Southbank Centre monthly listings April 2024

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

Our renewed commitment to presenting the best in performance and dance from the UK and around the world has recently seen a number of phenomenal artists present their work at our venues. Join us in April for the first show of our dynamic 2024/25 season: trailblazing choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter’s new dance work From England with Love is a captivating look at the multifaceted identity of England.

Spring Family Fun sees new performances set to capture the imagination of families: giant creatures stalk our Queen Elizabeth Hall stage in the fantastical Dragons and Mythical Beasts, and South Asian dance company Akademi explores our complex relationship with all

things plastic in the inventive Plastic Drastic Fantastic

Our vital spring literature season continues this month with appearances from two very different towering cultural figures: RuPaul and Salman Rushdie will both be sharing their highly anticipated new memoirs; and we hear too from David Nicholls, the author behind TV sensation One Day, about his latest novel.

In the Hayward Gallery, When Forms Come Alive is open throughout the month – don’t miss this bold exploration of unpredictable sculpture, which is thrilling audiences and critics alike.

Mark Ball Artistic Director, Southbank Centre

Friday 29 March – Sunday 2 June

April forecast: fun for all the family

This April, we’re leaping into action with a Spring Family Fun series of events bursting with brilliant dance, theatre and music performances for all the family to enjoy.

Whether the little culture lovers in your life are fans of tall tales or want to try their hand at high-rise horticulture, check out our April highlights to keep everyone entertained over the Easter holiday and beyond.

Spring is in the air

With warmer weather on the horizon, take a trip out to our blooming Roof Garden on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall to celebrate the start of spring with outdoor fun for children. In the Spring Garden offers a chance for budding naturalists to explore the wonders of growing and gardening, surrounded by artistled activities and drop-in workshops.

Awaken adventurers

Emerging explorers and adventurers are invited to embark on a quest in Dragons and Mythical Beasts, a wondrous show that brings creatures

of lore to life. Kick off endless entertainment for young imaginations with epic storytelling, captivating battles and absorbing puppetry. And dance your way into high spirits with a colourful ceilidh and maypole-dancing mashup at our free family party The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed – the perfect way to shake off any April showers.

An ode to the Earth

With Earth Day taking place at the end of April, it’s prime time to introduce future planet protectors to caring for our world. Spellbinding dance work Plastic Drastic Fantastic is inspired by Indian traditional dance and explores plastic’s power to preserve and potential to pollute.

In another performance aimed at helping children explore our impact on the environment and the world around us, The Multi-Story Orchestra: A Musical Journey takes us on a trip through the sounds of the orchestra, with the opportunity to get up close to the instruments.

Sprouting stories

Spark a lifetime love of literature with events for budding bookworms, as master storyteller Patrice Lawrence brings the beloved classic Jane Eyre to life for young readers.

Or learn lessons for life as writer Raymond Antrobus and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max open up conversations around empathy and understanding emotions in a storytelling session presenting new book Terrible Horses

Whatever the flavour of the season, we’ve got bags of fun to keep kids inspired over the Easter holiday – so hop, skip and bound our way! Spring Family Fun continues in the May half-term, too.

April highlights

Also this month...

When Forms Come Alive

Our current five-star Hayward Gallery show, called ‘a blast from first to last’ by The Observer, is a playful and lively group exhibition of 21 international artists, taking in 60 years of restless sculpture.

Until Monday 6 May

Götterdämmerung

Conductor Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, with an outstanding international cast, conclude their acclaimed Ring Cycle.

Saturday 27 April

Hofesh Shechter: From England with Love

England’s complex identity takes centre stage in the UK premiere of Hofesh Shechter’s compelling new dance work From England with Love, performed by Shechter II. Through Shechter’s choreography, the dancers evoke the paradox at the heart of the nation, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions, and draw us into a search for an English identity.

Performed to a rich score that clashes the refined melodies of English composers with raging rock music, From England with Love is playful and poignant, full of pride and paradox.

Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 April

RuPaul: The House of Hidden Meanings

If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, this is RuPaul stripped bare, telling his remarkable story with meditations on life, love, and finding your voice.

Sunday 7 April

Nightmares on Wax & The Outlook Orchestra

For its 25th anniversary, iconic trip-hop album Carboot Soul by Nightmares on Wax is reimagined for a 32-piece orchestra – second show added due to demand.

Friday 19 April

Patricia Kopatchinskaja: Everyday Non-sense

A concert-theatre experience created by the trailblazing violinist transforms the stage into a living room, animated by works by Kurtág, Ligeti and Cage.

Wednesday 24 April

Mendelssohn – The Complete Symphonies

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Sir András Schiff reunite for an immersive journey through Mendelssohn’s symphonies and piano concertos.

Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 April

Family

Our events are not just for the grown-ups – bring your little ones along for free dances and to meet mythical beasts over Easter in our Spring Family Fun series

Wednesday 3

In the Spring Garden

Part of Spring Family Fun

Come along to a drop-in event on our blooming Roof Garden to explore nature as we welcome spring. For ages 3+.

11am – 3pm; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

Part of Spring Family Fun

Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this show for all the family. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 4 Apr, 2pm & Sat 6 Apr, 11am. For ages 3+.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 4

Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max: Terrible Horses

Part of Spring Family Fun

The writer and illustrator introduce their new picture book about anger and empathy. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. For ages 4+.

11.30am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Patrice Lawrence: Jane Eyre for Young Readers

Part of Spring Family Fun

Join master storyteller Patrice Lawrence as she brings the beloved classic to life for young readers. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. For ages 9+. 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7

Plastic Drastic Fantastic

Part of Spring Family Fun

Remarkable or rubbish? This dance work for families explores the wonders and woes of plastics. Relaxed Performance (RP). Sensory Adapted performance: Sun 7 Apr, 2.30pm. For ages 7+. Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 7

The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed

Part of Spring Family Fun

Move, groove and get in the social swing with maypole dancing, live fiddle music and beatboxing. Between workshops enjoy live DJ sets from Guava Jamz. Relaxed Event. DJ for all ages; workshops for ages 5+.

12 noon – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Saturday 13

The Multi-Story Orchestra: A Musical Journey

Part of Spring Family Fun

Get up close to the orchestra at an event exploring our impact on the environment and the world around us. For ages 7+.

10.30am & 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Tickets from £8

Friday 19

Rug Rhymes at the National Poetry Library

Hear some of your favourite nursery rhymes and rhyming stories from puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5. 11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £4 (admits one adult and one child)

Performance & dance

Family-friendly dance shows, compelling contemporary works and real life-inspired musical nights: discover international

performance here in our venues

Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

Part of Spring Family Fun

Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this show for all the family. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Thu 4 Apr, 2pm & Sat 6 Apr, 11am. For ages 3+.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7

Plastic Drastic Fantastic

Part of Spring Family Fun

Remarkable or rubbish? This dance work for families explores the wonders and woes of plastics. Relaxed Performance (RP). Sensory Adapted performance: Sun 7 Apr, 2.30pm. For ages 7+.

Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £14

Saturday 13

Chisholm for President!

Hear the incredible true story of American icon Shirley Chisholm, told through soul and funk music. For ages 12+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22.50

Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20

Hofesh Shechter: From England with Love

England’s complicated identity takes centre stage in Hofesh Shechter’s compelling new dance work. Audio Description available: Fri 19 Apr. For ages 13+.

Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20 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

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 3

Andrew O'Hagan: Caledonian Road

The author introduces his new book, charting an art historian’s fall from grace over one fateful year. For ages 16+.

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

Thursday 4

Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max: Terrible Horses

Part of Spring Family Fun

The writer and illustrator present a new picture book about anger and empathy. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. For ages 4+.

11.30am; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Patrice Lawrence: Jane Eyre for Young Readers

Part of Spring Family Fun

Join master storyteller Patrice Lawrence as she brings the beloved classic to life for young readers. Relaxed Performance (RP). British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted. For ages 9+.

2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Peter Frankopan: The Earth Transformed

The author and historian presents his major history of civilisation change in a changing climate. For ages 16+.

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

Sunday 7

RuPaul: The House of Hidden Meanings

If we’re all born naked and the rest is drag, this is RuPaul stripped bare. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+. 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £40

Sunday 14

Manni & Reuben Coe: brother.do.you.love.me

Brothers Manni and Reuben explore resilience and love in this true tale of rebuilding relationships.

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

Friday 19

Rug Rhymes at the National Poetry Library

Hear some of your favourite nursery rhymes and rhyming stories from puppets Federico and Firebird. For ages 0 – 5.

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

Sunday 21

Salman Rushdie: Knife

Appearing via video link, Salman Rushdie launches his gripping memoir recounting his survival of an attempted murder. Speech-toText transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

2.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Also available to watch via live stream; Free

David Nicholls: You Are Here

The master storyteller, author of One Day, speaks to writer Dolly Alderton about his latest novel. For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 24

How Does Art Make You Feel?

A panel of artists, dancers and scientists discusses how sculpture expands our understanding of our world.

7pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12

Thursday 25

Out-Spoken: April

Our monthly celebration of brilliant poets and musicians, hosted by Joelle Taylor. For ages 16+.

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

Saturday 27

An Evening with Rough Trade Books

The counter-cultural publishing house presents an evening of eclectic authors, artists and musicians, including Jarvis Cocker, Sheena Patel and Musa Okwonga.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Sunday 28

Out-Spoken Masterclass: April

Weave something new with words at our weekend poetry workshop. For ages 18+.

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

Marianna Spring:

Among the Trolls

The BBC's disinformation and social media correspondent takes us on a dive into online polarisation. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Classical music

Our programme celebrates the incredible 500-year history of classical music, bringing to life celebrated works from the

past and telling brand new stories

Wednesday 3

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Sibelius – Symphony No.5

Tonight’s concert continues the OAE’s daring quest at the borderline between Romanticism and modernism.

Maxim Emelyanychev conductor Glinka Overture, Ruslan and Lyudmila; Rachmaninov The Rock; Grieg Peer Gynt, Suite No.1; Sibelius Symphony No.5 in E flat 7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15 Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: pre-concert talk. Admission free.

Thursday 4

Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem

Dona Nobis Pacem culminates in a joyous vision of the ending of war through reconciliation between people and nations.

Philharmonia Orchestra

Ivor Setterfield conductor

Jennifer Witton soprano

Ross Ramgobin baritone

Barts Choir

Vaughan Williams Dona nobis pacem; Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances; Poulenc Gloria 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 6

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Järvi Conducts Bruckner

Bruckner was aiming for heaven itself, and the opening melody of his Seventh Symphony came to him in a dream.

Paavo Järvi conductor

Leila Josefowicz violin

Stravinsky Violin Concerto; Bruckner Symphony No.7 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 7

Philharmonia Orchestra: Bruce Liu Plays

Rachmaninov

Composed as Rachmaninov recovered from years of depression and writer’s block, his Second Piano Concerto is a passionate outpouring of creativity.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Bruce Liu piano

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2; Shostakovich Symphony No.10 in E minor 3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25

Wednesday 10

London Philharmonic

Orchestra: Seong-Jin Cho Plays Beethoven

Beethoven sat down at the piano and drew music out of silence: a piano concerto more poetic, and more personal, than he’d ever created before.

Edward Gardner conductor

Seong-Jin Cho piano

Wagner Prelude to Parsifal, Act 1; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4; Tippett Symphony No.2 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 11

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Icons

Rediscovered –Rachmaninov’s The Bells

Rachmaninov’s choral symphony

The Bells is heartfelt, gorgeous and unforgettably tuneful – the composer thought it was one of his greatest works.

Vasily Petrenko conductor

Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello

Mirjam Mesak soprano

Pavel Petrov tenor

Andrei Kymach baritone

Philharmonia Chorus

Elgar Overture, In the South (Alassio); Weinberg Cello Concerto in C minor, Op.43; Rachmaninov

The Bells (Choral Symphony)

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Friday 12

London Philharmonic Orchestra: The Planets

Everyone has their favourite moment of The Planets, whether it’s the warlike rhythms of ‘Mars’, the radiant calm of ‘Venus’, or the melody and majesty of ‘Jupiter’.

Edward Gardner conductor

Nicolas Altstaedt cello

London Youth Choir

Dvořák Cello Concerto; Holst The Planets

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Paraorchestra:

Trip the Light Fantastic

Sound and light collide spectacularly in this multi-sensory concert experience.

Charles Hazlewood conductor Sinead McMillan (Surgeons Girl)

Asteryth Sloane Prelude to a beginning (London premiere); Sinead McMillan (Surgeons Girl) with responding composer Oliver Vibrans Trip The Light Fantastic (London premiere) 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £10

Saturday 13

The Multi-Story Orchestra: A Musical Journey

Part of Spring Family Fun

Get up close to the orchestra at an event exploring our impact on the environment and the world around us. For ages 7+.

10.30am & 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Tickets from £8

Carmina Burana

The monumental harmony of over 200 voices combine to perform Orff's unforgettable masterwork.

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra

James Morgan conductor

Jennifer Pike violin

Brighton Festival Chorus

Southend Boys' Choir

Sibelius Finlandia; Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor; Orff Carmina Burana

2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50

Brodsky Quartet: Bach, Britten & Schubert

The aching beauty of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden concludes a programme of timeless classics.

Bach Sonata No.1 in G minor for solo violin, BWV.1001 arr.

Paul Cassidy for string quartet; Britten String Quartet No.3, Op.94; Schubert String Quartet in D minor, D.810 (Death and the Maiden)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Music of the Movies:

The Lord of the Rings and Beyond

Hear inspirational music from epic film and TV soundtracks performed by a full symphony orchestra.

London Concert Orchestra

Toby Purser conductor Coro Spezzato

Programme includes: excerpts from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, Star Wars & How to Train your Dragon

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50

Sunday 14

Vadym Kholodenko

Performs Mozart & Rzewski

Pianist Vadym Kholodenko devotes his concert to two vast, extraordinary works – spanning a narrative from grief to resistance.

Mozart Requiem arr. Klindworth for piano; Rzewski 36 Variations on ‘The People united will never be defeated!’

3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Catalyst

Promising a musical journey like no other, come and play your part in the audience of the NYO.

The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

Jessica Cottis conductor

Programme includes: Gavin Higgins Concerto grosso for brass band & orchestra; Prokofiev

Symphony No.5 in B flat

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22 (free for ages 19 and under)

Thursday 18

Sir Neville Marriner Centenary Celebration

The chamber orchestra with a fresh, distinctive sound, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields celebrates the centenary of its trailblazing founder.

Joshua Bell director, violin

Tomo Keller director

Douglas Marriner percussion, drums

Mozart Overture, The Magic Flute; Adagio from Serenade in B flat for wind, K.361 (Gran Partita); Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben from Zaide; Overture, Die Entführung aus dem Serail; Saint-Saëns Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op.28; Vince Mendoza Concerto for violin, jazz drums & orchestra (European premiere); Brahms Symphony No.2

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 20

Rocketman: Live in Concert

Take a journey to stardom with a film that charts the life of music legend Elton John, accompanied by a full orchestra. For ages 15+.

Film screening Rocketman – with live orchestra

4pm & 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £29.50

Wednesday 24

Patricia Kopatchinskaja:

Everyday Non-sense

This concert-theatre experience transforms the stage into a living room, with the trailblazing violinist and members of Aurora Orchestra undertaking domestic tasks as they uncover music by Kurtág, Ligeti, Cage and George Brecht in the most unexpected places.

6pm & 8.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £30

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Mendelssohn – The Complete Symphonies Nos.1 & 4

Sir András Schiff and the OAE reunite for a three-concert series of Mendelssohn’s symphonies and piano concertos.

Sir András Schiff director, fortepiano

Mendelssohn Symphony No.1 in C minor; Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25; Symphony No.4 in A (Italian)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer at 6pm: preconcert talk. Admission free.

Thursday 25

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Mendelssohn: The Complete Symphonies Nos.3 & 5

The Mendelssohn series continues with a profound statement of devotion and the composer’s last completed symphony.

Sir András Schiff director, fortepiano

Mendelssohn Symphony No.5 in D (Reformation); Piano Concerto No.2 in D minor, Op.40; Symphony No.3 in A minor (Scottish)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer at 9.15pm: postconcert talk. Admission free.

Friday 26

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Mendelssohn – The Complete Symphonies No.2

The E minor Violin Concerto, performed tonight by Alina Ibragimova, is arguably the composer’s greatest musical achievement.

Sir András Schiff director

Alina Ibragimova violin

Lucy Crowe soprano

Madison Nonoa soprano

Nicky Spence tenor

Choir of the Age of Enlightenment

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto; Symphony No.2 in B flat (Lobgesang)

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Saturday 27

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Götterdämmerung

The fourth and final instalment of Wagner’s epic opera cycle is a drama of star-crossed passion and ultimate evil; of treachery, courage and a love more powerful than the end of the world.

Vladimir Jurowski conductor

Burkhard Fritz tenor, Siegfried Svetlana Sozdateleva soprano, Brünnhilde

Brindley Sherratt bass, Hagen

Günter Papendell baritone, Gunther

Sinéad Campbell-Wallace soprano, Gutrune

Robert Hayward baritone, Alberich

Kai Rüütel mezzo-soprano, Waltraute

Claudia Huckle contralto, 1st Norn

Claire Barnett-Jones mezzosoprano, 2nd Norn

Evelina Dobraceva soprano, 3rd Norn

London Philharmonic Choir

London Voices

Wagner Götterdämmerung – opera in 3 acts (performed in German with English surtitles)

3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £35

Sunday 28

Philharmonia Orchestra:

Masaaki Suzuki

Conducts Schumann & Dvořák

A leading authority on the authentic performance of music spanning the past 500 years, Suzuki conducts the Philharmonia for the first time, ending with Dvořák’s radiant Symphony No.6.

Masaaki Suzuki conductor

Jean-Guihen Queyras cello

Beethoven Overture, Egmont; Schumann Cello Concerto; Dvořák Symphony No.6

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15 Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Insights Talk. Learn more about the evening's programme with musicologist Joanna Wyld. Admission 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. Classical music multi-buy: with our multibuy offers, you can book concerts from across our classical music programme and receive a discount. There is a small number of events that aren’t included in the multibuy offer. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.

Children aged 7+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre classical concerts, except where indicated.

Gigs

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including uplifting 1970s-inspired music and the return of an eclectic collective

Thursday 4 & Thursday 18 futuretense

Discover the best in new music from up-and-coming artists at our series of free gigs – stay tuned for artist announcements.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 5

Oneohtrix Point Never

Vibe along with the multihyphenate experimental artist as he performs music from his latest album, with support from DJ Oklou. For ages 14+.

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £35

Friday 12

Kindred re:union

The seminal music collective returns with a night of eclectic soul, R&B, jazz and spoken word.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20

Saturday 13

Chisholm for President!

Hear the incredible true story of American icon Shirley Chisholm, told through soul and funk music.

For ages 12+.

7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22.50

Friday 19

Nightmares

on

Wax & The Outlook Orchestra

For its 25th anniversary, the iconic chill-out album Carboot Soul is reimagined by a 26-piece orchestra in two shows.

7pm & 9.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £35

Thursday 25

NYX Vocal Workshop: Tones, Bones and Drones

Explore being part of a collective voice in this restorative vocal workshop with drone choir NYX. For ages 16+.

7pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £5

Friday 26

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly daytime dance that'll get you grooving. For all ages. 1.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Art & exhibitions

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

Throughout the month

When Forms Come Alive

Undulating, drooping, erupting sculptures feature in this Hayward Gallery group exhibition, spanning over 60 years of contemporary art.

Until Mon 6 May; Tue – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £18 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s)

A Birthday Garland

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to walk inside a single word, this free exhibition of work by artist Mary Kuper is for you.

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

Saturday 13

British Sign Language Tours: When Forms Come Alive

Artist Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq leads a BSL tour of When Forms Come Alive, discussing the artists’ ideas and techniques behind the sculptures. 6.30pm; Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £8, includes exhibition entry

Wednesday 24

How Does Art Make You Feel?

Explore intersections of art and science as artists, dancers and scientists come together to discuss how sculpture expands our understanding of our world. 7pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12

Free events

There's lots to see and do for free this month, including a family-friendly celebration of spring, gigs from up-and-coming artists and daytime parties

Throughout the month

A Birthday Garland

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to walk inside a single word, this free exhibition of work by artist Mary Kuper is for you. For all ages.

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

Wednesday 3

In the Spring Garden

Part of Spring Family Fun

Come along to a drop-in event on our blooming Roof Garden to explore nature as we welcome spring. For ages 3+.

11am – 3pm; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free

Thursday 4 & Thursday 18

futuretense

Discover the best in new music from up-and-coming artists at our series of free gigs – stay tuned for artist announcements.

6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Sunday 7

The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed

Part of Spring Family Fun

Move, groove and get in the social swing with maypole dancing, live fiddle music and beatboxing. Between workshops enjoy live DJ sets from Guava Jamz. Relaxed Event. DJ for all ages; workshops for ages 5+.

12 noon – 6pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free

Sunday 21 – Sunday 28

Salman Rushdie: Knife –Live Stream

Tune into the live stream of the launch of Rushdie’s gripping memoir recounting his attempted murder. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+. From 2.30pm on Sun 21; Online events; Free

Friday 26

Simmer Down

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at this free monthly daytime dance that'll get you grooving. For all ages. 1.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Tuesday 30

Taster Sessions with Grounded Ecotherapy

If you’re local and seeking a supportive recovery programme, discover the benefits of ecotherapy. For ages 18+ only. 11am; Roof Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free (by referral only; contact artsandwellbeing@southbankcentre.co.uk for more details

Upcoming highlights

Voices from the East

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kirill Karabits bring to life orchestral masterpieces in a day-long celebration of music from Ukraine and its surrounding regions.

Voices from the East is an ongoing project between the BSO and Karabits to revive orchestral works

Margaret Leng Tan: Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep

A sonic portrait of new music icon Margaret Leng Tan, this work is an evocative exploration of memory, time, control and loss.

Friday 24 & Saturday 25 May

Assassin's Creed Symphonic Adventure

Experience the world of Assassin’s Creed like never before, with an immersive concert performed by a full orchestra and synchronised with on-screen videos.

Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 May

which have not been previously performed by major European orchestras.

Between the three orchestral concerts, find out more at free events, including additional performances and talks from experts who put the music into context.

Sunday 19 May

Also coming soon

nonclassical at 20

An evening of events marks 20 years of nonclassical, the contemporary classical record label and event series founded by Gabriel Prokofiev.

Saturday 4 May

International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings

Join the six authors and their translators shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2024 as they read from and discuss their books with Chris Power.

Friday 17 May

Adrienne Truscott & Brokentalkers: Masterclass

Masterclass is a literate and hilarious examination of gender and power, using the arts world as a metaphor.

Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 May

Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical

Our Spring Family Fun series continues in May half-term with events including this brand-new, raucous musical reimagining of a medieval fairy tale.

Friday 31 May – Sunday 2 June

Eat & explore

Honest Burgers

Taking a trip to see us in April? Whether you’re feasting your eyes on our When Forms Come Alive exhibition or biting into some culture from one of our fantastic shows on offer in the Easter holiday and beyond, you’re sure to build up an appetite – and you’re in luck.

Honest Burgers serves up a cracking combination of mouth-wateringly tasty meals and a relaxed atmosphere. With a kids’ menu and all-day dining, it’s an ideal spot to have up your sleeve for a trip to London’s bustling riverside.

Made from scratch in their own butchery, their burgers are as honest as it gets. Try the exclusive

South Bank burger, with smoked bacon, Waterloo cheese, garlic pickle, red onion and baby spinach for the most delectable burger in town, or give the Plant burger (boasting a Beyond Meat patty) a go to see why it’s raved about by meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Fans of Honest Burgers’ fare won’t need to be reminded of just how moreish the double-cooked rosemary salted chips are, but if you haven’t tried them yet, prepare to swear off fries from anywhere else, they’re that good – honest!

Honest Burgers is located at 9 Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX

Open Mon – Wed & Sun, 11.30am – 10pm; Thu – Sat, 11.30am – 11pm

National Poetry Library Little Library

With the Easter holiday at hand, it’s a great time to discover the National Poetry Library’s Little Library, a perfect place to take little ones for a quiet breather in a day out – and to launch a love of reading at the same time!

Nestled in the National Poetry Library’s foyer, on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall, the Little Library is a free space for families with under-5s to discover poetry. Made up of comfy chairs and beanbags, it’s a cosy reading nook where children can read and play in a welcoming environment.

The Little Library was created in 2017 as part of the Nordic Matters festival here at the Southbank Centre, and since then it’s been expanded to offer around

500 picture and poetry books, from board books for babies through to chapter books for 12-year-olds.

Lorraine Mariner, National Poetry Library Assistant Librarian, says: ‘We hope that being greeted by the Little Library as the glass lift reaches Level 5 immediately makes children feel welcome and that the National Poetry Library is a playful space for them.’

So bring your family, take off your shoes, kick back on a cushion and share a poem or story with your little bookworms in the Little Library.

The Little Library is open 11am – 6pm, Tue – Sun. The National Poetry Library is open Tue, 12 noon – 6pm & Wed – Sun, 12 noon – 8pm. nationalpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Royal

Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room

Waterloo Bridge

National Theatre

How to book tickets

Online southbankcentre.co.uk*

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 and Supporters Circles. Booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets: £3 online, £3.50 over the phone.

About the Southbank Centre

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Hayward Gallery

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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.

Waterloo

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.

Royal Festival Hall foyer refurbishment

We’re making improvements to the Royal Festival Hall’s Level 2 foyer spaces, as we work to bring you a brand new cafe, bar, shop and Ticket Office. Thanks for your patience during the upgrades.

Throughout the refurbishment, the Queen Elizabeth Hall’s Concrete Cafe and Ticket Office are open daily from 10am. The Level 4 and Level 5 bars of the Royal Festival Hall are also offering drinks and snacks from 60 minutes before an event, and you can visit the Southbank Centre Shop on Mandela Walk, or shop our full range online.

The National Poetry Library and Members’ Lounge are open as usual.

While you’re here

Find more to explore on-site at Beany Green, Comptoir Libanais, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burgers, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, 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 – 8pm; Sat, 11am – 8pm; Sun & bank holiday Mon, 12 noon –6pm; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road

Environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability is hugely important to the Southbank Centre and is one of our strategic priorities, and we’re already making progress towards our aim of being a net zero carbon organisation by 2040. For further information, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/sustainability

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.

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

London Waterloo East Listings

To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555. An audio version of this publication is available online at soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio Membership

Become a Member to get the first chance to book for all our events, including go-down-in-history gigs, sublime symphonies and live literature. Members also get access to our Members’ Lounge, free entry to the Hayward Gallery year-round and a discount on selected retailers and restaurants. Check our website for more details.

southbankcentre.co.uk/membership

Supporters Circles

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

On the cover

Pop culture icon and international drag superstar RuPaul invites you to celebrate the release of his memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings, on Sunday 7 April.

Image credits

Inside cover: Dragons and Mythical Beasts © Robert Day

This month's highlights: Hofesh Shechter: From England with Love © Miguel Altunaga; Installation view of Tara Donovan, Untitled (Mylar) 2011/2018 at When Forms Come Alive (7 February – 6 May 2024). Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery; Patricia Kopatchinskaja © Arnaud Mbaki; Vladimir Jurowski © Roman Gontcharov; Nightmares on Wax © Viktor Sloth; Sir András Schiff © Nadia F Romanini

Header images: Family: In the Spring Garden © Cesare De Giglio; Performance & dance: Plastic Drastic Fantastic © Brian Hartley; Literature & talks: Marianna Spring © Robert Timothy; Classical music: Vladimir Jurowski © Roman Gontcharov; Gigs: Kindred re:union: Tawiah © @icreatenotdestroy / Jazz re:freshed; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Franz West and Nairy Baghramian at When Forms Come Alive (7 February – 6 May 2024). Photo: Jo Underhill. Courtesy the Hayward Gallery. Free events: The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed © Chris Walshaw

Upcoming highlights: Voices from the East : Kirill Karabits © Johnny Millar; Margaret Leng

Tan: Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep © Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. Photo: Crispian Chan; nonclassical at 20 © Dimitri Djuric; Brokentalkers & Adrienne Truscott: Masterclass © Ste Murray; Assassin's Creed Symphonic Adventure © 2024 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights

Reserved; International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings © David Parry; Pied Piper: A Hip-Hop Family Musical © Ali Wright

Eat & explore: Honest Burgers © Adam Luszniak; National Poetry Library Little Library

© Victor Frankowski