Welcome to the Southbank Centre
Happy New Year! 2025 is full of opportunities to encounter bold and ambitious work from extraordinary artists. In the year ahead, the Southbank Centre, where everyone is invited to engage with arts and culture, is a wonderful place to either begin or continue your encounters with the arts.
Our magical winter shows continue into the new year, and we also welcome Europe’s
most talked-about theatre director Łukasz Twarkowski in his London debut, along with dance and performing arts group Dewey Dell with a gripping reinterpretation of The Rite of Spring
We’re joined by many of our Resident Orchestras in January, bringing us blockbuster works, brilliant soloists and a special anniversary: Chineke! Orchestra marks a
decade with a concert in our Queen Elizabeth Hall, where the orchestra made its debut. The end of the month sees the launch of our new three-year creative programming partnership with the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, in a weekend celebrating the iconic Nina Simone.
Mark Ball
Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Ringing in the new year with classical music
Take a seat in one of our halls to be wrapped up in the magic of classical music this winter
Choirs joined in harmony, nature-inspired works and memorable recitals – grab your diary and take a look at our pick of the classical music moments of the new year.
We’re joined by world-class artists, including many of our Resident Orchestras and Artists, for a January (and beyond) packed with musical enchantments well worth venturing outside for.
Light and warmth
We’re starting the year with fireworks – of the musical kind. Soprano Julia Bullock joins forces with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment for cracking Baroque masterpieces. Looking on the sunny side, the London Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by Principal Conductor Edward Gardner for Brahms’ sunlit Second Symphony, while the Philharmonia Orchestra opens the year with Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, bringing Rome dancing to life.
Landmark birthdays
Europe’s pioneering orchestra for majority Black and ethnically diverse musicians, Chineke! Orchestra marks a decade in the Queen Elizabeth Hall with a concert celebrating musical excellence and diversity. And the Borodin Quartet, acclaimed for the richness of its sound, joins us at the start of its 80th year.
Keys to the universe
Completing his residency here, James McVinnie treats us to enchanting keyboard works by Bach on both the organ and the piano. Pianist Pavel Kolesnikov brings his creative flair to works by Mozart and Ravel.
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto comes alive in the hands of Paul Lewis in a Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert, Benjamin Grosvenor performs Mozart’s majestic 21st Piano Concerto with the LPO, and extraordinary pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii joins the Philharmonia.
New horizons
The BBC Concert Orchestra collaborates with three boundary-breaking musicians in the latest edition of BBC Radio 3’s Unclassified Live: experimental metal band Divide and Dissolve, multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie and singer-songwriter Bill Ryder-Jones. Amjad Ali Khan brings a new and yet timeless interpretation to the sarod in a concert with the LPO, which includes selections from popular film soundtracks by AR Rahman.
For the family
The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment introduces ages 2 – 5 to classical music with
their lively OAE TOTS concerts, this time solving puzzles with music and dance.
In a whirlwind adventure for all ages, Scottish Ensemble sweeps us away with an interactive afternoon of folk and classical music.
Firm favourites
Of course, that’s not all. Holst’s The Planets launches us into the stratosphere, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons paints a picture through the year and Mozart’s Requiem crowns a concert of his most-loved works.
And these are all just in January – explore a whole world of powerful classical music throughout the year in our venues.
January highlights
Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency
Experience the best of jazz past and present in a new collaboration celebrating Nina Simone’s work, with artists including Corinne Bailey Rae, Laura Mvula and Soweto Kinch, an inclusive jam with Peng Femme Jam and a musical tribute to writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin with NYJO.
Our new residency features established stars and new talents that speak to Simone’s spirit and musical brilliance, as we explore the theme ‘What is jazz today?’
This weekend is the start of a three-year creative programming partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival.
Playground
REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled
Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials repurposed for fun for children and their grown-ups.
Tuesday 21 January – Sunday 1 June
Łukasz Twarkowski: The Employees
Employees of a mysterious Organisation explore a distant planet in a stunning adaptation of Olga Ravn’s dystopian sci-fi epic.
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 January
1927: Please Right Back
Combining handcrafted animation and bold storytelling, Please Right Back sweeps audiences into a magical, mischievous world, inspired by a true story, in this family show for ages 10+.
Saturday 21 December – Sunday 5 January
Haegue Yang: Leap Year
Catch the last few weeks of our current Hayward Gallery exhibition: a world of inventive, immersive and multisensory installations and sculptures that weave connections between histories, cultures and traditions.
Until Sunday 5 January
TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Readings
Hear the best new poetry coming out of the UK and Ireland, read by the shortlisted poets themselves, in an event hosted by poet Ian McMillan.
Sunday 12 January
Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring
Dance and performing arts company Dewey Dell reimagines Stravinsky’s revolutionary work with raw, primal energy, offering a fresh perspective.
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 January
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
Thursday 9
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Baroquebusters
Grammy-winning soprano Julia Bullock brings her vocal fireworks to a night celebrating the greatest hits of the 18th century, including music by Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Purcell, Rameau and Pachelbel.
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 (adult) £7.50 (child)
Friday 10
James McVinnie: Bach for Organ & Piano
The organist completes his residency with a unique Bach recital on two different instruments.
James McVinnie organ†, piano
Bach French Suite No.4 in E flat, BWV.815; Sonata No.4 in E minor, BWV.528†; Concerto in the Italian Style, BWV.971; Choraleprelude, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV.662†; Trio, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV.664†; Prelude and Fugue in B flat minor, BWV.867; Prelude and Fugue in E flat, BWV.552† 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
Saturday 11
The Planets
Holst’s magnificent masterpiece, a dramatic journey through the solar system, headlines an evening of classics.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Lee Reynolds conductor
Martin James Bartlett piano City of London Choir Verdi Overture, La forza del destino; Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2; Holst The Planets
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50
Sunday 12
OAE TOTS: Puzzle Tots
Puzzles are tricky! How do all the pieces fit together? Join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment as we solve this puzzle with music and dance. For ages 2 – 5.
10.30am & 12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12 (adult) £4 (child)
Borodin Quartet at 80
The Borodin Quartet over its eight decades has worked with Dmitri Shostakovich, emerged from behind the Iron Curtain and become revered as one of the world’s greatest string quartets. Brahms String Quartet in A minor, Op.51 No.2; Tchaikovsky String Quartet No.2 in F, Op.22
3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Wednesday 15
LPO Showcase: Foyle
Future Firsts & RAM
Ravel’s elegant Le Tombeau de Couperin heads up this free concert with upcoming musicians. Members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra
LPO Foyle Future Firsts
Royal Academy of Music Students Edward Gardner conductor Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin; Stravinsky Suite No.2 for chamber orchestra; Missy Mazzoli These worlds in us
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Strauss, Berg & Brahms
When memories turn into music, the personal becomes universal: Brahms’ sunny Second Symphony lights up this concert.
Edward Gardner conductor
Isabelle Faust violin
Strauss Metamorphosen; Berg Violin Concerto; Brahms Symphony No.2
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14
Saturday 18
London Philharmonic Orchestra: On the Transmigration of Souls
Two towering choral works face each other across the centuries in LPO Conductor Emeritus Vladimir Jurowski’s programme.
Vladimir Jurowski conductor Anna Devin soprano
Hanna Hipp mezzo-soprano
Rupert Charlesworth tenor
Trevor Eliot Bowes bass London Philharmonic Choir Tiffin Youth Choir
Haydn Mass in C (Missa in tempore belli); György Kurtág Petite musique solennelle; John Adams On the Transmigration of Souls
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14 Royal Festival Hall at 6.15pm: pre-concert talk. Free.
Wednesday 22
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
From the birdsong of spring to the frosts of winter: travel through the landscape of Vivaldi’s four beloved violin concertos.
Richard Egarr conductor/continuo
Alice Ivy-Pemberton violin
Olga Pashchenko harpsichord
Perry Requiem (Homage to Vivaldi) for orchestra; Evan Williams Concerto for harpsichord & chamber ensemble (Dead White Man Music); Vivaldi The Four Seasons
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15 (includes entry to the After Dark performance at 9.45pm)
London Philharmonic Orchestra: After Dark – Bluegrass with Alice Ivy-Pemberton
This relaxed late-night performance spans an eclectic blend of genres, from the vibrant sounds of bluegrass to exquisite chamber gems.
Alice Ivy-Pemberton violin
Tania Mazetti violin
9.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer (standing only); Tickets from £10 (free to ticket holders for the LPO's 7.30pm show)
Thursday 23
BBC Concert Orchestra:
Unclassified Live
The orchestra lends its powerful sound to an eclectic range of pioneering artists in a live concert version of the BBC Radio 3 show
Unclassified
André de Ridder conductor Divide & Dissolve
Bill Ryder-Jones
Nwando Ebizie
Elizabeth Alker presenter
Bill Ryder-Jones Medley: And the sea ..., Thankfully for Anthony & Nos Da arr. Jacob Downs; Divide & Dissolve New works arr. Fiona Brice; Nwando Ebizie Solve et Coagula & All the calm of a distant sea, both arr. Mark Knoop for orchestra
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Friday 24
Chineke! Orchestra Celebrates a Decade
The orchestra begins a year of celebrations marking its tenth anniversary in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which also hosted its 2015 debut.
Matthew Kofi Waldren conductor RENU (Renu Hossain) tabla Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno nyatiti Richard Olátundé Baker talking drums
Roderick Williams baritone
Yomi Sode narrator
Shirley J Thompson Fanfare for Chineke! (World premiere);
Julian Joseph Carry that sound; Roderick Williams 3 Songs from Ethiopia Boy; Ayanna WitterJohnson, Daniel Kidane, Shirley Thompson & Roderick Williams Song of the Prophets: A Requiem for the Climate; James B Wilson Free-man & Remnants (on texts by Yomi Sode)
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Mozart Requiem
Mozart's choral masterpiece crowns a sublime concert of his greatest works.
Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Lee Reynolds conductor
Nardus Williams soprano
Claire Barnett-Jones mezzosoprano
Benjamin Hulett tenor
Dingle Yandell bass-baritone City of London Choir
Mozart Overture, The Magic Flute; Symphony No.40; Requiem
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £19.50
Saturday 25
London Philharmonic Orchestra: An Evening with Amjad Ali Khan
The sarod grand master, one of the undisputed icons of the music world, joins a concert that spans continents and cultures.
Lidiya Yankovskaya conductor
Amjad Ali Khan sarod
Amaan Ali Bangash sarod
Ayaan Ali Bangash sarod
Reena Esmail RE/Member; Amjad Ali Khan Sarod Concerto (Samaagam); AR Rahman
Selections from film soundtracks including Slumdog Millionaire; Bombay
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14
KSO: Lindberg, Prokofiev and Ravel
Restless but rhapsodic, Magnus Lindberg’s Clarinet Concerto is beloved for its joyous evocation of nature.
Kensington Symphony Orchestra
Russell Keable conductor
Michael Collins clarinet
Ravel Rapsodie espagnole; Magnus Lindberg Clarinet Concerto; Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op.60; Ravel La valse
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16
Sunday 26
Scottish Ensemble: in Sync
An energetic and interactive afternoon of folk and classical string music for the whole family, whisking us between centuries and continents. For all ages.
1pm & 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £8
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring
Twice within a century, Europe was shattered by war and revolution. And each time, composers channelled the spirit of the age into powerful music.
Vasily Petrenko conductor Paul Lewis piano
Berg 3 Pieces for orchestra, Op.6; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor); Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Wednesday 29
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Benjamin Grosvenor Plays Mozart
Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen Suite tells ancient tales of a mythical warrior in music that’s as vivid as a film score and as powerful as any fantasy epic.
Karina Canellakis conductor
Benjamin Grosvenor piano
Sibelius En Saga; Mozart Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K.467; Sibelius Lemminkäinen Suite, Op.22
6.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14
Thursday 30
Philharmonia Orchestra: Nobuyuki Tsujii Plays Chopin
The extraordinary pianist, known to his many fans as Nobu, joins the orchestra for an evening of sparkling masterworks.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii piano
Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien; Chopin Piano Concerto No.1; Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Friday 31
Pavel Kolesnikov: The Colours of Mozart & Ravel
A fascinating musician brings his unique creative slant to coolhued works by two contrasting composers.
Pavel Kolesnikov piano
Mozart Variations on Gluck's 'Unser dummer Pöbel meint', K.455; Adagio from Sonata in F, K.280; Sonata in C, K.330; Rondos: in A minor, K.511; in F, K.494 & in D, K.485; Ravel Oiseaux tristes & Une barque sur l'océan from Miroirs; Menuet antique; Pavane pour une infante défunte
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
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.
Presale tickets
Get the first chance to book with priority booking.
Eye-popping art
See it all with a whole year of free entry to the Hayward Gallery.
Knockout views
Take in the Thames from your own Members’ Lounge.
Delicious discounts
Treat yourself with up to 20% off in our shops and restaurants.
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups –bring your little ones along for magical shows, playful workshops and musical adventures
Wednesday 1
New Year's Day Ceilidh
Part of Winter
Kick off the new year in raucous style with the musicians of the Ceilidh Liberation Front. For all ages.
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Until Sunday 5
Tom Fletcher's
The Creakers
Part of Winter
Expect surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs in a brand new musical adventure for all the family. Relaxed Performances: Thu 2 & Sat 4 Jan, 11.30am. For ages 6+.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
1927: Please Right Back
Part of Winter
Mr E has disappeared! Follow him into a magical, mischievous world created by animation wizards 1927. Captioned: Thu 2 Jan, 2.30pm. For ages 10+.
Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16
Friday 10 Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library 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)
Saturday 11
Relaxed Sessions with Body Odyssey
Part of Open Doors
Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.
10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions with Body Odyssey
Part of Open Doors
At this month’s edition of our fun, creative sessions for families, take a journey through the amazing human body through playful, hands-on workshops and live performance. For ages 5 – 11.
1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 12
OAE TOTS: Puzzle Tots
Puzzles are tricky! How do all the pieces fit together? Join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment as we solve this puzzle with music and dance. For ages 2 – 5.
10.30am & 12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12 (adult) £4 (child)
From Tuesday 21
REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground
Enter a world of play and invention in a recycled playground for children and their grown-ups. This is a Relaxed event. Sensory Adapted and early years sessions are available. For ages 6 months –11 years.
Until Sun 1 Jun; Various times; Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £7.50 (every adult and child needs a ticket)
Friday 24 Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library 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 26
Scottish Ensemble: in Sync
An energetic and interactive afternoon of folk and classical string music for the whole family, whisking us between centuries and continents. For all ages.
1pm & 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £8
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 Future Exhibition
Makers: The People's Exhibition
Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, for which our Royal Festival Hall was built, in a display created by 15 young people.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Bharti Kher: Target Queen
On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful new artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.
Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; Free
Sola Olulode: First Kiss
Olulode’s painting imagines an intimate moment between a queer couple at the start of their romance.
Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Winter Light
Part of Winter
Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.
Until Sun 2 Feb; across the site; Free
Until Sunday 5
Haegue Yang: Leap Year
Part of Winter
Catch our current Hayward Gallery exhibition before it closes: a world of inventive, immersive and multi-sensory installations and sculptures.
Until Sun 5 Jan; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £15 (free to Southbank Centre Members & under-12s)
Huang Po-Chih: Waves
Part of Winter
Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih uses the personal narratives of workers to investigate globalised trade, with a focus on the textile industry in East Asia.
Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free
Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou
Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition.
Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 2
Members' Private View: Haegue Yang
Enjoy our latest Hayward Gallery exhibition away from the crowds in this Members-only private view. 6pm; Hayward Gallery; Free (Members only)
Thursday 23
Online Teachers’ Twilight: Mickalene Thomas & Linder
Teachers are invited to our online event to learn how we can support your school’s visit to our upcoming Hayward Gallery exhibitions. 4pm; Online events; Free, but ticketed
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
Friday 10
Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library 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 12
TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Readings
Hear the best new poetry coming out of the UK and Ireland in an event hosted by poet Ian McMillan. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £12
Also available via live stream; Tickets from £7
Wednesday 15
Special Edition: The Fourth Space
Explore experience with four contemporary South Asian writers as they read and discuss their poems. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £7
Friday 24
Rug Rhymes
Introduce little ones to a love of poems with National Poetry Library 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 26
Out-Spoken Masterclass: January
Dive into a three-hour weekend poetry workshop to unlock new creative ideas with a leading poet. For ages 18+.
1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25
Thursday 30
Out-Spoken: January
The Southbank Centre’s resident poetry and live music night brings the hottest UK and international poets to perform alongside worldclass musicians every month. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15
Gigs
Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including free gigs from up-and-coming artists
Saturday 4
Ralph McTell’s 80th Birthday Concert
Music legend Ralph McTell celebrates his 80th birthday with a solo show of songs and stories. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £40
Wednesday 15
Creative Encounters: New Year, Same Me
Part of Open Doors
Settle in for an evening of zinemaking with sweet-thang zine accompanied by poetry and music from Black Geographies Collective, at Creative Encounters, our fortnightly drop-in sessions. For ages 12+.
5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 16
futuretense: Alien Chicks + Slow Cooked
Find new favourite artists with punk-fuelled sounds in this edition of our free, twice-monthly gigs. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Sunday 19
La Haine Live
Soundtrack by Asian Dub Foundation
Asian Dub Foundation celebrates the cult movie, playing a live soundtrack while the film screens in the background. For ages 15+ only.
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Thursday 23
futuretense: BODUR + Su, I Think
Discover electronic soundscapes and experimental pop at this edition of our free gig series. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 31
Mississippi Goddam: A Celebration of Nina Simone
Part of Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency Nu Civilisation Orchestra honours the life and music of Nina Simone, with special guests including Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula. For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25
Performance & dance
Wickedly hilarious cabaret, musical family adventures and contemporary dance: discover international performance here in our venues
Until Sunday 5
Tom Fletcher's The Creakers
Part of Winter
Expect surprises, silliness, scares and rocking new songs in a brand new musical adventure for all the family. Relaxed Performances: Thu 2 & Sat 4 Jan, 11.30am. For ages 6+.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20
1927: Please Right Back
Part of Winter
Mr E has disappeared! Follow him into a magical, mischievous world created by animation wizards 1927. Captioned: Thu 2 Jan, 2.30pm. For ages 10+.
Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16 Post-show talk: Fri 3 Jan.
Thursday 2 – Sunday 5
Fascinating Aïda
Part of Winter
Celebrate over 40 fierce and fabulous years with Britain's greatest cabaret trio. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £25
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19
Łukasz Twarkowski: The Employees
A stunning dark satire on man’s uncertain future in space is adapted from Olga Ravn’s sci-fi epic in the acclaimed director’s hotly anticipated London debut. For ages 16+.
Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £45
Friday 17
Midgitte Bardot's Shooting from Below
A show about gaslighting, power and performance, told through musical theatre, drag and live art. Relaxed Performance. For ages 18+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £8
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25
Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring
The dance and performing arts company reimagines Stravinsky’s revolutionary work with primal energy. For ages 10+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £20 Post-show talk: Thu 23 Jan.
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including art and exhibitions, creative family workshops and early-evening gigs
Throughout the month
Future Exhibition
Makers: The People's Exhibition
Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain, for which our Royal Festival Hall was built, in a display created by 15 young people.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Bharti Kher: Target Queen
On the exterior of the Hayward Gallery, a colourful new artwork celebrates the bindi at super scale.
Daily; Hayward Gallery Wall, Belvedere Road Side; Free
Sola Olulode: First Kiss
Olulode’s painting imagines an intimate moment between a queer couple at the start of their romance.
Daily; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Winter Light
Part of Winter
Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by free outdoor artworks, created by 12 artists, that play with light and colour.
Until Sun 2 Feb; across the site; Free
Until Sunday 5
Huang Po-Chih: Waves
Part of Winter
Taiwanese artist Huang Po-Chih uses the personal narratives of workers to investigate globalised trade, with a focus on the textile industry in East Asia.
Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free
Making Poetry: Astra Papachristodoulou
Poems exist as sculpture, objects and textiles in Astra Papachristodoulou’s debut solo exhibition.
Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 12 noon –8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 1
New Year's Day Ceilidh
Part of Winter
Kick off the new year in raucous style with the musicians of the Ceilidh Liberation Front. For all ages.
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
Relaxed Sessions with Body Odyssey
Part of Open Doors
Join us for an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space. For ages 5+.
10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Saturday Sessions with Body Odyssey
Part of Open Doors
At this month’s edition of our fun, creative sessions for families, take a journey through the amazing human body through playful, hands-on workshops and live performance. For ages 5 – 11.
1pm – 3.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 15
Creative Encounters: New Year, Same Me
Part of Open Doors
Settle in for an evening of zinemaking with sweet-thang zine accompanied by poetry and music from Black Geographies Collective, at Creative Encounters, our fortnightly drop-in sessions. For ages 12+.
5.30pm – 8.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
LPO Showcase: Foyle Future Firsts & RAM
Ravel’s elegant Le Tombeau de Couperin heads up this free, early evening concert with upcoming musicians.
Members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra
LPO Foyle Future Firsts
Royal Academy of Music Students Edward Gardner conductor Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin; Stravinsky Suite No.2 for chamber orchestra; Missy Mazzoli These worlds in us
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 16
futuretense: Alien
Chicks + Slow Cooked
Find new favourite artists with punk-fuelled sounds in this edition of our free, twice-monthly gigs. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Thursday 23
Online Teachers’
Twilight: Mickalene Thomas & Linder
Teachers are invited to our online event to learn how we can support your school’s visit to our upcoming Hayward Gallery exhibitions.
4pm; Online events; Free, but ticketed
futuretense: BODUR + Su, I Think
Discover electronic soundscapes and experimental pop at this edition of our free gig series. For all ages.
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 24
Mix & Move: Afro Cuban Dance with Luanda Pau
Part of Open Doors
Feel the beat of Afro-Cuban dance over three monthly sessions, diving into carnival, salsa, street rumba and reggaeton. For all ages.
3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 29
Creative Encounters: The Bitten Peach
Part of Open Doors
Slither into the Year of the Snake with performances, workshops and new year vibes. For ages 12+.
7.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
The
world’s largest public collection of modern poetry
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Upcoming highlights
Imagine Festival
London’s leading arts festival for families is now in its 23rd year, but it has no intention of growing up any time soon. Imagine Festival is back this February halfterm, full of world-class performances and activities for families, exploring creativity and sparking the imagination of every child (and their grown-ups!).
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love
In one of two new Hayward Gallery exhibitions, Mickalene Thomas’ vibrant portraits of Black women at rest reclaim space in art history.
Tuesday 11 February – Monday 5 May
Creative Encounters: Rangoli and Rhythms
The Sonia Sabri Company brings us a beautiful rangoli workshop and performances for a free evening of South Asian art and music.
Wednesday 26 February
With theatre, comedy, music, dance, interactive talks and non-stop family fun, there’s something for everyone, including plenty of free events and activities for a full family day out.
Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 February
Also coming soon
Linder: Danger Came Smiling
Linder’s first London retrospective dissects our fascination with the body and its representation, in our second spring Hayward Gallery exhibition.
Tuesday 11 February – Monday 5 May
Shon Faye: Love in Exile
The bestselling author presents her new book, a wise, funny and radical manifesto for seeing love as the meaning of life itself.
Wednesday 26 February
Soweto Kinch: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse
Continuing our Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency, the saxophonist and rapper premieres his new album.
Saturday 1 February
Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber Orchestra: Mozart
The orchestra and pianist continue their partnership focused on Mozart’s piano concertos with intimate and joyous music.
Saturday 1 February
Eat & explore
Winter Light
Wrap up warm and head to our site for an enchanting display of illuminated outdoor works by 12 contemporary artists, all using light and colour to transform the winter evenings.
On the Riverside Terrace, you’re welcomed by Marinella Senatore’s vibrant, large-scale light sculpture We Rise by Lifting Others – a giant, uplifting bauble inspired by the southern Italian tradition of illuminated decorations.
Take a stroll along the Thames to encounter Nathaniel Rackowe’s Desire Lines, a series of glowing frames suspended in the trees, inviting passers-by to ponder the relationship between nature and urban life.
And peer into our windows for a gallery that’s turned inside out: Squire & Partners has collaborated with local schoolchildren to design the neon lights on show in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer windows, while Erlend Tait’s window displays on Level 1 of the Royal Festival Hall take inspiration from oil painting and stained glass, and Fred Tschida’s Sphere on Level 2 offers a spinning gateway to another realm. With a whole host more artworks to enjoy for free after dusk every evening, pop down to wander the site at your leisure and light up the long January nights. Until Sun 2
Skylon
Looking for a bird’s-eye view of the London's sparkling skyline? Make it extra special with a visit to Skylon restaurant. Perched in the Royal Festival Hall, it offers sweeping views across the Thames, making it the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of the city, or to seek pre- or post-show sustenance. Feast on modern British fare with a winter menu full of comforting classics – think succulent roasts, fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes. Don’t forget dessert: choose from firm favourites including apple tarte tatin and sticky toffee pudding, and more playful offerings like BBQ pineapple pavlova.
Not in the mood for a meal? Simply pull up a stool at the central bar and sip on an expertly mixed drink – we’d recommend the Skylon Martini for a sophisticated aperitif, or the Southbank Promenade for a drink as picture-perfect as the view it takes its name from.
And with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the views of the changing winter sky to your heart’s content: it’s an experience you’ll want to savour. Level 3, Royal Festival Hall. See website for opening hours.
About the Southbank Centre
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.
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 our on-site bars and cafes, including the newly opened Seventy5th bar on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall, and the Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe on Level 2. Visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. 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.
The Southbank Centre Food Market is closed throughout January.
Join and support
Become a Member and never miss a moment. Join for presales to all of our events, free entry to the Hayward Gallery, access to our Members’ Lounge and a discount on selected retailers and restaurants.
The Southbank Centre is a registered charity. We rely on support from kind individuals to help us deliver a vibrant programme that everyone can access. As a supporter, you can get closer to our work and see how your support makes a difference.
For more details, visit our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/join
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
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, Supporters Circles and Patrons, and no booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets.
Please check our website for opening times before travelling to our venues over the holiday period.
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
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
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On the cover
On Friday 31 January, Nu Civilisation Orchestra and special guests including Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula join us for Mississippi Goddam: A Celebration of Nina Simone part of our Southbank Centre x Montreux Jazz Festival Residency
Image credits
On the cover: Corinne Bailey Rae © courtesy the artist
Inside cover: Chineke! Orchestra / Blaize Henry © Ntando Brown
This month’s highlights: Nina Simone © Francois Jaquenod; REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground © Arnaud Mbaki; 1927: Please Right Back © Andrew Perry/Edinburgh International Festival; TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Readings © Herbert Vandyk; Łukasz Twarkowski: The Employees © Natalia Kabanow; Installation view of Haegue Yang: Leap Year, 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring © Lorenza Daverio
Header images: Classical music: Scottish Ensemble © courtesy the artist; Family: Body Odyssey © Ellie Kurttz; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Haegue Yang: Leap Year, 2024. Windy Terrace Beyond Reach, 2024. Photo: Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Literature & talks: Out-Spoken © courtesy the artist; Gigs: Mississippi Goddam: A Celebration of Nina Simone – Laura Mvula © Jem Rigby; Performance & dance: Dewey Dell: The Rite of Spring © Lorenza Daverio; Free events: The Bitten Peach © courtesy the artist. Photo by Corinne Cumming
Upcoming highlights: Imagine Festival © Sam Peach Productions Ltd; Mickalene Thomas, A Little Taste Outside of Love, 2007 © Mickalene Thomas; Linder, SheShe, 1981 © Courtesy the artist and Modern Art. Photo: birrer; Soweto Kinch © Iza Korsak; Creative Encounters: Rangoli and Rhythms; Shon Faye © Issey Gladston; Mitsuko Uchida & Mahler Chamber
Orchestra © May Zircus
Eat & explore: Winter Light : Fred Tschida: Sphere, 2000 © Owen Billcliffe; Skylon © Adam Luszniak
Listings correct at time of going to press (2025).
Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
