New York witnessed a spellbinding fusion of storytelling, music, and emotion through Letters Live’s unique format
Letters Live returned to the spotlight in New York with three captivating performances at The Town Hall across 31 May, 1 and 2 June, in collaboration with Montblanc, the luxury Maison renowned for championing the written word since 1906. Celebrating literary correspondence in its purest form, the event featured powerful readings by leading actors, musicians and authors, all kept secret until they stepped into the spotlight.
The star-studded line-up over the three evenings included Nathan Lane, Bryan Cranston, Laura Linney, Ariana DeBose, Sam Nivola, Emily Mortimer, Alessandro Nivola, Patrick Wilson, Dagmara Dominczyk, Jason Biggs, Gina Gershon and Chase Sui Wonders. Musical interludes by Hohnen Ford, Jon Hopkins, Yola, Milena Casada and Joan As Police Woman added depth and atmosphere.
Montblanc played an integral role in the event’s success. “We have always believed in the emotional strength of handwriting. When a letter is read aloud, something deeply human is revealed—the voice behind the words, the emotion behind the lines,” said Stephanie Radl, Montblanc Global Director Brand Relations and Communications. “Letters Live allows us to share this power with wider audiences and encourage self-expression through writing.”
Jamie Byng, CEO of Canongate and one of the producers, highlighted the partnership’s importance. “Working closely with Montblanc strengthens our ambition to grow this project worldwide. Letters Live resonates deeply with audiences and leaves an enduring mark. With Montblanc’s support, we can widen our reach and increase the positive impact we have through charitable contributions.”
This edition proudly supported Choose Love, an organisation committed to aiding refugees and displaced communities. Their initiatives include providing essential resources such as rescue boats, food, and legal assistance.
To mark the occasion, Montblanc created a thoughtful guest experience. Attendees received special postcards and were invited to write personal messages to loved ones. These were posted in elegant Montblanc-branded letterboxes placed within the venue, offering a keepsake steeped in meaning for both writer and recipient.
Guests were also handed a bespoke playbill curated by Montblanc. It showcased notable letters and performers from previous Letters Live events, along with excerpts of extraordinary correspondence drawn from across the centuries. Blank pages were thoughtfully included to encourage attendees to write their own thoughts during the evening.
Since its launch over ten years ago, Letters Live has presented more than fifty performances featuring over three hundred celebrated performers. It has continued to grow as a cultural movement rooted in the power of storytelling, handwriting and human connection—values shared and elevated through its partnership with Montblanc.
About Choose Love
Choose Love is a pioneering global humanitarian organisation providing fast, flexible, and effective support to refugees and displaced people. Founded in 2015 in response to the refugee crisis, Choose Love works with trusted grassroots community-based partners in over 35 countries to deliver emergency aid, long-term support, and advocacy for change.
From food, shelter, and education to legal aid and mental health care, every action is rooted in dignity, community, and compassion. With a model designed to fill the gaps left by traditional aid, Choose Love has raised over $120 million and supported more than 7 million people across the globe. At its core, Choose Love is a movement, powered by people who believe in a world where everyone is free, safe, and welcome.
About Letters of Note
Inspired by Shaun Usher’s international best-selling Letters of Note series and Simon Garfield’s To the Letter, Letters Live is a live celebration of the enduring power of literary correspondence. Letters Live has brought to the stage letters written by people as varied as David Bowie, Mohandas Gandhi, Elvis Presley, Charlotte Bronte, James Baldwin and Che Guevara.
It has also seen the likes of Idris Elba, Carey Mulligan, Woody Harrelson, Anjelica Huston, Nick Cave, Gillian Anderson, Ian McKellen, Cynthia Erivo, Stephen Fry, Olivia Colman, Laurence Fishburne, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kylie Minogue, Jarvis Cocker, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Jude Law, Thom Yorke, Harriet Walter, John Kerry, Kae Tempest, Taika Waititi, Thandie Newton, Sir Ben Kingsley and Oscar Isaac deliver unique, extraordinary performances. The shows are produced by Adam Ackland, Jamie Byng, Benedict Cumberbatch, Aimie Sullivan and Shaun Usher.
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