like, ‘do all Dads love marmalade?’ It’s time for Adam to hold a spoon up to society with high energy stand-up, original music and real-life voice notes.

‘Despicably multi-talented’ - Ivo Graham

★★★★★ - The Real Sparkle

★★★★ - Broadway World

★★★★ - Pick of The Fringe

Steve Albini, an icon of indie rock as both a producer and performer, died on Tuesday 7 May, of a heart at his recording studio, Electrical Audio.

We pay tribute to the great man with a screening of his legendary 2004 lecture where for 90 mins he discusses early influences, recording demos, record labels, recording contracts, budgets, mixing, digital recording vs analog, compression, autotune, internships, trends and more.

Note: tickets are free but book in advance.

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

John Tothill:

Thank God you’re here. John Tothill has missed you so much. It’s actually been hell without you.

A rat who orgasmed to death. The notion of Marmite. The time John deliberately got malaria. We’ve got a lot to catch up on.

Pour yourself six glasses of wine and settle in for an evening that, god-willing, won’t end. Maybe we could even have the tiniest cigarette??

Chortle's Best Newcomer nominee 2024. One of 2023’s Best-Reviewed Edinburgh Fringe Shows (Comedy.co.uk). As seen on Comedy Central Live. 'Resplendent, ridiculous, didactic, and fabulous' (Tatler).

***** (EdFestMag.com). ****1/2 (Chortle.co.uk), **** (Guardian). **** (Telegraph). **** (Skinny).

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

There are no "old" movies - only movies you have already seen and ones you haven't - Peter Bogdanovich

In 1970’s Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, a girl on the verge of womanhood finds herself in a sensual fantasyland of vampires, witchcraft and other threats in this eerie and mystical movie daydream.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders serves up an endlessly looping, nonlinear fairy tale, set in a quasi-medieval landscape. Ravishingly shot, enchantingly scored, and spilling over with surreal fancies, this enticing phantasmagoria from director Jaromil Jireš is among the most beautiful oddities of the Czechoslovak New Wave.

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Rich Spalding

Rich Spalding is a stand-up comedian and writer from the Midlands, now based in London. His style of relaxed, cerebral comedy has made him rise quickly through the circuit, becoming a regular at prestigious clubs like Up the Creek, The Frog and Bucket, Backyard and more.

Also, if you google 'Friendly Male', his photo is one of the first things to pop up. Genuinely. He doesn't know why.

Rich won the BTF Panel Prize in 2022 and Gather Your Skeletons will be his full fringe debut.

• “Razor sharp, understated brilliance” Tom Ward

Hubert Mayr

Hubert Mayr is an Austrian-born comedian based in London, UK. Since making his stage debut in 2017, he has taken his act ('plenty of dark humour' - Chortle) all across the UK and Europe and is a regular at renowned clubs like The Comedy Store & Up The Creek.

His sharp writing, sardonic wit and relaxed style has made him rise fast on the comedy circuit and earned him several nominations, competition successes and TV credits in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Hubert is taking his debut show "Mr. UniWorse" to the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Runi Talwar:

Indo-Kiwo-Ausso comedian Runi Talwar (writer for Have I Got News For You, Hypothetical) presents his debut hour, in the incredible story of a lovely guy who was once told he should 'get his name out there more' and took it far too literally.



A show about identity, fortune, and the lies we tell ourselves about having control over any of it.


Writer for HIGNFY, Hypothetical, Late Night Mash.

Amused Moose finalist 2020. Nominated for Pleasance Reserve 2022.

A fantastic chance to preview brilliant new live comedy shows. Catch some of the most exciting names in stand-up before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Ali Woods

Ali's in love for the first time and he hates it.

Join this viral comedy sensation for a hilarious stand-up hour about trying to be yourself. As seen on Comedy Central Live, ITV2's Stand Up Sketch Show and heard on BBC Radio 4. Tour support for Russell Kane, Adam Kay and Axel Blake. Sell-out Edinburgh Show 2023 and 2022. Hundreds of millions of views on Instagram and TikTok.

'In a world of wannabes, Woods is the real deal' (Evening Standard)

'Expect to see big things from this rising star' (TheWeeReview.com)

***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk)

Luke Chilton

“Netflix and Chilton” is Comedian Luke Chilton’s debut comedy show! Expect sexual exploration, coming of age shenanigans and a hilarious dissection of a complete medically approved psychotic breakdown.

Much like Netflix, most of this show is aimless entertainment slop but every now and then something seriously cool and worthwhile pops up that will have you and your pals talking.

Subscribe now! Stop relying on your mum or ex partner and pay for something yourself!

Disclaimer: watching this show will not make your partner want to sleep with you. It may, however, make you want to sleep with Luke Chilton.

We’re thrilled to welcome Deeper Into Movies back to Peckham Levels for more expertly curated screenings of cult classics, overlooked gems and important contemporary cinema.

Paul Schrader’s visually stunning, collagelike portrait of the acclaimed Japanese author and playwright Yukio Mishima (played by Ken Ogata) investigates the inner turmoil and contradictions of a man who attempted the impossible task of finding harmony among self, art and society.

Taking place on the last day of Mishima’s life, when he famously committed public seppuku, the film is punctuated by extended flashbacks to the writer’s past as well as gloriously stylised evocations of his fictional works.

With its rich cinematography by John Bailey, exquisite sets and costumes by Eiko Ishioka, and unforgettable, highly influential score by Philip Glass, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a tribute to its subject and a bold, investigative work of art in its own right.

We’re delighted to be welcoming storytelling night, and genuine international phenomenon, Seanchoíche (pronounced: ‘shanna-key-huh’) to Peckham Levels for an evening filled with empathy, catharsis, laughter, tears and joy.

Rooted in Irish storytelling traditions, Seanchoíche host nights for people from all corners to come and listen and engage with spoken stories, ranging from personal anecdotes, monologues, fictional narratives, to poetry pieces and anything in between.

For some people, it’s their first time ever speaking in front of a crowd, which makes it even more meaningful and memorable for them. For others, it’s an opportunity to try out their creative juices, and see how a crowd reacts to their story, their comedy, their poetry, or their spoken word.

Theme: Pride

If you have a story to tell, submit your story via their website.