Welcome to the Southbank Centre
Fifty years on from the release of David Bowie’s legendary 1973 album Aladdin Sane, we’re honoured to pay tribute to him with an exhibition that tells the story of the creation of the album’s iconic artwork – that sees Bowie as an otherworldly being with a lightning bolt across his face – which has become one of the most influential pop culture images of the past half-century.
The two-month-long exhibition is accompanied by live events that revisit the music of this classic album, reflect Bowie’s enduring cultural influence and celebrate his legacy as a queer icon.
At the end of April, we host the launch of a vital new charity created in memory of Harvey Parker, a talented young musician. The Harvey
Parker Trust supports the emotional and mental health of marginalised young creatives, echoing our own commitment to arts and wellbeing and to nurturing diverse new talent.
Mark Ball
Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Thu 6 Apr – Sun 28 May
Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
The 50th anniversary of one of music’s eternal images sparks an electric celebration of David Bowie’s album, featuring an exhibition, talks, poetry, club nights and gigs
Just one image has managed the impossible: defining the undefinable David Bowie.
The iconic lightning bolt cover of his 1973 album Aladdin Sane, created by Brian Duffy, remains alive with Bowie’s unique energy: the vivid character-building; the ethereal otherworldliness; and the androgyny that helped build Bowie’s status as a queer icon. Little surprise it’s still known the world over. As it turns 50 years since the release of Aladdin Sane, join us as we celebrate with an exhibition and events devoted to its cover, its music and the lasting legacy of Bowie himself.
The exhibition
Aladdin Sane: 50 Years uncovers every detail of the story of Brian Duffy’s portrait. Go back in time to the political, social and cultural context of 1973, learn how Bowie continually refashioned his image, relive Duffy’s momentous shoot, and discover how Bowie and Duffy shifted the perception and the imagery of sexual and gender identity.
The music
The album’s songs – including ‘The Jean Genie’ and ‘Drive-In Saturday’ – took shape as Bowie
toured the States, grappling with alien stardom in an alien landscape. In our gig Aladdin Sane Live, the Nu Civilisation Orchestra reimagines the classic album, track by track, calling on the talents of Anna Calvi, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Roxanne Tataei, Lynks and Tawiah in a performance hosted by Amy Lamé. And there are more excuses to stay out late and dance, as Bowie’s unflinching spirit of expression animates two Concrete Lates in our cavernous Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. First up is radical DJ collective Queer House Party; and the next night it’s Queer Bruk, a group on a mission to diversify queer nightlife through the lens of Black music and culture.
Talks and poetry
To map the connections between Bowie and these modern expressions of queer identity, join writers Paul Burston and Golnoosh Nour as they mull over the legacy of his sexual ambiguity and subversion of gender identity. Other talks offer the insights of curator Victoria Broackes, co-curator of the V&A's landmark David Bowie Is exhibition, and photographer (and son of Brian) Chris Duffy, as well as a look
at the success of immersive music exhibitions –of which Bowie has been one subject.
The National Poetry Library, meanwhile, passes the baton to a group of gifted poets. Forward Prize winner Luke Kennard, Keith Jarrett, Golnoosh Nour, Mark Waldron and spoken word legend John Hegley are all set to share their Bowie-inspired work.
Our history
And on a final note, let’s remember that the Starman and the Southbank Centre go way back. Retrace David Bowie’s long history of appearances here in The New Heathen Archives, our free display of never-before-seen archive material.
For the full line-up, head to our website
April highlights
Also this month...
Humans 2.0 by Circa
In a London premiere, ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance.
Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 April
DakhaBrakha
The music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, makes a world of unexpected new music with its uncompromising vocal range and self-proclaimed ‘ethno-chaos’.
Thursday 20 April
Marty and the Party
Marty is heading to the best party there has ever been in the history of ever. Follow them there for an adorable, cheeky show about fun, friendship and finding your groove.
There’s a party. It’s sure to be arty. There’ll be giggles and nibbles and the dress code is ‘smartly’. Everyone has their dance moves at the ready – Fox is doing the foxtrot, Flamingo is doing the flamenco!
But what about Marty?
One of our fun-filled family events for Easter, Marty and the Party is a charming and cheeky story for little ones aged 2 – 6 and their grown-ups, packed full of songs, laughter and dancing.
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 April
Find out more about the show on our website
Mitsuko Uchida: Beethoven's Late Sonatas
Mitsuko Uchida, one of today’s best-loved Beethovenians, performs the mighty trilogy that was Beethoven’s last word on the piano sonata.
Wednesday 5 April
Max Porter: Shy
The author of Grief Is the Thing with Feathers leads a world-exclusive dramatic reading of scenes from his new novel, Shy, with a cast including Ruth Wilson.
Sunday 2 April
Andi Oliver and The Pepperpot Diaries
‘The ingredients we use in Caribbean cookery tell a story –and it's a huge swirling tale…’, says Andi Oliver, introducing her long-awaited first cookbook.
Thursday 27 April
Harvey Parker Trust: Love in Mind
A special concert launches the Harvey Parker Trust, which provides access to mental health support for young creatives.
Sunday 30 April
Art & exhibitions
From internationally acclaimed artists at the Hayward Gallery to free displays and iconic pop portraits, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site
Throughout the month
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
The first major survey of the artist’s work includes installations and sculptural works from the past 25 years.
Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Hayward Gallery; Hayward Gallery supporter £16.50*; standard £15 (Wed – Fri); Hayward Gallery supporter £17.60*; standard £16 (Sat & Sun)
Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free 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
Souad Abdelrassoul: Me You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
Thinking Fountains is an outdoor sculpture commission featuring two bronze figures.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Until
Monday 3
Future Exhibition
Makers: Open Foyer Policy
Presented by the participants of our Future Exhibition Makers course, this archive display uncovers the history of the decision to open up the Royal Festival Hall.
From 10am; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
From Thursday 6
Aladdin
Sane: 50 Years Exhibition
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
This exhibition marks half a century of Bowie’s iconic album and its ‘lightning bolt’ cover image, created by Brian Duffy.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 8pm (closed 9 & 10 Apr); Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5
The New Heathen Archives
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Retrace the connections between David Bowie and the Southbank Centre at our free archive display.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm (closed 9 & 10 Apr); Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Until Sunday 16
The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; 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.
Until Sunday 7 May
Five things to know about Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
Our current five-star Hayward Gallery exhibition is the first major survey of work by internationally acclaimed British artist Mike Nelson
Mike Nelson’s installations and sculptures have been shown the world over. But there has never been a major survey of his work – until now. Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons takes visitors on a journey into fictional worlds that eerily echo our own. Here are five things you need to know about this immersive exhibition.
The exhibition is one of the most technically demanding the Hayward Gallery has ever staged
Working with a team of fabricators in a disused warehouse in south-east London, Nelson began fabricating and re-assembling the work for Extinction Beckons more than four months before it opened. And it took a team of over 30 builders and technicians more than four weeks to install the exhibition in the Hayward Gallery. One installation comprises a maze of 20 interconnected rooms and corridors. Another features a sand dune made with 40 tonnes of sand, sourced from a river in Bedfordshire. Though much of the material in the exhibition was kept from the original installations –some of which have not been seen for several decades – we also needed to source a huge amount of additional materials, including over 5,000 feet of reclaimed timber.
This is the first ever exhibition to attempt to present a survey of Nelson’s previous work
Extinction Beckons is a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of Nelson’s works, many of which are presented here for the first time since they were initially exhibited, with several appearing for the first time in the UK.
Nelson’s large-scale installations are often site-related – constructed for and in the space in which they are shown. This can be a challenge when re-presenting the works, but rather than attempt to reconstruct them exactly as they first appeared, the artist has reconfigured and reimagined them. Elements of previous installations are combined to create new ones, fragments and materials from one work appear in another. And one major installation is present only in the form of its materials; arranged on shelving as if in storage.
The exhibition includes a reconstruction of the artist’s studio
It is presented exactly as it was in 2003, when he worked from the front room of his terraced house in south-east London. Rather than suggesting the physical process of creating his work, the objects, books and paraphernalia inside point to the artist’s influences and ideas. Since 2015, Nelson has kept a small shop-front studio in Crystal Palace, although he uses this primarily as a space to think and plan rather than make art. That’s because Nelson typically works by responding to a particular place and embedding his work within that physical environment.
Science fiction is an important influence
on Nelson’s work
Nelson draws on science fiction for its narrative construction, which, as it’s not tied to representations of the real world, is often highly experimental. He has been inspired by authors such as William Burroughs, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, JG Ballard and Stanisław Lem.
Also important to Nelson’s work is the idea of time as a fluid concept. He incorporates old materials that represent particular histories, times and places into installations in which the past, present and future are hard to pin down. Often the abandoned-looking spaces Nelson creates contain traces of past activities and people, but their uncanny atmosphere makes them appear like visions of a dystopian future.
Among the artist’s inventions is a fictional
biker gang
The Amnesiacs were invented by Nelson in the 1990s as the imaginary co-creators of a series of playfully improvised sculptures. Envisioned as a gang of Gulf War veterans who suffer post traumatic stress disorder and accompanying memory loss, the Amnesiacs are embodied only by their empty denim jackets and abandoned motorcycle helmets. The sculptural forms Nelson creates in their name often function as simple three-dimensional images, such as campfires assembled from found debris. Through taking this approach of a fictional collaboration, Nelson’s work becomes much more open-ended, and leads to installations which leave questions unanswered, inviting you to bring your own experience, memories and associations to bear to complete them.
For the full line-up, head to our website
Gigs
Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational new sounds from across the globe, including a spectacular reimagining of Bowie’s Aladdin Sane
Saturday 8
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
The charismatic actor and his long-time band celebrate their new EP of idiosyncratic jazz standards. Under-16s should be accompanied by an adult.
7.45pm; Royal Festival Hall; £45 – £90
Thursday 20
DakhaBrakha
Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African and Ukrainian instrumentation, DakhaBrakha creates a transnational sound rooted in Ukrainian culture. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £30
Friday 21
Aladdin Sane Live
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Nu Civilisation Orchestra leads a 50th anniversary reimagining of the Bowie album, with Anna Calvi, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Roxanne Tataei, Lynks and Tawiah. Hosted by Amy Lamé. For ages 14+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £30 – £50
Concrete Lates x Queer House Party
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
We’re handing over our concrete club to a radical DIY DJ collective who know how to party. For ages 18+ only.
10.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Early bird £12.50, standard £18
Saturday 22
Concrete Lates x Queer Bruk
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Dance till late with the platform and club collective bringing AfroCaribbean music to queer spaces. For ages 18+ only.
10.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Early bird £12.50, standard £18
Friday 28
Scott Bradlee’s
Postmodern Jukebox
A musical extravaganza fuses the greatest 20th-century sounds with the latest hits. For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £35 – £69.50
Sunday 30
Harvey Parker Trust: Love in Mind
Sir Mark Rylance and Clean Bandit lead an illustrious line-up including Sheku Kanneh-Mason at the launch of a new trust supporting the mental wellbeing of young creatives. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £35 – £150
Harvey Parker Trust: Love in Mind –The Afterparty Dance into the early hours as we hold in mind the love needed to support the mental wellbeing of young creatives. For ages 18+ only.
11pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £25
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups –this month, while away the Easter holidays with powerful stories, charming parties and plenty of groove
Friday 7
Bossy
Follow Beth’s quest to find out who she really is and what she stands for in this family show celebrating Black culture. This show features integrated British Sign Language interpretation (BSL). All performances are Relaxed. For ages 7 – 11.
11.30am & 2.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Friday 7 & Saturday 8
Marty and the Party
An adorable, cheeky show about fun, friendship and finding your groove. This show is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Relaxed. The performance on Sat 8 Apr at 10.30am is Sensory Adapted. For ages 2 – 6.
Fri 7, 11am & 2.30pm; Sat 8, 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Saturday 8
Groove Baby Presents Groove Sensation
With funk, jazz and electronic soundscapes, Groove Baby takes you on a sensational sensory voyage. All performances are Relaxed. For ages 0 – 5.
11am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Pedal Power Disco
Get the party in gear with our bicycle-powered afternoon disco with DJ The SheJay. Suitable for all ages.
12 noon; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 14
Mix & Move
Bring the whole family to this month's dance event to find your flair on the dancefloor, meet new people and try out new styles. All ages and moves are welcome!
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 16
Aurora Orchestra: The Making of the Orchestra
Guided by a sprite, Mason Bates’ multimedia concerto is a joyful introduction to classical music for ages 5+.
Nicholas Collon conductor
Britten The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra; Mason Bates Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of the Orchestra
2pm & 5pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £20
Friday 21
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 23
OAE TOTS: Whizz Zoom to the Moon!
The magic of Mozart sends us into orbit in an interactive concert. For ages 2 – 5 and their parents or guardians.
10.30am & 12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £3 (child)
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
Sunday 2
Max Porter: Shy
The author of Grief Is the Thing with Feathers leads a world-exclusive dramatic reading of his new novel. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Wednesday 5
Special Edition: Grief Time
Poets approach the way grief warps and breaks our concept of time. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £7
Thursday 6
The Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry
Discover the winner of the prestigious Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Friday 21 Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
NPL Presents: Aladdin Sound
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
At an evening of Bowie-inspired poetry, ten of the UK's most exciting poets reimagine Aladdin Sane. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Saturday 22
Aladdin Sane at 50:
The Making of an Icon
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Delve deeper into our exhibition celebrating Bowie’s album and its unforgettable cover image at this discussion. For ages 16+.
1pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Making a Show
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
A discussion charts the rise of immersive music exhibitions, and where their success might take them. For ages 16+.
3pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Aladdin Sane's Queer Legacies
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé and writer Paul Burston talk through the lasting legacy of queer icon David Bowie and his 1973 album. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
.
Sunday 23
Out-Spoken
Masterclass: April
Our monthly three-hour poetry session, led by an established poet, is open to writers of all levels. For ages 18+.
1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £20
Leila Slimani: The Scent of Flowers at Night
In a new work of non-fiction, the author of Lullaby grapples with the self as it is revealed in solitude.
For ages 16+.
2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Han Kang: Greek Lessons
The International Booker Prize winner launches a powerful new novel on the saving grace of human connection. This event is Speechto-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Wednesday 26
European Poetry Festival: Swiss Poetry
In a celebration of contemporary Swiss poetry, Laura Accerboni and Regina Dürig present new work. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 27
Andi Oliver and The Pepperpot Diaries
‘The ingredients we use in Caribbean cookery tell a story –and it's a huge swirling tale…’. Andi Oliver introduces her longawaited first cookbook. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Performance & comedy
Brilliant family shows, next-level circus and live podcasts: discover international artists and up-and-coming names here in our venues
Friday 7
Bossy
Follow Beth’s quest to find out who she really is and what she stands for in this family show celebrating Black culture. This show features integrated British Sign Language interpretation (BSL). All performances are Relaxed. For ages 7 – 11.
11.30am & 2.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Friday 7 & Saturday 8
Marty and the Party
An adorable, cheeky show about fun, friendship and finding your groove. This show is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Relaxed. The performance on Sat 8 Apr at 10.30am is Sensory Adapted. For ages 2 – 6.
Fri 7, 11am & 2.30pm; Sat 8, 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Saturday 8
Groove Baby Presents Groove Sensation
With funk, jazz and electronic soundscapes, Groove Baby takes you on a sensational sensory voyage. All performances are Relaxed. For ages 0 – 5. 11am & 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 (adult) £9 (child)
Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16
Humans 2.0 by Circa
A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light: this is next-level circus by Circa, created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz. For ages 8+.
Wed – Sat, 7.30pm & Sun, 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 – £30
Sunday 30
Test Match Special Live: The Ashes
The Test Match Special team are back on the road – and this time, the Ashes are at stake. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT).
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £50
Classical music
Our programme celebrates classical music in the 21st century, bringing together some of the most exciting artists and ensembles working in classical music today
Saturday 1
Carl Orff's
Carmina Burana
O fortuna! The monumental harmony of over 200 voices combines with the full force of the orchestra in Carl Orff's masterwork.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Hilary Davan Wetton conductor
Chloë Hanslip violin
Jennifer France soprano
Robyn Lyn Evans tenor
Samuel Dale Johnson baritone
City of London Choir
Winchester College Quiristers
Cardinal Vaughan Schola
Cantorum Trebles
Sibelius Finlandia; Bruch Violin
Concerto No.1 in G minor; Orff
Carmina Burana
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £19.50 – £57.50
Sunday 2
The Bach Choir: St Matthew Passion
In this much-anticipated fixture in London’s musical calendar, The Bach Choir sings the Passion in English.
Florilegium
David Hill conductor
Ed Lyon tenor, Evangelist
Simon Shibambu bass, Christ
Julia Doyle soprano
Iestyn Davies countertenor
Nicky Spence tenor
Gareth Brynmor John baritone
11am; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £69
There is a long lunch interval between parts 1 & 2.
Wednesday 5
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Mozart on the Road – Part 1
It’s 1784, and Mozart is at the peak of his fame: hear works from this remarkable year with the OAE.
Kristian Bezuidenhout fortepiano Mozart Quintet in E flat for piano & wind, K.452; Piano Concerto No.17 in G, K.453; Symphony No.36 (Linz) 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £82
Mitsuko Uchida: Beethoven's Late Sonatas
One of today’s best-loved Beethovenians plays the composer’s mighty last three sonatas.
Mitsuko Uchida piano
Beethoven Piano Sonata in E, Op.109; Piano Sonata in A flat, Op.110; Piano Sonata in C minor, Op.111
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Mahan Esfahani: Harpsichord & Electronics
In this recital, ancient and modern harpsichord music sit side by side. Tal Concerto for harpsichord & electronic tape; Merula Toccata secondo tono; Capriccio cromatico; Oscar Jockel honig. meer.licht (honey.sea.light) for harpsichord & electronics; Frescobaldi Capriccio di obligo di cantare la quinta parte, F.4.11; Ferrari Programme commun 9.15pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Thursday 6
London Sinfonietta: Reich/Richter
Reich’s elegant piece, inspired by a Gerhard Richter film, is performed by the London Sinfonietta.
Manoj Kamps conductor Sound Intermedia
Eastman Joy Boy; Calix Nunu; Anna Clyne Fractured Time; Julia Wolfe Tell me everything; Steve Reich Reich/Richter – film with large ensemble
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £45
Wednesday 12
Verdi Requiem
From its hushed opening to the terrifying thunderclaps of the 'Dies irae', this is a work of electrifying intensity.
London Mozart Players Dan Ludford-Thomas conductor Philippa Boyle soprano Martha McLorinan mezzo-soprano Oliver Johnston tenor
Thomas Humphreys bass Lewisham Choral Society Hackney Singers
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £34
Saturday 15
National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain: Ignite
The teenage stars of the NYO bring their inimitable energy to ignite our imaginations, with works including Stravinsky’s Firebird. Suitable for all ages.
Andrew Gourlay conductor Simon Dobson Incandenza for brass; Judith Weir Fresh Air; Andy Akiho Karakurenai; Jessie Montgomery Source Code; Stravinsky The Firebird, complete ballet (1910)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £22
Sunday 16
Aurora Orchestra:
The Making of the Orchestra
Guided by a sprite, Mason Bates’ multimedia concerto is a joyful introduction to classical music for ages 5+.
Nicholas Collon conductor Britten The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra; Mason Bates Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of the Orchestra
2pm & 5pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £20
Wednesday 19
Crisis Creates
Members of Crisis – adults who have experienced homelessness – perform music created with London Philharmonic Orchestra musicians.
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
London Philharmonic Orchestra: War and Peace
Prokofiev’s turbulent Sixth completes this concert of powerful works.
Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Gil Shaham violin
Ustvolskaya Symphonic Poem No.1; Hindemith Violin Concerto; Prokofiev Symphony No.6 in E flat minor
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Saturday 22
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Don Quixote Rides Again
The LPO gallops through Richard Strauss' spectacular, symphonic retelling of Cervantes’ tragicomic tale.
Vladimir Jurowski conductor
Richard Waters viola Kristina Blaumane cello
Mozart Symphony No.40; Strauss Don Quixote
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 23
OAE TOTS: Whizz
Zoom to the Moon!
The magic of Mozart sends us into orbit in an interactive concert. For ages 2 – 5 and their parents or guardians.
10.30am & 12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult) £3 (child)
RPO Journeys of Discovery: Destiny
Encounter sorcerers and ghosts as you step into the supernatural worlds of Dukas and Tchaikovsky.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Daniel Müller-Schott cello
Dukas The Sorcerer's Apprentice; Elgar Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky
Manfred Symphony
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Wednesday 26
Sheku Kanneh-Mason & Philharmonia Chamber Players
A luscious hour of Bach and Brahms from cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and soloists from the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Bach Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland, BWV.659; Adagio from Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C, BWV.564; Komm, süsser Tod, BWV.478 (all arr. Kanneh-Mason); Brahms String Sextet No.1 in B flat, Op.18
6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Mahler's Fifth
A lone trumpet sounds, then the LPO engulfs us in Mahler’s great struggle from tragedy to triumph.
Edward Gardner conductor
Emma Bell soprano
Elsa Dreisig soprano
Brett Dean In spe contra spem (World premiere); Mahler Symphony No.5
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Thursday 27
Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu Conducts Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich
Charismatic soloist Randall Goosby joins the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Randall Goosby violin Sibelius Karelia Suite; Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto; Shostakovich Symphony No.9 in E flat
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Friday 28
Pierre-Laurent Aimard: Piano Fantasies
Fantasy is centre stage in this intriguing programme, conjuring a succession of extraordinary worlds.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano
Sweelinck Fantasia in echo style in dorian & D minor, SwWV.261; Mozart Fantasia in D minor, K.397; Carter Night Fantasies; Chopin Polonaise-Fantaisie in A flat, Op.61; Mozart Fantasie in F minor, K.Anh.32 (fragment); CPE Bach Fantasia in C for keyboard, Wq.59 No.6; Beethoven Fantasia in G minor, Op.77; George Benjamin Fantasy on iambic rhythm
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Saturday 29
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Music from the Shadows
Dive deep into Mahler’s final symphonic testament: a voyage to the limits of human emotion.
Klaus Mäkelä conductor
Julian Rachlin violin
Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1; Thomas Larcher Symphony No.2 (Kenotaph); Mahler Adagio from Symphony No.10
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free, including contemporary poetry, a last chance to catch an interactive commission and exhibitions on music and literature
Throughout the month Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free 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
Souad Abdelrassoul: Me
You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
Thinking Fountains is an outdoor sculpture commission featuring two bronze figures.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Until Monday 3
Future Exhibition Makers: Open Foyer Policy
Presented by the participants of our Future Exhibition Makers course, this archive display uncovers the history of the decision to open up the Royal Festival Hall.
From 10am; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
From Thursday 6
The New Heathen Archives
Retrace the connections between David Bowie and the Southbank Centre in this free archive display.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm (closed 9 & 10 Apr); Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 8
Pedal Power Disco
Get the party in gear with our bicycle-powered afternoon disco with DJ The SheJay. Suitable for all ages.
12 noon; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Friday 14
Mix & Move
Bring the whole family to this month's dance event to find your flair on the dancefloor, meet new people and try out new styles. All ages and moves are welcome!
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Until Sunday 16
The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Friday 21
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 26
European Poetry
Festival: Swiss Poetry
In a celebration of contemporary Swiss poetry, Laura Accerboni and Regina Dürig present new work. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
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.
Upcoming highlights
Abomination: A DUP Opera
Fusing opera with drag, cabaret and political satire, acclaimed composer Conor Mitchell and the Belfast Ensemble present their award-winning verbatim opera.
Revolutionary in form, Abomination centres on the scandalous live radio interview given by Northern Irish politician Iris Robinson, when she referred to
Abel Selaocoe, Seckou Keita & Chineke! Orchestra
Abel Selaocoe and Seckou Keita join compositional forces for the first time to write a new concerto for cello, kora and orchestra.
Friday 12 May
Jeremy Deller: Art Is Magic
The Turner Prize winner introduces his new book, featuring work from across his life and art – much of it never seen before – and images which have inspired him.
Wednesday 31 May
homosexuality as an ‘abomination’. The interview, now part of Irish queer history, instantly reignited the equality debate in this area of the UK.
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 May
Also coming soon
The Anchoress
Welsh producer and multiinstrumentalist Catherine Anne Davies is The Anchoress, known for her debut album Confessions of a Romance Novelist
Saturday 20 May
Nadine Shah Presents To Be a Young Man
Co-written with Jackie Thompson, the musician’s playwriting debut delves into the themes of her debut album.
Friday 26 May
Sadiq
Khan: Breathe
In a discussion on politics, life, and the future of our city and planet, Sadiq Khan celebrates the publication of his uplifting new book, Breathe
Wednesday 24 May
Granta Best of Young British Novelists
Get to know the most exciting fiction writers in the British literary scene at a talk following the announcement of this decade’s chosen novelists.
Thursday 11 May
Eat & explore
Beany Green
When the long sunlit evenings of spring arrive at last, when you’re taking a weekend stroll along the riverside with friends, or when you’re hurrying past on your morning commute; tucked away just under Hungerford Bridge, Beany Green is the perfect pit-stop.
Part of the Daisy Green Collection, an Aussie cafe business that started out in a vintage ice-cream van and now has branches all over London, Beany Green’s Southbank Centre home is a colourful converted shipping container. Pop by for a cup of their own blend of quality coffee and truly excellent homemade treats like banana bread and lamingtons (a sensational coconut-encrusted Australian cake).
After a cold one? Beany Green has six changing taps offering an array of local craft beers, while a seasonal cocktail menu covers all the classics. So, settle in at an outdoor table in their vibrant corner of the Riverside Terrace and watch the crowds go by, with a sip of something delicious to keep you company. For more details, and the low-down on all the food and drink options around the Southbank Centre, check our website.
Mon & Tue, 8am – 6pm; Wed – Fri, 8am – 11pm; Sat 10am – 11pm; Sun 10am – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, next to Hungerford Bridge southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink
The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall
Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re in one of the Royal Festival Hall’s foyers (or have been very recently). You might even be able to see The Clore Ballroom from where you’re sitting. And if you’re lucky, today might be one of the days where we host a free event, welcoming everyone from international artists to local community groups to make the most of this open space in the heart of the Royal Festival Hall. The tradition of holding social dances in The Clore Ballroom is as old as the Southbank Centre itself, with a history stretching back to when we opened in 1951. At the beginning of this year, we refreshed and relaunched our free, monthly lunchtime dances as
Mix & Move dance sessions, with expert teachers on hand to introduce you to a wide, wild variety of new dance styles like Lindy Hop, ceilidh, ballroom, jive, forró and dancehall.
But dance is not the only thing on offer. Performances from classical musicians, gigs from up-and-coming artists, in-depth talks, installations and family raves: the events on The Clore Ballroom and in our other public spaces reflect the diverse, welcoming spirit of the Southbank Centre as a whole. Come and join in –you can find all of our free events on our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/free
About us
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 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, Le Pain Quotidien, 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
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)
How to book tickets
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.
Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive & The David Bowie Archive™
Image credits Inside cover: Queer House Party © Holly Whittaker
This month's highlights: Marty and the Party © Graeme Braidwood; Humans 2.0 by Circa © David Kelly; Mitsuko Uchida © Decca / Justin Pumfrey; Andi Oliver © Tom Mattey; DakhaBrakha © Vitaliy Vorobyov; Max Porter © Francesca Jones; Harvey Parker
Header images: Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Mike Nelson, Triple Bluff Canyon (the woodshed), 2004. Photo: Matt Greenwood. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Five things to know about Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons: Mike Nelson, I, IMPOSTOR, 2011. Installation view, British Pavilion, 54th Venice Biennale. Commissioned by the British Council. Photo: Cristiano Corte. Courtesy the artist; Gigs: Jeff Goldblum © Pari Dukovic; Family: © Groove Baby; Literature & talks: Han Kang © Courtesy of PRH; Performance & comedy: Humans 2.0 by Circa © Yaya Stempler; Classical music: Sheku Kanneh-Mason © Jake Turney; Free events: New Heathen Archives
Upcoming highlights: Abel Selaocoe © Parlophone Records Ltd; The Anchoress © Jodie Cartman Chains; Sadiq Khan: Breathe © Courtesy of Penguin; Nadine Shah © Phil Smithies; Granta Best of Young British Novelists © Courtesy of Granta Eat & explore: Beany Green; The Clore Ballroom © Belinda Lawley
Scan the QR code to see our full event listings. To
accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk
On the cover