Southbank Centre monthly listings September 2023

SEPTEMBER

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

As our climate-focused Planet Summer season draws to a close, we’re taking this opportunity to look back on the enlightening conversations, performances and artworks that we’ve hosted over the course of the summer and reflect on how we progress from here. These vital conversations are just the beginning, and here at the Southbank Centre we move forward with a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability.

September is also a time of beginnings: our Autumn/Winter classical programme gets off to a magnificent start at our Opening Weekend

The huge variety of events taking place over this packed weekend is an expression of the wonderful reach and breadth of classical music today, and we welcome world-class artists, including our Resident Orchestras, as we celebrate traditional works along with brand new pieces and thrilling new ways of experiencing classical music.

Elaine Bedell Chief Executive

From Thursday 21 September

A new

The Opening Weekend of our Autumn/Winter classical music programme is full of energy, emotion, experimentation and, above all, human stories, told through music. And the whole weekend has been carefully planned out so that you can attend every single event – read on for a closer look at this weekend to remember.

The full force of the orchestra

Opening their seasons with awe-inspiring choral works, two of our six Resident Orchestras take part in the Opening Weekend

The Philharmonia Orchestra and SanttuMatias Rouvali raise the curtain with the all-encompassing drama of Verdi’s Requiem

Later in the weekend, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Edward Gardner have us on the edge of our seats for Mahler’s epic Resurrection Symphony.

Sonic journeys and late nights

Known for their experimental programming, Resident Artists Manchester Collective return with a double bill that takes us into the night. They follow a performance including Reich’s landmark Different Trains with a brand new experience: After Dark is a club night of

of classical music begins

minimalist greats, in the cavernous concrete surroundings of our Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. The Multi-Story Orchestra presents The Endz, a powerful modern-day story of friendship and loss, told through spoken word, song and rap and accompanied by the orchestra. Young music-lovers can get in on the fun, too. The ensemble spreads out across The Clore Ballroom at In Too Deep, inviting us to wander between the players and hear the music from different angles.

Key players

Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, called ‘exquisite, intimate, sublime’ by Bachtrack, leads us through the intricate masterpiece that is Bach’s Goldberg Variations, a beautifully symmetrical structure of 30 interlocking variations. Firing up the 7,866 pipes of the Royal Festival Hall organ, Carol Williams presents a Mad Rush of a recital, taking its title from Philip Glass' piece of the same name, which showcases her dazzling range in works from Widor to jazz standards.

Small wonders

Dynamic ensemble The Hermes Experiment presents a concert specially created for our most intimate auditorium, the Purcell Room.

It’s a witty mash-up of music, theatre and improvisation that links together works by composers including Elaine Mitchener and Meredith Monk.

Finally, violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, one of our Resident Artists for Autumn/Winter, brings friends and collaborators clarinettist Reto Bieri and pianist Polina Leschenko to close off the weekend with 20th-century classics and contemporary adventures. But our Opening Weekend is just a taster of what’s to come in our jam-packed Autumn/Winter programme.

year

It’s here: our Opening Weekend begins a page-turning, seat-gripping programme of classical music for Autumn/Winter, telling stories old and new that speak to us today

September highlights

Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

The pioneering DJ and producer invites you into her Honeyverse in a two-weekend takeover of club nights, live sets, orchestras and conversation, drawing inspiration from Honey Dijon's roots in the Black Queer community.

Kicking us off is the world premiere of The Honey Dijon Experience Alongside the Radiant Baby Orchestra, Honey Dijon performs a DJ set of her own songs and favourite tunes, remixed with the live orchestra. She also presents two club nights in our Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer featuring artists that celebrate the wide spectrum of club music, including Aqwea, Gayance, Kampire and Red Pig Flower.

Saturday 9 & Saturday 16 September

Also this month...

Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

The fashion designer treats us to a day-long takeover, drawing on the interlinking cultures of jazz, reggae and electronic music.

Friday 15 September

Cultural Assembly: Together We Act

Wrap up our summer season, Planet Summer, at a town hall asking what future we want to create in the face of the climate crisis.

Sunday 3 September

Dear Earth

Bringing together 15 artists from around the world, our current Hayward Gallery exhibition explores themes of care, hope, and emotional and spiritual connection with our environment.

Until Sunday 3 September

futuretense

Discover new music at our free gigs. Hip-hop duo AE and MC Isatta Sheriff are followed by grime storyteller FRBDN NCHTR and electronic artist

Princess Trium.

Thursday 7 & Thursday 28 September

Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time

Hurtle into a time-travelling adventure for ages six and over, featuring puppetry and exploring themes of friendship and the environment.

Friday 1 – Sunday 3 September

Zadie Smith: The Fraud

One of the most distinctive, adored novelists of her generation discusses the inspiration behind her new historical novel.

Wednesday 6 September

Photographed by Juergen Teller

Classical music

Join us to celebrate the start of a new year of classical music in September, when we showcase the full scope of our programme in our Opening Weekend

Thursday 21

Philharmonia Orchestra:

Santtu Conducts Verdi’s Requiem

Part of Opening Weekend

The Philharmonia is joined by a starry line-up of soloists in Verdi’s roof-raising Requiem

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor

Natalya Romaniw soprano

Karen Cargill mezzo-soprano

Stanislas de Barbeyrac tenor

Christof Fischesser bass

Philharmonia Chorus

Verdi Requiem

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20

Friday 22

Víkingur Ólafsson: Bach’s Goldberg Variations

Part of Opening Weekend

Bach’s keyboard masterpiece comes to life in the hands of communicative and insightful pianist Víkingur Ólafsson.

Bach Goldberg Variations

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £80

Manchester Collective: Different Trains & After Dark

(Double Bill)

Part of Opening Weekend

In a two-part show, the ensemble presents a Steve Reich masterwork followed by a classical music club night. Tickets for the 9pm show also allow entry to the 10.30pm show, After Dark For ages 16+. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Manchester Collective string quartet, live electronics

Cassandra Miller Warblework; Barber Molto adagio from String Quartet, Op.11; Jasmin Kent

Rodgman New work (World premiere); Steve Reich Different trains

9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £35 for entry to both shows

Manchester Collective: After Dark

Part of Opening Weekend

Following their performance of Different Trains, the ensemble hosts a late-night immersive event of minimalist greats. For ages 16+. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

10.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £10 for entry to this show only

Saturday 23

Carol Williams Organ Recital: Mad Rush

Part of Opening Weekend

Carol Williams puts the Royal Festival Hall organ through its paces in a wide-ranging programme of classics, like Widor and Vierne, mixed with jazz from Brubeck and Williams’ own compositions.

4pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20

The Multi-Story Orchestra: The Endz

Part of Opening Weekend

A powerful modern-day story of friendship and loss, told through spoken word, song and rap. For ages 11+.

5.30pm & 8.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £25

London Philharmonic

Orchestra: Mahler’s Resurrection

Part of Opening Weekend

Edward Gardner launches the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s new season with a journey to the end of the world.

Edward Gardner conductor

Sally Matthews soprano

Beth Taylor mezzo-soprano

London Philharmonic Choir

BBC Symphony Chorus

Mahler Symphony No.2 (Resurrection)

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £70

Sunday 24

The Multi-Story Orchestra: In Too Deep

Part of Opening Weekend

Feel the power of sound in a family-friendly performance that invites you to get close to the orchestra. For ages 7+.

10.30am & 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra:

Santtu & Seong-Jin Cho

Part of Opening Weekend

Pianist Seong Jin-Cho teams up with the Philharmonia for Shostakovich’s most playful concerto.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor

Seong-Jin Cho piano

Jason Evans trumpet

Sibelius Symphony No.6 in D minor; Shostakovich Concerto for piano, trumpet & strings (Piano Concerto No.1); Symphony No.6 in B minor

3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £20

The Hermes Experiment

Part of Opening Weekend

The dynamic ensemble returns with works that blur the boundaries between music, theatre and improvisation.

Anne Denholm harp

Oliver Pashley clarinet

Marianne Schofield double bass

Héloïse Werner soprano

Philip Venables A Photograph; Elaine Mitchener New work (World premiere); Laura Moody Rilke Songs; The Hermes Experiment & Jethro Cooke Metropolis; Meredith Monk Double Fiesta arr.

Denholm

6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20

Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Polina Leschenko & Reto Bieri

Part of Opening Weekend

In her first concert as Resident Artist, violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja is joined by her long-standing partners to perform chamber works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including her own compositions.

Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin

Reto Bieri clarinet

Polina Leschenko piano

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £52.50

Wednesday 27

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Johan Dalene Plays Sibelius

The LPO lays bare Brahms’ First Symphony, an epic emotional autobiography.

Edward Gardner conductor

Johan Dalene violin

Mendelssohn Overture, The Hebrides (Fingal's Cave); Sibelius Violin Concerto; Brahms Symphony No.1

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £70

Saturday 30

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth

Hear the ringing fanfares that open Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, as Fate is summoned by the LPO.

Edward Gardner conductor

Christian Tetzlaff violin

Beethoven Overture, Egmont; Bartók Violin Concerto No.2; Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £70

Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.

Literature & talks

Sunday 3

Cultural Assembly: Together We Act

Part of Planet Summer

Bring your radical imagination to a community climate gathering, asking what lies beyond Planet Summer. For all ages.

2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Wednesday 6

Zadie Smith: The Fraud

An evening of signature joy and originality as the author launches her first historical novel. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £20 –£35

Special Edition: Reading & Sounding

Senses collide at an event exploring text and sound through performances by artist-poets.

For ages 16+.

8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £7

Until Sunday 10 Poets in Vogue

Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our exhibition. For ages 16+.

Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 10 Out-Spoken Masterclass: September

Part of Out-Spoken

Calling budding poets: TS Eliot Prize-winning poet Joelle Taylor leads a three-hour workshop, full of tips and techniques. For ages 18+.

1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £20

Arlo Parks: The Magic Border

The Mercury Prize-winner reads and talks about her much-anticipated debut poetry collection. For ages 16+.

8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £30

We’re the home of literature and spoken word events in the UK, and our programme brims with today’s bestselling authors, rising literary stars and award-winning poetry

Wednesday 13

Succession: An Evening with the Writers

The show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, leads a worldexclusive conversation with four fellow writers. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

For ages 16+.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £35

Thursday 14

Theresa May: The Abuse of Power

The former Prime Minister introduces her new book, a searing exposé of injustice. Speech-toText transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

For ages 16+.

8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £40

Friday 15

Rug

Rhymes

at the NPL

Share songs and poems with your little ones in a short session of nursery rhymes for under-5s.

11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £4 (admits one adult and one child)

Woven Rhythms Panel

Part of Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

Reggae, punk and alternative soundscapes tie together in a cross-generational discussion. For ages 14+.

6.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12.50

Saturday 16

Guy Gunaratne, Stephen Buoro and Daljit Nagra

The two novelists discuss their latest books, Mister, Mister and The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa, in a conversation chaired by Daljit Nagra. For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15

Thursday 21

Out-Spoken: September

Part of Out-Spoken

Outstanding poetry? Check. Fantastic live music? Check. It’s the September edition of our monthly night. Speech-to-Text Transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12

Sunday 24

Naomi Klein: Doppelganger

What if you woke up one morning and found you'd acquired a double? British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £35

Thursday 28

Yanis Varoufakis: Technofeudalism

The bestselling economist explains how a technologically enhanced form of feudalism has usurped capitalism.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £41

Honey

Dijon in Conversation

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

The pioneering DJ covers music, fashion and culture in an intimate conversation.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10

Wednesday 20

Julian Barnes: A Life in Writing

Reflect on a life of literature with the writer of Flaubert’s Parrot Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25

Is AI an Existential Threat to Humanity?

Get your answers at a debate on the future of technology featuring reassuringly human experts. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 Also available to watch online until Thu 5 Oct; Free

Friday 29

Rug Rhymes at the NPL

11am; see Fri 15 Sep for more details

Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.

Saturday 2

Back Together Again

Tap into the joy that comes with singing in a group at an all-day choir workshop with Mark DeLisser. For all ages.

10.30am – 5.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £5

Thursday 7

futuretense:

AE + Isatta Sheriff

Part of futuretense

A free show featuring jazz rap and a duo spitting fiery lyrics over hiphop and drill.

5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Saturday 9

The Honey Dijon Experience

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

The world premiere of The Honey Dijon Experience, with the Radiant Baby Orchestra. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £25 – £55

Honey Dijon + AQWEA

+ Kampire

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

Put your trust in Honey Dijon to host a peerless club experience as she headlines two nights with different DJs. For ages 18+ only.

10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £40, early bird £35, super early bird £25

Gigs

Friday 15

Nu Civilisation Orchestra with Nubya Garcia: Focus

Part of Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

Zero in on the seminal Stan Getz jazz album, Focus, in a concert featuring saxophonist Nubya Garcia. For ages 14+.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £30 – £40

Talvin Singh x Lucinda

Chua x Coby Sey

Part of Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

Tabla player Talvin Singh improvises with two of London’s most exciting, esoteric musicians. For ages 14+.

8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25

Nicholas Daley x Concrete Lates

Part of Nicholas Daley Presents Woven Rhythms

A night of soundsystem culture featuring Dennis Bovell, Ikonika, Nabihah Iqbal, Mia Koden, SHERELLE, Sarra Wild and Sinai Sound System. For ages 18+ only.

10.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £25, early bird £20

Saturday 16

Alewya

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

In a gig put together by Honey Dijon for her Honeyverse takeover, we’re treated to Alewya’s renegade pop, with support from Cakes Da Killa. For ages 16+.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25

Honey Dijon in Conversation

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

The pioneering DJ covers music, fashion and culture in an intimate conversation.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10

Honey Dijon + Gayance + Red Pig Flower

Part of Honey Dijon Presents Honeyverse

Go late at Honeyverse’s second club night, as Honey Dijon is joined by two more boundary-pushing DJs. For ages 18+ only.

10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £40, early bird £35, super early bird £25

Thursday 28

futuretense:

FRBDN NCHTR + Princess Trium

Part of futuretense

Free music from two artists mashing grime, cloud rap, punk, electro and house into new shapes.

5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 29

Simmer Down:

September

Move your body down to our monthly reggae meet-up. Simmer Down is great for older adults and parents with young children, but all ages are welcome.

1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

The Cinematic Orchestra

The nu jazz group marks the 20th anniversary of their seminal album Man With A Movie Camera at a live show with all-new visuals.

8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £32.50 – £44.50

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational new sounds from across the globe, including takeovers from DJ Honey Dijon and designer Nicholas Daley

Performance

Time-travelling adventures and powerful installations: discover thought-provoking performance for all ages here in our venues

Friday 1 – Sunday 3

Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time

Part of Planet Summer

Hurtle into a time-travelling family adventure, exploring themes of friendship and the environment. All performances are Relaxed (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sat 2 Sep, 2.30pm & Sun 3 Sep, 11am. Sensory Adapted: Sun 3 Sep, 11am. For ages 6+. Fri 1, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sat 2 & Sun 3, 11am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)

Until

Saturday

2

Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 23

The Multi-Story Orchestra: The Endz

Part of Opening Weekend

A powerful modern-day story of friendship and loss, told through spoken word, song and rap. For ages 11+.

5.30pm & 8.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £25

Friday 1 – Sunday 3

Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time

Part of Planet Summer

Hurtle into a time-travelling family adventure, exploring themes of friendship and the environment. All performances are Relaxed (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sat 2 Sep, 2.30pm & Sun 3 Sep, 11am. Sensory Adapted: Sun 3 Sep, 11am. For ages 6+. Fri 1, 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sat 2 & Sun 3, 11am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)

Saturday 2

Back Together Again

Tap into the joy and sense of community that come with singing at an all-day choir workshop with Mark De-Lisser. For all ages.

10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £5

Family

Until Sunday 3

Friday 15

Sunday 24

REPLAY:

A Limitless Recycled Playground

Part of Planet Summer

Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun. This is a Relaxed event. Sensory Adapted and Early Years sessions are available. For ages 6 months –11 years.

Various times; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £6.50 (every adult and child needs a ticket)

Jeppe Hein’s

Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that emerge then disappear.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tue; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Rug Rhymes at the NPL

Share songs and poems with your little ones in a short session of nursery rhymes for under-5s. 11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £4 (admits one adult and one child)

Mix & Move: Baile

Funk Culture

Join us to celebrate music and dance deeply connected with Afro-Brazilian culture. All ages welcome at our free, inclusive monthly Mix & Move event.

1pm – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

The Multi-Story Orchestra: In Too Deep

Part of Opening Weekend

Feel the power of sound in a family-friendly performance that invites you to get close to the orchestra. For ages 7+.

10.30am &1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Friday 29

Rug Rhymes at the NPL 11am; see Fri 15 Sep for more details

Simmer Down: September

Move your body down to our monthly reggae meet-up. Simmer Down is great for older adults and parents with young children, but all ages are welcome.

1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along to enjoy a colourful playspace, cool off in our fountain and get close to an orchestra

Throughout the month

Asim Waqif: वेणु [Venu]

Asim Waqif’s striking bamboo installation, the third Bagri Foundation Commission, takes over our Hayward Gallery Terrace. Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Until Saturday 2

Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Until Sunday 3

Dear Earth

Part of Planet Summer

This engaging group show explores themes of care, hope, and emotional and spiritual connection with our environment.

Until Sun 3 Sep; Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Hayward Gallery; Standard £15 Wed – Fri, £16 Sat & Sun; Hayward Gallery supporter* £16.50 Wed – Fri, £17.60 Sat & Sun

Art & exhibitions

Occupied Archives: Recording Road Protest

Part of Planet Summer

Our archive display unearths artefacts from the anti-road protest movement of the early 1990s

Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn: Haven

Part of Planet Summer

An artist-created pocket garden transforms an urban space into a wildflower-rich sanctuary for wildlife.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free kennardphillipps:

Christina's World

Part of Planet Summer

One of our outdoor artworks is a haunting take on Andrew Wyeth's American landscape painting.

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Lucy McLauchlan: Raising the Flag

Part of Planet Summer

Flags around the Roof Garden suggest the rising water levels of the Thames in a call to action.

Daily; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Ed Hall: Hazelnuts do not grow on a dead planet

Part of Planet Summer

Three striking climate-themed works by artist and banner-maker Ed Hall adorn our buildings.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Wall, Queen Elizabeth Hall Side; Free

Union Jill

Part of Planet Summer

Its origins are unknown, but this take on the Union Jack often appeared at environment-related protests.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Roof; Free

Fefe Talavera: El Camino

Part of Planet Summer

Two six-metre tall fantastical beasts overlook our site.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Dan Jones: The Conversation

Part of Planet Summer

Imagine an urban space given back to nature with this threedimensional sound piece by composer Dan Jones.

Daily; Queen’s Walk; Free

John Gerrard: Surrender (Flag) 2023

Part of Planet Summer

John Gerrard’s spectacular video artwork depicts a white flag – a symbol of surrender – formed from plumes of water vapour evaporating in a desert landscape.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tue; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.

* Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of at least 10% of the standard admission charge, to support the Southbank Centre’s work. If you buy a supporter ticket and make a Gift Aid declaration, we can claim the tax paid on the full ticket price, not just the donation.

From internationally acclaimed artists at the Hayward Gallery to free displays and outdoor installations, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site

Free events

There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including free art and exhibitions all around our site, gigs from up-and-coming artists and joyful dance parties

Throughout the month

Asim Waqif: वेणु [Venu]

Asim Waqif’s striking bamboo installation, the third Bagri Foundation Commission, takes over our Hayward Gallery Terrace.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Until Saturday 2

Of All the People in All the World: UK

Part of Planet Summer

Two tonnes of rice. One grain equals one person. A beautifully simple equation for a beautifully simple performance installation by Stan’s Cafe. For all ages.

Mon & Wed – Fri, 12 noon – 8pm (Tue until 6pm); Sat, 11am – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Until Sunday 3

Occupied Archives: Recording Road Protest

Part of Planet Summer

Our archive display unearths artefacts from the anti-road protest movement of the early 1990s.

Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Denman+Gould with

Maeve Polkinhorn:

Haven

Part of Planet Summer

An artist-created pocket garden transforms an urban space into a wildflower-rich sanctuary for wildlife.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

kennardphillipps: Christina's World

Part of Planet Summer

One of our outdoor artworks is a haunting take on Andrew Wyeth's American landscape painting

Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Lucy McLauchlan: Raising the Flag

Part of Planet Summer

Flags around the Roof Garden suggest the rising water levels of the Thames in a call to action.

Daily; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Ed Hall: Hazelnuts do not grow on a dead planet

Part of Planet Summer

Three striking climate-themed works by artist and banner-maker Ed Hall adorn our buildings.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Wall, Queen Elizabeth Hall Side; Free

Union Jill

Part of Planet Summer

Its origins are unknown, but this take on the Union Jack often appeared at environment-related protests.

Daily; Royal Festival Hall Roof; Free

Fefe Talavera: El Camino

Part of Planet Summer

Two six-metre tall fantastical beasts overlook our site.

Daily; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Dan Jones: The Conversation

Part of Planet Summer

Imagine an urban space given back to nature with this threedimensional sound piece by composer Dan Jones.

Daily; Queen’s Walk; Free

John Gerrard: Surrender (Flag) 2023

Part of Planet Summer

John Gerrard’s spectacular video artwork depicts a white flag – a symbol of surrender – formed from plumes of water vapour evaporating in a desert landscape.

Daily; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms

Part of Planet Summer

A summer favourite returns. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.

Wed – Sun, 10am – 9pm (subject to weather conditions and maintenance), closed Mon & Tue; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Sunday 3

Cultural Assembly: Together We Act

Part of Planet Summer

Bring your radical imagination to a community climate gathering, asking what lies beyond Planet Summer. For all ages.

2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 7

futuretense:

AE + Isatta Sheriff

Part of futuretense

A free show featuring jazz rap and a duo spitting fiery lyrics over hiphop and drill.

5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Until Sunday 10

Poets in Vogue

Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our exhibition. For ages 16+.

Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 15

Mix & Move: Baile

Funk Culture

Join us to celebrate music and dance deeply connected with Afro-Brazilian culture. All ages welcome at our free, inclusive monthly Mix & Move event.

1pm – 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Sunday 24

The Multi-Story

Orchestra: In Too Deep

Part of Opening Weekend

Feel the power of sound in a family-friendly performance that invites you to get close to the orchestra. For ages 7+.

10.30am &1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Thursday 28

futuretense:

FRBDN NCHTR +

Princess Trium

Part of futuretense

Free music from two artists mashing grime, cloud rap, punk, electro and house into new shapes.

5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

From Thursday 28

Is AI an Existential Threat to Humanity?

Live Stream

Get your answers at a debate on the future of technology featuring reassuringly human experts. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

Live stream: 7.30pm on Thu 28 Sep, and available for seven days on demand; Free

Friday 29

Simmer Down: September

Move your body down to our monthly reggae meet-up. Simmer Down is great for older adults and parents with young children, but all ages are welcome.

1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Upcoming highlights

Marina Abramović Institute Takeover

The entire Queen Elizabeth Hall – backstage and all – transforms into the set for enthralling durational performances, curated by conceptual artist Marina Abramović and MAI.

Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine

The Hayward Gallery’s next exhibition is the largest retrospective to date of Hiroshi Sugimoto, the artist renowned for his alluringly enigmatic photographs.

Wednesday 11 October – Sunday 7 January

Explore all the different spaces in this self-led experience to discover artists creating an infinite possibility of encounters through site-specific works.

Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 October

Also coming soon

Black British Book Festival

Champion emerging talent, hear from leading voices and discover your new favourite Black authors at this family festival that aims to banish barriers to entry.

Friday 27 & Saturday 28 October

London Literature Festival

The longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word of its kind in the capital marks its 16th edition, with prestigious literary names alongside rising stars.

Wednesday 18 – Sunday 29 October

Ligeti 100

Join us for a day dedicated to the influential composer in the year of his centenary, featuring Pierre-Laurent Aimard, the London Sinfonietta and free events and talks across the day.

Saturday 14 October

Brian Eno & Baltic Sea Philharmonic

Ships is a new live concert with Brian Eno, Baltic Sea Philharmonic and Kristjan Järvi, commissioned by La Biennale di Venezia.

Monday 30 October

Alice Ripoll: Zona Franca

Brazilian dance group Cia Suave and Alice Ripoll wrestle with questions of freedom in a piece connecting popular dance styles from Brazil, including passinho.

Thursday 2 – Saturday 4 November

Eat & explore

Undercroft Skate Space

It’s been the heartbeat of London skate culture since the 1970s, a spot even recreated in Tony Hawk Pro Skating 4 – and it’s right on our doorstep.

The skaters navigating the underbelly of the Queen Elizabeth Hall may rip around it like it’s the only natural thing to do there, but what’s now known as the Undercroft Skate Space wasn’t purpose-built. This patch of concrete was simply left open to the public by its architects when it was built in the 1960s – but it quickly became a second home for a community who made it their own.

People who’ve skated there most of their life talk fondly about the rhythm of wheels over concrete slabs, the scrapes on the surfaces that tell stories of a million tricks.

Wahaca

It's time to taco. But tacos are best served in twos, all the better for sharing. And ooh, look, there's chocolate-dipped churros, and freshly shaken margaritas, and... so it goes on any trip to Wahaca –a Mexican medley of mouth-watering choices. This is a restaurant that strives to bring you the best of one of the world’s finest cuisines – fresh, honest, Mexican market food.

In recent years Wahaca’s grabbed headlines with its continued sustainability efforts. Steak is off the menu, and there’s even an alternative to guacamole – Wahacamole – that skips the avocado, a fruit

It’s been preserved since 2013 through collaboration with Long Live Southbank, a group formed by those who skate the site. In 2017, they worked with the Southbank Centre to reopen a renovated section of the space, funded by skate brands, the Mayor of London and others.

Lean over the railings today and you’ll see it rumbling with activity. If you skate, there’s space for you there – as part of a tight-knit community, and in a historic place preserved for the future by the skaters who use it.

Find the Undercroft Skate Space under the Queen Elizabeth Hall, off Queen’s Walk

that brings with it a heavy carbon footprint and contributes to deforestation.

At the Southbank Centre, Wahaca’s made its home in a handful of trendy recycled shipping containers arranged next to the Queen Elizabeth Hall. It’s a super popular spot before any show here, so get there early if you’re hungry. And there’s more reason to do so if you’re a Southbank Centre Member – they’ve just announced a 20% discount on food, valid Monday –Thursday. Vamos!

Open daily, 12 noon – 10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Terrace, Waterloo Bridge Side

Waterloo Bridge

About us

London Eye

Royal Festival Hall BelvedereRd YorkRd

Hayward Gallery

Getting here

By train

The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East

Charing Cross Blackfriars

By tube

Waterloo (200 metres)

Embankment (600 metres)

By bus

Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away)

Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road (a five-minute walk away)

IMAX

London Waterloo East

How to book tickets

Online

southbankcentre.co.uk*

Waterloo

We’re the largest arts centre in the UK and one of the nation's top visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. We’re here to present great cultural experiences that bring people together, and open up the arts to everyone.

The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection. We're also one of London’s favourite meeting spots, with lots of free events and places to relax, eat and shop next to the Thames.

Waterloo Station

We hope that you enjoy your visit – and if you need any information or help, please ask a member of staff.

While you're here

Eating, drinking and shopping? Take in the views over food and drinks at the Riverside Terrace Cafe, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. And around our site you can find more to explore, with Beany Green, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burger, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, Topolski, wagamama and Wahaca.

Southbank Centre Food Market

With a huge choice of street food and drinks from around the globe, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a must-visit.

Fri, 12 noon – 9pm; Sat, 11am – 9pm; Sun & bank holiday Mon, 12 noon – 6pm; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road

Access

The Southbank Centre is accessible to all and level access is available to all of our venues. For further information and details of accessible events, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/access

An audio version of this publication is available online. soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio

Membership

Become a Member and get the first chance to book for go-downin-history gigs, sublime symphonies and blockbuster literature events. Members also get a discount on selected retailers and restaurants; check our website for more details. southbankcentre.co.uk/membership

Supporters Circles

Enjoy all the benefits of Membership as well as getting closer to the artists with invitations to rehearsals, openings and more. southbankcentre.co.uk/join

Name a seat

Starting from £100, dedicate a seat in one of our concert halls to your favourite person. southbankcentre.co.uk/nameaseat

Listings correct at time of going to press (2023).

The Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909

By phone

020 3879 9555*

For information about concessions, see southbankcentre.co.uk

*Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons. Booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets: £3 online, £3.50 over the phone.

Stay in the know

Sign up to our email updates and be the first to hear about new events, offers and competitions. Just head to our website and hit subscribe.

On the cover

On Saturday 23 September, The Multi-Story Orchestra's The Endz is a powerful modern-day story of friendship triumphing over heartbreak and loss, told through spoken word, song and rap and accompanied by the orchestra.

Image credits

Cover: The Multi-Story Orchestra: The Endz © Ambra Vernuccio

Inside cover: The Hermes Experiment © Raphaël Neal

This month's highlights: Honey Dijon © Juergen Teller; Nicholas Daley © Pete Woodhead; Cultural Assembly © Talia Woodin; Dear Earth: Andrea Bowers, Nature Is Not out There We Are a Part of It, (Pipe the Little Songs, Original Illustration by Dugald Stewart Walker, Published by Doubleday, Page & Co, New York, 1920), 2020. Photo: Dawn Blackman; futuretense: AE; Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time © Susanne Hassler-Smith; Zadie Smith © Ben Bailey Smith

Header images: Classical music: Manchester Collective © César Vásquez Altamirano; Literature & talks: Arlo Parks © Daniyl Lowden; Gigs: Alewya © Lee Trigg; Performance: The Multi-Story Orchestra: The Endz © Ambra Vernuccio; Family: Zoe's Peculiar Journey Through Time © Susanne Hassler-Smith; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Otobong Nkanga, Dear Earth (21 Jun – 3 Sep 2023). Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery; Free events: John Gerrard: Surrender (Flag) 2023

Upcoming highlights: Marina Abramović Institute Takeover © Natalia Tsoukala; Hiroshi Sugimoto, Lightning Fields 227, 2009; Patrick Stewart © Tommy Garcia; Pierre-Laurent Aimard © Julia Wesely; Fats Timbo © Linda Blacker; Brian Eno © Cecily Eno; Alice Ripoll: Zona Franca © Renato Mangolin

Eat & explore: Undercroft Skate Space © Courtesy of Long Live Southbank; Wahaca © Southbank Centre / Wahaca

or phone 020 3879 9555

Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room