The Citizen Review: What the Animals Say. Finborough Theatre
Two old schoolfriends, a ferry back to Belfast and a conversation that takes a decidedly dark turn. David Ireland’s What the Animals Say is a wickedly funny, provocative black comedy exploring identity, friendship and the divisions of Northern Irish society. The play follows Jimmy, a struggling actor, and Eddie, a successful footballer and captain of Celtic, who reunite while waiting for a ferry home. What begins as light-hearted banter about football, Father Ted, and their shared upbringing quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Performed at London’s Finborough Theatre, the...
Who let the dogs out? Chelsea goes walkies to celebrate its four-legged friends
From puppuccinos to Pilates, Chelsea Dog Day saw a wealth of free treats, special activities, and limited edition products available on the King’s Road. Photos by India Stronach Chelsea Dog Day returned for its fifth year on Saturday (3 October,) with businesses across the area opening their doors to four-legged customers. For an neigbourhood with an already above-average saturation of dogs wearing outfits, Chelsea was overwhelmed with a tidal wave of little paws in bandanas, coats, and even tutus. Dior and Chanel attended with their human, Petunia, who told The Chelsea Citizen: “It’s almost...
John Simpson Unspun: Broadcasting legend opens up on stage at the History Festival
BBC broadcasting veteran John Simpson was among the headline acts at this year’s Chelsea History Festival, drawing a packed audience to the National Army Museum for an evening of extraordinary stories, candid reflections and plenty of laughter. Taking to the stage, the BBC’s World Affairs Editor was in conversation with Rob McGibbon, editor of The Chelsea Citizen. Spanning six decades of reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous places, the conversation oscillated his times working in the combat zone and meeting notorious dictators, to the heartbreaking estrangement from his mother,...
Dignitaries on parade at the Army Museum for gala night to open Chelsea History Festival 2026
Chelsea History Festival returned for 2026, bringing together leading local figures, historians and performers for an opening night celebrating the area’s rich history at the National Army Museum.
Interview – The Pressure producers: “We like to create theatre with a competitive edge – it gives the night a unique buzz”
Actors Arthur Campbell and Gregor Roach met at Oxford University and quickly began developing an innovative theatrical format to help showcase emerging student talent. They came up with a fun and fast staging concept that was laced with an original competitive element. They called it Pressure. The format is simple: Four new 15-minute plays are commissioned to reflect a specific theme and the actors and director are given just 12 hours of rehearsal time to hone their production. All plays are performed in one night, with the audience voting for their favourite via on-stage ballot boxes....
Pankhurst’s battle in Chelsea still echoes, thanks to a thoughtful resident’s plaque
From Bob Marley to Oscar Wilde, George Elliott to Bram Stoker, Chelsea is blessed with close to 200 blue plaques, the second most in any London borough bar Westminster. For long the preserve of English Heritage there are now many other commemorative plaque schemes across London. Individuals too can join in the fun, researching and memorialising the history of their own home, place of work or street. And now a striking new blue plaque has appeared on Glebe House, in Glebe Place SW3, to mark a story of defiance, deception and an escape worthy of a first-rate thriller. The plaque, installed...
The Chelsea Citizen is nominated for major media award – NO SHOCK!
The Chelsea Citizen has been nominated for a prestigious award in Press Gazette's highly credible Future of Media Awards. The Citizen - a humble, self-funded news operation - has been given the nod by judges for Website of the Year (Regional/Local) and is up against some of the best-resourced and biggest hitters in the regional press. Shortlisted in the category are Kent Online, Birmingham Live, So Glos, Belfast Telegraph and the Andover Advertiser - all of which are owned by long-established and large media groups, such as Reach and Mediaquest. The winner will be announced at a modestly...
Fight to save historic artists studios from the wrecking ball to make way for new bijoux houses
One of Chelsea's last surviving purpose-built artists' studio complexes is facing an uncertain future after plans were unveiled to replace it with five luxury townhouses. For more than a century Stanley Studios in Park Walk has provided creative workspace for generations of artists, including celebrated sculptor Dame Elizabeth Frink. Now neighbours fear one of the borough's important reminders of its artistic heritage could disappear forever. Residents living in Stanley Mansions in Park Walk and The Sandhills in Limerston Street that flank the studios have launched a determined fight against...
The Citizen makes history as new media partner for The Chelsea History Festival
The Chelsea History Festival will return this autumn with a programme of around 100 events, bringing world-renowned historians, broadcasters, performers and storytellers to venues across Chelsea. Running from 1 to 4 October 2026, the eighth edition of the festival will explore the theme of World History, examining the people, events and ideas that have shaped societies across the globe. The Chelsea Citizen is proud to be supporting the festival as its official media partner, helping bring the stories, speakers and events of the four-day celebration to audiences across the borough. Rob...
“I was resentful at the time, but as time goes on, the less I feel that way — war is hell”. Stories of heroism at the National Army Museum
Three men who faced bullets, bombs and terrorists — and lived to tell the tale — gathered in Chelsea as the National Army Museum celebrated becoming the new home of a world-famous collection of Victoria and George Crosses. Reporter John Cookson joined an audience captivated by extraordinary stories of courage, fear and survival. You could have heard a pin drop. A room of a hundred or so guests sat transfixed as three of Britain's most decorated living heroes recounted moments that changed their lives forever. The event marked the National Army Museum becoming the permanent home of...
Chelsea’s Culture and Entertainment
In our Culture and Entertainment section, we will keep your diary ahead of the curve on everything that is happening at the landmark institutions illustrated below.
We will develop a comprehensive guide to everything that is happening in Chelsea, from plays, concerts and art exhibitions, to specially curated cultural and historical events.
We will also bring you expert reviews of reviews of restaurants, bars and clubs – and any parties we manage to attend.
And watch out for our definitive Chelsea pub guide.
