About
Union Chapel aims to be an affordable, high quality, performance space that provides a diverse programme of arts experiences. We encourage innovative, entertaining and educational approaches accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.
We are, very much, a not for profit organisation. Profits generated from hiring the venue and from sales in the Bar go to the conservation and development of Union Chapel. As well as helping to restore this wonderful building, we believe it is important to invest in our future.
Who we are
Since 1992, Union Chapel has been hosting concerts and events. This has grown over the years and we now have hundreds of events a year. Readers of Time Out have voted us London’s Favourite Venue an amazing three times.
We are proud to say that our venue is a little bit different. We have pews, amazing acoustics, sublime Victorian Gothic architecture and some really great gigs.
Our busy Bar and Kiosk serve thirsty gig goers at most events – so you can enjoy the show with a mug of tea in hand or head up to the Bar and have a beer. And all the money raised goes to the restoration of the building.
We also have a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who work at all the gigs and events so say hello when you come along!
Need to contact us? Meet the team and find the best email address for your query here
What we do
Gigs and concerts
Our stage has been graced by all kinds of amazing musicians. Elton John, Björk, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Mavis Staples, Nick Cave, Passenger, Sleeping At Last, Mitski, Sigur Rós, Tom Jones, Paul Weller, U2, Laura Marling, Damon Albarn, Celeste, Jarvis Cocker, Beck, Youssou N’Dour, Noel Gallagher, and Philip Glass to name but a few!
Film Screenings
Every so often we hoist up the big screen to create a cinema with a difference. We’ve been the London home of Banff Mountain Film Festival UK since 2009 and regularly welcome back Backyard Cinema's Romeo + Juliet with full choir and Ocean Film Festival.
We also organise our own film screenings as fundraisers for the Chapel. This has included our Halloween special ‘Chills in the Chapel’ and the super Christmassy Winter Warmers.
Comedy
Live At The Chapel has been since June 2007. It is one of the biggest, most dramatic comedy clubs in the country. Each month the very best in comedy take to the stage at the stunning Union Chapel, alongside the house band for a truly unique and spectacular show.
We also host other charities’ fundraisers at the Chapel.
James Acaster, Katherine Ryan, Stewart Lee, Brett Goldstein, Tim Minchin, Romesh Ranganathan, Russell Howard, Adam Buxton, Sara Pascoe, and more have made us laugh at the chapel over the years.
Spoken Word
The Chapel was built for the human voice so it is a great space for spoken word events. The Moth true storytelling competitions launch their UK shows here and return regularly. We also host multiple Intellegence Squared debates, with names such as Armando Iannucci and Jon Ronson, and we're a favourite for book launches and the discussions that are inspired by them.
Past highlights include The London Mayoral Debates (both live and livestreamed), talks from the likes of Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton and the inimitable Caitlin Moran as well as multiple Letters Live events featuring stars Sharon Horgan, Olivia Coleman, Colin Firth, Helen McCrory, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Bar Events
Our lovely Bar – located in the Chapel’s original Lecture Hall is a great spot for more intimate performances. There are occasional performances here throughout the year including community choirs, film screenings, meditiation evenings, social justice talks, and more.
Directors: Gordon Montgomery, Ray Jones, Kevin McCarthy
Company Reg. No. 3047257 | Vat Reg. 135 5681 05