This November, history will be brought to life at Hampton Court Palace with The Indian Army at the Palace: Live, a collection of three interlinked 15-minute stories inspired by the experiences of Indian Army soldiers who once camped in the Palace grounds.

In the early twentieth century, soldiers (sepoys) from the Indian Army camped at Hampton Court Palace to take part in Coronations and post-war celebrations.

Now, through a set of original short performances, visitors are invited to step into their world.

From missed Coronation parades and tea with suffragette princess Sophia Duleep Singh, to reflections on the shadow of war, theirs are overlooked stories of friendship and resilience.

The performances will explore events not through kings and crowns, but through the eyes of ordinary soldiers who crossed continents and cultures.

Taking place on select weekends throughout November, these performances are included in general admission to Hampton Court Palace. Each story will be performed twice daily in different locations across the palace, from the iconic Great Hall to the King's Guard Chamber.

Sepoys in the Great Hall follows four soldiers exploring England during the postponed coronation of Edward VII, turning their unexpected stay into a tour of Hampton Court Palace where they share reflections on empire and identity.

Chai with the Princess brings together wounded soldiers and Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, suffragette and daughter of a Maharaja, for a meeting over tea.

Sepoys and the Spanish Flu depicts Indian soldiers recovering on the palace grounds after the Great War, finding hope and resilience through camaraderie and music.

The plays have been written by Pravesh Kumar MBE, directed by Ameet Chana, and brought to life by the critically acclaimed British South Asian theatre company, Rifco Theatre Company.

The pieces have also been developed in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces' community curators Rav Singh and Tejpal Ralmill from A Little History of the Sikhs. The stories will share a glimpse of a lesser-known side of Hampton Court Palace's past.

Writer and Director Pravesh Kumar MBE said: "We hope that visitors will encounter performances that are not only humorous but tell the untold stories of the sepoys who were once in the very place they are visiting.

"As a British South Asian theatre company, it is crucial to uplift and explore these stories in an authentic manner that reflects our unique perspective. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to tell stories that are often overlooked".

These plays draw inspiration from the popular temporary exhibition The Indian Army at the Palace. Visitors will be able to explore this exhibition as part of their visit before it closes on 1 February 2026.

The exhibition features previously unseen photographs, film and personal stories, as well as a chance for visitors to take a closer look at the objects donated by families whose fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers were part of this chapter in Hampton Court Palace's history.

After the performances, visitors can wander through Henry VIII's magnificent Great Hall and vast Tudor Kitchens, and explore the opulent Baroque Palace built for William III and Mary II.

Outside, 60 acres of formal gardens await, transformed for the Autumn season with golden leaves and rich colour, making Hampton Court a perfect day out this November.

The plays will run on 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 September and are included in general admission to the palace on those dates.

Hampton Court Palace's General Admission prices rage from £14 - £28.