Hidden Architectural Gem in London’s Peckham Opens

Photo credit: Benedict O’Looney Architects

This autumn, the mysterious Old Waiting Room above Peckham Rye station has opened its doors to the local community for a series of wide-ranging arts events.

Making Connections brings together local artists, musicians, and actors to collaborate on a contemporary season of events taking place in this historic yet untapped space. The season, now extended to early December, has been hugely embraced by local communities.

The musical offerings range from live jazz performances to a Peckham-themed music hall sing-along. Yoga enthusiasts, both seasoned and newcomers, can get immersed in sound baths.

Film lovers can catch a Korean zombie film, and a site-based reimagining of Brief Encounter is set to make its theatrical debut. Local writers and international storytellers also have a platform to share their unique and diverse tales.

Rebecca McCutcheon, Creative Director of Making Connections and Director of Still Lives (Nov 17/18) said,

“This unusual space has always aroused curiosity with Peckham residents and commuters. You can just see it if you squint through the darkened windows of Platform 3.

So, it’s been an absolute joy to open it up with the support of the Arch Company – to curate a series of unique events that are grown from the community around it, and represent all the different forms of art, as well as the diversity and breadth of talent we have here on our SE15 doorstep, in this remarkable space in the heart of our community.”

Waiting Around

On Friday 10th November, free exhibition Waiting Around will open, showcasing the culmination of a week-long artist residency program exploring the concept of waiting.

While waiting is often perceived negatively — as an inconvenience or something to avoid — the exhibition aims to challenge this perspective.

In these turbulent times, where taking a moment to pause is a rarity, perhaps there’s a way to reframe waiting as a gift in time — a pause for reflection, a forced moment to stop.

The exhibition is co-curated by Em Briselden-Waters (Syrup Projects), and featuring work from Anna Schlimm, Xiyao Chen, Shupin Liu, Josh Woolford, and Helga Schmid.

Open from 5 pm until late, entry is free, and there is no need to register. Visitors will experience the creative outcomes of the residency alongside a bar and live performances.

Still Lives

On 17th-18th November, a new, site-based performance of Still Lives, a story of love and longing reimagined by award-winning playwright Dan Rebellato and based on British playwright Noel Coward’s atmospheric and romantic play, will take center stage.

Developed for the Old Waiting Room by local company Lost Text Found Space, the performances will be a chance to see the entirely new production, created specifically for the location.

The cast includes a wealth of musical talent, with music arrangements from composer Lucy Harrison, design contributions from Anna Burns, and direction by Rebecca McCutcheon.

CLF Art Lounge Anniversary

The season will end with an exceptional lineup of musical and creative talent coming together for the CLF Art Lounge’s 20th celebration of the CLF in Peckham. CLF’s events space, and its founder Mickey Smith, have been at the heart of Peckham’s creative and musical scene for 20 years, and the weekender (1st – 3rd December) is a brilliant opportunity to come and join the celebrations with an array of talented musicians, poets, and more.

The Making Connections Season takes place from 20th October – 3rd December in the Old Waiting Room, Peckham Rye Station, London.