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APRIL

Welcome to the Southbank Centre

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the very first edition of Multitudes, our groundbreaking new multi-art form festival combining powerful orchestral music with dance, circus, film, poetry and more. A truly unique festival, Multitudes invites audiences to experience the vitality of orchestral music in spectacular new ways. Over 11 days of multi-sensory performances, Multitudes challenges the conventions of

orchestral music and reimagines the concert hall experience. Created in collaboration with our Resident Orchestras, Multitudes is a reflection of the Southbank Centre’s place as a home for increasingly forward-thinking, crossart form works.

Discover even more adventurous work here this month at a UK premiere from choreographer Holly Blakey, a double bill of new dance works

Phantom and A Wound with Teeth. Blakey has worked with stars like Harry Styles and Florence + The Machine, and fashion labels including Dior and Gucci. Her choreography is raw, bold and ambitious, and always leaves an enduring impression.

Mark Ball

Artistic Director, Southbank Centre

Wednesday 23 April – Saturday 3 May

Multitudes

Discover orchestral music reimagined for all the senses, as world-class orchestras meet dancers, film-makers, visual artists, poets and MCs in our new festival

Thrill-seekers welcome

There’s drama a-plenty as the London Philharmonic Orchestra and contemporary circus company Circa kick off the festival with a tale of love lost and found, reimagining the classical Greek story Daphnis and Chloé

In Carnival, Scott Graham, director of physical theatre company Frantic Assembly, pushes Aurora Orchestra players to their limits in a memorised interpretation of The Carnival of the Animals. For little eyes and ears, Carnival: Family Edit brings the family together for an afternoon full of experimentation and rebellion. For the history books

Read our lips: Marina Abramović and Igor Levit. An icon of conceptual art directs a piano legend in a performance of Erik Satie’s Vexations, a one-page score played 840 times. The result? A feat of endurance lasting upwards of 16 hours –come for an hour, or stay as long as you dare… Mahler 8 scoffs at the ‘less is more’ approach, with a concert featuring one of the largest orchestras ever put on our stages (there’s a reason it’s often called the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’). Witness the combined power of Tom Morris (War Horse), Edward Gardner and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Broaden your horizons

Soak up striking portraits of Black women at rest and feel the vibrations at Singing All About Love, as The Multi-Story Orchestra responds live to our five-star Hayward Gallery exhibition Mickalene Thomas: All About Love, with in-gallery performances throughout the day. And if you’re itching to be at the centre of it all, join a moving virtual orchestra and play a Huang Ruo symphony aloud with friends and strangers as you explore the streets of London in City of Floating Sounds, before experiencing the piece live with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

On the pulse

Like your music with a beat? Come to LEGACY, a celebration of Birmingham’s thriving grime scene with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and artists including Jaykae and Lady Leshurr, and raise the roof at R.I.S.E., a crossover of music and words between George the Poet and Chineke! Orchestra.

Find your fix of electronic music at Refractions, a collaboration between Manchester Collective, electronic musician Clark and choreographer Melanie Lane – with a bonus DJ set from Sinemis, featuring techno-inflected contemporary classical music.

See rhythm in motion as dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests and London Sinfonietta present their technicolour vision of Terry Riley’s In C, a trailblazing piece of musical minimalism.

The power of film

Take in artist William Kentridge’s dreamlike animation Oh To Believe in Another World, featuring a cast of characters including Lenin and Stalin. The film is accompanied by the Shostakovitch symphony that inspired it, performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop.

And prepare for sensory saturation at Symphony of Shadows as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra pairs Shostakovich’s defiant Symphony No.7 – written as bombs rained down on the city of Leningrad – with a film by Palme d’Or-nominated director Kirill Serebrennikov.

Fin out more about Multitudes and book now on our website

April highlights

Also this month...

Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Linder's first London retrospective dissects our fascination with the body and its representation, with 50 years of work by the trailblazing feminist artist.

Until Monday 5 May

Chineke! Orchestra: Haydn's Trumpet Concerto

Join us for a memorable night that celebrates the transformative power of music across eras and cultures.

Spring Family Fun

Find roaring shows, marvellous music, spellbinding puppetry and lots of free fun at our spring events for families.

Over the Easter holidays, we welcome The Lion Inside, a joyous stage adaptation based on the bestselling story. Set out with us on a cheerful journey through the body in A Small Anatomy, with dance and live music. Enter an endless world of play and invention at REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground. Plus, Rachel Fuller and Emilia Wharfe introduce their magical new book, BEE

Join in for free at workshops with BAC Beatbox Academy; a Good Friday family special edition of Simmer Down, our monthly reggae meet-up and daytime dance; and Jham!, a playful collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians.

Spring Family Fun continues over May half-term, with events celebrating 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story. Saturday 5 April –

See all the Spring Family Fun events on our website

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

Thomas’ vibrant, large-scale portraits of Black women at rest reclaim space and representation in art history, celebrating love and radical repose.

Until Monday 5 May

Kit de Waal: The Best of Everything

The author discusses her new novel about the love that can steal into our lives – in spite of the bestlaid plans – in conversation with Bernardine Evaristo.

Wednesday 9 April

Kindred

Join us for the return of Kindred Spirit, a night of eclectic soul, R&B, jazz and spoken word, featuring a line-up of up-and-coming and established musicians.

Saturday 5 April

Holly Blakey: A Wound with Teeth & Phantom

Choreographer Holly Blakey delves into the deeply personal and universal experience of loss and reinvention in the UK premiere of a double bill of new dance works.

Wednesday 9 – Friday 11 April

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 2

LPO Showcase: Crisis Creates

Members of Crisis UK share a new, powerful work created with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free London Philharmonic Orchestra: Jurowski Conducts Lyatoshynsky

Explore the shades between hope and fear in a timely performance of music both epic and stirring, and darkly sardonic.

Vladimir Jurowski conductor Matthew Rose bass

Prokofiev Selection from Semyon Kotko Suite; Mussorgsky Songs and dances of death orch. Denisov; Lyatoshinsky Symphony No.3

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Thursday 3

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Bach –St Matthew Passion

From intimate grief to monumental crowd scenes, this is Bach’s most profound musical testimony.

Jonathan Cohen conductor

Nick Pritchard tenor, Evangelist

Florian Störtz bass-baritone, Christus

Anna Dennis soprano

Iestyn Davies countertenor

Hugo Hymas tenor

Thomas Bauer baritone

Choir of the Age of Enlightenment

Bach St Matthew Passion (performed in German)

7pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

London Sinfonietta: Hidden Voices

An evening of works meditating on the importance of being heard, acceptance and community.

Geoffrey Paterson conductor Paul Silverthorne viola

Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo-soprano

Belinda Zhawi narrator

Berio O King for mezzo-soprano & 5 instruments; Chemins II for viola & 9 instruments; Hannah Kendall shouting forever into the receiver (UK premiere); Laurence Osborn

Mute (World premiere); Berio Folk Songs for mezzo-soprano & 7 instruments

7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £11

Saturday 5

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Tragedy to Triumph

Tonight’s concert ends with the wide-open spaces and pure, sunlit energy of Schubert’s unstoppable Ninth Symphony.

Vladimir Jurowski conductor Vilde Frang violin

Beethoven Overture, Coriolan; Schumann Violin Concerto; Schubert Symphony No.9 in C (Great)

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 6

The Bach Choir: St Matthew Passion

Hear the dramatic telling of the Passion of Christ, which features some of Bach’s most beautiful and poignant chorales.

Florilegium

David Hill conductor

Ed Lyon tenor, Evangelist

Simon Shibambu bass-baritone, Christ

Elizabeth Watts soprano

Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano

Guy Cutting tenor

Neal Davies baritone

London Youth Choir

Bach St Matthew Passion (performed in English)

11am; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10

Alina Ibragimova & Friends: Messiaen & Shostakovich

Two towering works of 20thcentury chamber music, in the hands of a celebrity ensemble.

Alina Ibragimova violin

Marie-Elisabeth Hecker cello

Matthew Hunt clarinet

Cédric Tiberghien piano

Shostakovich Piano Trio No.2 in E minor, Op.67; Messiaen Quatuor pour la fin du temps

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Wednesday 9

Chineke! Orchestra: Haydn's Trumpet Concerto

Join us for a memorable night that celebrates the transformative power of music across eras and cultures.

Vimbayi Kaziboni conductor

Aaron Azunda Akugbo trumpet

Valerie Coleman Seven O'Clock Shout; A Coleridge-Taylor

Sussex Landscape, Op.27; Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E flat; Brian Nabors Pulse; S Coleridge-Taylor Symphony No.1 in A minor

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £9

Thursday 10

Philharmonia Chamber

Players: Spotlight on the Harp

The harp takes centre stage in this free early evening performance by members of the Philharmonia.

Rebecca Chan violin

Fiona Cornall violin

Scott Dickinson viola

Richard Birchall cello

Samuel Coles flute

Maura Marinucci clarinet

Heidi Krutzen harp

Marjan Mozetich Angels in flight; Ravel Introduction and Allegro 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu Conducts

Prokofiev & Shostakovich

Shostakovich’s First Symphony –written when the composer was just 19 years old – crowns this evening of 20th-century classics.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Nemanja Radulović violin

Prokofiev Symphony No.1 in D (Classical); Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1; Symphony No.1

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15 Royal Festival Hall at 9.30pm: Free Insights Talk with Nemanja Radulović.

Saturday 12

London Philharmonic Orchestra: Jan Lisiecki Plays Beethoven

Tonight’s concert is a musical voyage that begins in the tranquillity of nature and ends in a surge of triumph.

Tarmo Peltokoski conductor Jan Lisiecki piano

Sibelius Pohjola's daughter; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor); Sibelius Symphony No.2 in D

7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £14

Sunday 13

Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu Conducts

Shostakovich & Mendelssohn

The Philharmonia pairs

Shostakovich’s extraordinary final symphony with the famous overture it quotes.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Arabella Steinbacher violin Rossini Overture, William Tell; Mendelssohn Violin Concerto; Shostakovich Symphony No.15

3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15

Nobuyuki Tsujii: Beethoven, Chopin & Liszt

The unique artistry of Nobuyuki Tsujii shines in some of the piano repertoire’s greatest classics. Nobuyuki Tsujii piano

Beethoven Piano Sonata in C, Op.53 (Waldstein); Liszt En rêve - nocturne for piano, S.207; Mephisto Waltz No.1; Chopin 2 Nocturnes, Op.27; Piano Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op.58

7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Wednesday 23

Circa x London

Philharmonic Orchestra: Daphnis and Chloé

Part of Multitudes

See a classic Greek myth brought to life with Circa’s ‘jaw-dropping’ ( ArtsHub) contemporary circus and ‘London’s most adventurous’ orchestra (The Times).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm & 8.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 24

William Kentridge x Philharmonia Orchestra:

Oh To Believe in Another World

Part of Multitudes

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 24 & Friday 25

Marina Abramović x Igor Levit: Vexations

Part of Multitudes

Pianist Igor Levit performs Erik Satie's challenging Vexations, lasting upwards of 16 hours, in a unique event directed by conceptual artist Marina Abramović. Come for an hour or stay as long as you dare.

For ages 18+ only | 10am, Thu 24 – 1am, Fri 25; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £32

Friday 25

George the Poet x Chineke! Orchestra:

R.I.S.E.

Part of Multitudes

Chineke! Orchestra joins forces with George the Poet for a night of music, spoken word and poetry around the themes of Resilience, Identity, Strength and Equality. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 26

Mickalene Thomas x The Multi-Story Orchestra: Singing All About Love

Part of Multitudes

The Multi-Story Orchestra creates a musical response to Mickalene Thomas’ current Hayward Gallery exhibition, All About Love, performing live throughout the day in the gallery.

10am – 5pm; Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £19 (entry included with exhibition ticket; Members go free)

DJ Set: Sinemis

Part of Multitudes

Producer Sine Buyuka combines left-field electronics with technoinflected contemporary classical in two free sets.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm & 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Tom Morris x London

Philharmonic Orchestra: Mahler 8

Part of Multitudes

Edward Gardner conducts the orchestra in a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.8, directed by Tom Morris (War Horse). With three choirs, eight singers and a vast orchestra, discover why this epic work is known as the ‘Symphony of a Thousand’.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Clark x Melanie Lane x Manchester Collective: Refractions

Part of Multitudes

Experience a kaleidoscopic collision of music and dance through the ages in a one-of-akind collaboration.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Sunday 27

Kirill Serebrennikov x Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Symphony of Shadows

Part of Multitudes

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs Shostakovich’s defiant Symphony No.7 to an immersive three-channel film by Palme d’Or-nominated director Kirill Serebrennikov (Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Monday 28

Punch Records x City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: LEGACY

Part of Multitudes

Dig into Birmingham’s grime and hip-hop scenes, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and some of the most influential artists creating music in the city, including Lady Leshurr, Jaykae and more. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22

Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30

Sasha Waltz & Guests x London Sinfonietta: In C Part of Multitudes

Dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests and London Sinfonietta present their technicolour vision of Terry Riley’s In C, a trailblazing piece of minimalism.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Wednesday 30

Huang Ruo x BBC Concert Orchestra: City of Floating Sounds

Part of Multitudes

Picture the scene: dozens of strangers meet at select locations around London and walk through the city together, playing different strands of a full symphony as they go, before coming together here for a live performance.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

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.

Family

Our events are not just for the grown-ups –bring your little ones along for colourful shows, playful workshops and musical adventures

Throughout the month REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Enter a world of play and invention in a recycled playground for children and their grown-ups. 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)

Saturday 5

Relaxed Sessions With BAC Beatbox Academy

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 adapted space.

For ages 5+ | 10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Saturday Sessions With BAC Beatbox Academy

Part of Open Doors

Learn the foundations of beatbox sounds in a workshop full of singing, rapping and vibes.

For ages 5 – 11 | 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Wednesday 16

Rachel Fuller & Emilia Wharfe: BEE

Part of Spring Family Fun

The author and the illustrator introduce their new book, the story of a child with a beautiful mind. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 6+ | 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Wednesday 16 – Sunday 20

The Lion Inside

Part of Spring Family Fun

In this stage adaptation of the bestselling story, embark on an adventure with a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. All performances Relaxed (RP). Audio Description & Touch Tour available: Thu 17 Apr, 2pm. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL): Sat 19 Apr, 1pm.

For ages 3+ | Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Friday 18

Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special

Part of Spring Family Fun

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at a family special of Simmer Down, our free monthly meet-up and daytime dance.

For all ages | 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 19 Jham!

Part of Spring Family Fun

Enjoy a playful and energetic collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians. A free workshop follows the first performance. Relaxed Performance (RP).

Performances for all ages. Workshop for ages 5+ | 2pm & 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20

A Small Anatomy

Part of Spring Family Fun

Set out on a cheerful journey through the body as we explore its quirks, with dance and live music. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 4 – 11 | Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Friday 25

WordPlay: Songs and Stories

Part of Open Doors

Join other families to enjoy music, stories and play designed to encourage creativity, communication and connection for under-5s and their grown-ups.

For ages 6 months – 5 years | 10.15am –12.45pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Gigs

Whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational sounds from across the globe, including dance floor-fillers and one-of-a-kind collaborations

Friday 4

Sultan Stevenson Presents El Roi

The jazz musician launches his anticipated album alongside special guest Soweto Kinch.

For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 5

Kindred

Join us for the return of Kindred Spirit, a night of eclectic soul, R&B, jazz and spoken word.

For ages 14+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £27

Concrete Voids: Lex Amor

The rapper, singer and producer presents an immersive sound experience that blends live music, poetry and sound design.

For ages 14+ | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 10

futuretense: Canty + Flip Top Head

Tap into new, eclectic sounds ranging from gentle, evocative tracks to poetic punk in this edition of our free fortnightly gig series.

For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 11

DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live

DJ Yoda takes us back to the 1980s, featuring the biggest dancefloor-fillers, with special guests.

For ages 14+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £27

UnDying Sounds: Reinventing Komeda

Celebrating the composer’s legacy, this immersive experience combines film, AI-driven visual art, and jazz and electronic music.

For ages 14+ | 8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 12

Ashley Henry

Jazz pianist, vocalist and composer Ashley Henry takes the stage by storm with his eclectic sound.

For ages 14+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22

Thursday 17 futuretense: Reuben Aziz + JADA

Find your next favourite artist with up-and-coming artists influenced by hip-hop and R&B at this edition of our fortnightly free gig series.

For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 18

Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special

Part of Spring Family Fun

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at a family special of Simmer Down, our free monthly meet-up and daytime dance.

For all ages | 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 26

DJ Set: Sinemis

Part of Multitudes

Producer Sine Buyuka combines left-field electronics with technoinflected contemporary classical in two free sets.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm & 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Clark x Melanie Lane x Manchester Collective: Refractions

Part of Multitudes

Experience a kaleidoscopic collision of music and dance through the ages in a one-of-akind collaboration.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Monday 28

Punch Records x City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: LEGACY

Part of Multitudes

For ages 16+ | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £22

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

Thursday 3

Out-Spoken: April

Poet and author Joelle Taylor hosts our monthly live poetry and music night. Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).

For ages 16+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £15

Wednesday 9

Kit de Waal: The Best of Everything

Celebrate the author’s mesmerising new novel, about the love that can steal into our lives.

For ages 16+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 10

Amitav Ghosh: Wild Fictions

Explore a searing collection of essays about how we tell stories and our relationship with the world.

For ages 16+ | 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Sunday 13

Out-Spoken

Masterclass: April

Dive into a three-hour weekend poetry workshop designed to spark your creativity.

For ages 18+ | 1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £27

Wednesday 16

Rachel Fuller & Emilia Wharfe: BEE

Part of Spring Family Fun

The author and the illustrator introduce their new book, the story of a child with a beautiful mind. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 6+ | 2.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £12

Friday 25

George the Poet x Chineke! Orchestra: R.I.S.E.

Part of Multitudes

Chineke! Orchestra joins forces with George the Poet for a night of music, spoken word and poetry on the themes of Resilience, Identity, Strength and Equality. British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Performance & dance

Innovative dance, colourful collaborations and heartwarming family shows: discover international performance for all ages here in our venues

Wednesday 9 – Friday 11

Holly Blakey: A Wound with Teeth & Phantom

The choreographer delves into the deeply personal and universal experience of loss and reinvention.

For ages 8+ | Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £22 Post-show talk: Wed 9 Apr

Wednesday 16 – Sunday 20

The Lion Inside

Part of Spring Family Fun

For ages 3+ | Various times; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Saturday 19

Jham!

Part of Spring Family Fun

Enjoy a playful and energetic collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians. A free workshop follows the first performance. Relaxed Performance (RP).

Performances for all ages. Workshop for ages 5+ | 2pm & 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20

A Small Anatomy

Part of Spring Family Fun

Set out on a cheerful journey through the body as we explore its quirks, with dance and live music. Relaxed Performance (RP).

For ages 4 – 11 | Various times; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £16

Wednesday 23

Circa x London

Philharmonic Orchestra: Daphnis and Chloé

Part of Multitudes

See a classic Greek myth brought to life with Circa’s ‘jaw-dropping’ ( ArtsHub) contemporary circus and ‘London’s most adventurous’ orchestra (The Times).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm & 8.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 26

Clark x Melanie Lane x Manchester Collective: Refractions

Part of Multitudes

Experience a kaleidoscopic collision of music and dance through the ages in a one-of-akind collaboration.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30

Sasha Waltz & Guests x London Sinfonietta: In C

Part of Multitudes

Dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests and London Sinfonietta present their technicolour vision of Terry Riley’s In C, a trailblazing piece of minimalism.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

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

Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Linder’s first London retrospective showcases 50 years of the pioneering feminist artist’s work, dissecting our fascination with the body and its representation.

Until Mon 5 May; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets £19 (free to Members; concessions available); includes entry to Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love

Mickalene Thomas’ vibrant, large-scale portraits of Black women at rest reclaim space and representation in art history, celebrating love and radical repose.

Until Mon 5 May; Tue – Fri & Sun, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm (closed Mon); Hayward Gallery; Tickets £19 (free to Members; concessions available); includes entry to Linder: Danger Came Smiling

Future Exhibition

Makers: The People's Exhibition

Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 festival in a free 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

Wednesday 2

Creative Encounters: Carve Out Your Space

Part of Open Doors

Get stuck in and create a collaborative large-scale collage in a free drop-in session with illustrator and collage artist Beth Suzanna.

For ages 12+ | 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 11

UnDying Sounds: Reinventing Komeda

Celebrating the composer’s legacy, this immersive experience combines film, AI-driven visual art, and jazz and electronic music.

For ages 14+ | 8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Tickets from £17

Thursday 24

William Kentridge x Philharmonia Orchestra: Oh To Believe in Another World

Part of Multitudes

Take in a dreamlike animated film alongside Shostakovich’s powerful and moving Symphony No.10. South African film-maker and artist William Kentridge joins forces with the Philharmonia Orchestra and world-famous conductor Marin Alsop. For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

Saturday 26

Mickalene Thomas x The Multi-Story Orchestra: Singing All About Love

Part of Multitudes

The Multi-Story Orchestra creates a musical response to Mickalene Thomas’ current Hayward Gallery exhibition, All About Love, performing live throughout the day in the gallery.

10am – 5pm; Hayward Gallery; Tickets from £19 (entry included with exhibition ticket; Members go free)

Sunday 27

Kirill Serebrennikov x Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Symphony of Shadows

Part of Multitudes

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs Shostakovich’s defiant Symphony No.7 to an immersive three-channel film by Palme d’Or nominated director Kirill Serebrennikov (Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie).

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 3pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £17

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.

Free events

There's lots to see and do for free this month, including chances to get creative and make social connections as part of our Open Doors programme

Throughout the month

Future Exhibition

Makers: The People's Exhibition

Get new perspectives on the legacy of the 1951 Festival of Britain in a free 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

Wednesday 2

Creative Encounters:

Carve Out Your Space

Part of Open Doors

Create a collaborative collage in a drop-in session with illustrator and collage artist Beth Suzanna.

For ages 12+ | 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

LPO Showcase: Crisis Creates

Members of Crisis UK share a new, powerful work created with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

For ages 7+ | 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free

Wednesday 2, 16 & 30

Archive Sessions: Meltdown

Explore our Meltdown archive and learn how to catalogue fascinating items for the future.

3pm – 5pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Saturday 5

Relaxed Sessions With BAC Beatbox Academy

Part of Open Doors

Join an inclusive version of our Saturday Sessions (see below), for those who may benefit from a smaller group and adapted space.

For ages 5+ | 10.30am; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

Saturday Sessions With BAC Beatbox Academy

Part of Open Doors

Learn the foundations of beatbox sounds in a workshop full of singing, rapping and vibes.

For ages 5 – 11 | 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 10

Philharmonia Chamber

Players: Spotlight on the Harp

The harp takes centre stage in this free early evening performance by members of the Philharmonia.

Rebecca Chan violin

Fiona Cornall violin

Scott Dickinson viola

Richard Birchall cello

Samuel Coles flute

Maura Marinucci clarinet

Heidi Krutzen harp

Marjan Mozetich Angels in flight; Ravel Introduction and Allegro

For ages 7+ | 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed

futuretense:

Canty + Flip Top Head

Tap into new, eclectic sounds ranging from gentle, evocative tracks to poetic punk in this edition of our free fortnightly gig series.

For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 11

Mix & Move:

Hip-Hop Grooves

Part of Open Doors

Join us to get down to some funky hip-hop grooves, tailored for older bodies – but young souls – by dancer and choreographer Dani Harris-Walters.

For all ages | 3pm – 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Wednesday 16

Creative Encounters: Rhythmic Threads

Part of Open Doors

Join textile artist Sue Man to discover fabric collage techniques and enjoy the sounds of the guzheng and more from singer and multi-instrumentalist Yijia.

For ages 12+ | 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 17

futuretense:

Reuben Aziz + JADA

Find your next favourite artist with up-and-coming artists influenced by hip-hop and R&B at this edition of our fortnightly free gig series.

For all ages | 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Friday 18

Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special

Part of Spring Family Fun

Get ready to feel the reggae rhythm at a family special of Simmer Down, our free monthly meet-up and daytime dance.

For all ages | 1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 19

Jham!

Part of Spring Family Fun

Enjoy a playful and energetic collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians. A free workshop follows the first performance. Relaxed Performance (RP).

Performances for all ages. Workshop for ages 5+ | 2pm & 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Thursday 24

Works in Progress:

See Me Now

Part of Open Doors

Join us for a playful creative workshop, designed for young people aged 16 – 25, investigating what makes you feel seen.

For ages 16 – 25 | 5pm – 8pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Friday 25

WordPlay: Songs and Stories

Part of Open Doors

Join other families to enjoy music, stories and play designed to encourage creativity, communication and connection for under-5s and their grown-ups.

For ages 6 months – 5 years | 10.15am –12.45pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Saturday 26

DJ Set: Sinemis

Part of Multitudes

Producer Sine Buyuka, aka Sinemis, combines left-field electronics with techno-inflected contemporary classical.

For ages 12+. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult | 6.30pm & 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free

Wednesday 30

Creative Encounters: The Tapestry of Imperfections

Part of Open Doors

Join artist Camille Dawson to create a giant multi-media installation that celebrates the beauty in human flaws.

For ages 12+ | 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free

Upcoming highlights

South Asian Sounds

A series of unforgettable concerts brings together some of the biggest names in South Asian music with cutting-edge new voices and cross-genre collaborations.

Artists featured at this year’s South Asian Sounds include sitar player Baluji Shrivastav and his band

Rambert x (La)Horde: Bring Your Own

We’re crashing an after-party; you coming? In this epic collaboration with (La)Horde, Rambert dancers bring their full selves to the French company’s work.

Wednesday 7 – Saturday 10 May

Opera North: Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra

Experience Opera North up close in this concert performance of a rare Verdi masterpiece that bristles with high emotion and political intrigue.

Saturday 24 May

Re-Orient, singer Osman Mir collaborating with Third Culture Collective, and the Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group.

Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 May

Also coming soon

International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings

Join the six authors and their translators shortlisted for this year’s prize as they read from and discuss their books.

Sunday 18 May

Moomin 80

Celebrate 80 years of the Moomins with free events that embrace the inclusive and welcoming messages at the heart of Tove Jansson’s beloved stories.

Friday 23 May – Sunday 1 June

Khashabi Theatre: MILK

كلْمِ

Come face to face with the rippling, time-warping aftermath of disaster, in this piece of visual theatre by the independent Palestinian company Khashabi Theatre.

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 May

Norman Jay's Good Times Band

The legendary DJ and co-founder of the Good Times Sound System returns to spread good vibes with his funk, disco and soul mixes, and special guests.

Friday 30 May

Eat & explore

A slice of Italy on the Thames riverside

Even if the famous April showers kick in, you can find sunshine on a plate here. Visit our Italian destination restaurant, Strada, where seasonal produce, friendly service and authentic dishes all come together.

Sit on the terrace for a great view of the river and all the hustle and bustle of the South Bank as you enjoy your meal. Inside, the ambience is modern and elegant, with pops of colour fit for the Med.

Settle in with an aperitivo. A spritz goes nicely with olives and Genovese flatbread, or a plate of antipasti, crispy arancini or fragrant Caprese salad. For mains, you’ll find classics in abundance, including pappardelle bolognese, seafood risotto and spinach

and ricotta ravioli – and, of course, hand-stretched pizzas, salads and grills. If you’ve got room, round everything off with a sweet treat like a classic tiramisu, ice cream or chocolate fondant.

Everyone is catered for, with gluten-free pasta options, plus mini pizzas and more for the kids. It’s a great place for a celebration, so book for a group and share plates and good food at this warm and welcoming spot by the Thames.

Strada, Riverside, Level 1; Sun – Tue, 12 noon – 9.30pm; Wed – Sat, 12 noon – 10pm southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink

Discover our pocket forest

Spring is officially here. That means that buds are bursting into life, ready to cloak our beautiful city in green. You might not expect to see much greenery here in London’s famously concrete-heavy cultural quarter – but if you take a closer look, you might encounter our pocket forest.

Tucked away between the Waterloo Bridge and Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Natura Nostra Forest covers an area of 130 metres square and includes an astounding 390 trees. It was planted in spring 2023, so the trees are still youngsters, but as the forest grows it will create a green haven at the foot of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, encouraging nature and wildlife

to thrive among the brutalist icons of our site. And over the first 20 years of growth, it will sequester an estimated 405 kilos of carbon per year. Carbon sequestration is the capturing, removal and storage of carbon dioxide.

Created using the Miyawaki method, which allows for quick planting and easy upkeep, it will grow about ten times more quickly than a regular forest. And this green gem reintroduces 24 native British species such as elder, crab apple, dog rose and more to the heart of London – see how many you can spot.

Find the

Natura Nostra Forest behind the Queen Elizabeth Hall, facing Waterloo Bridge

About the Southbank Centre

We’re the UK’s largest centre for the arts and one of the nation's top five visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. As a charity, we bring millions of people together by opening up the unique art spaces that we care for.

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. 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 Seventy5th balcony 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, Flat Iron, 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. On Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road, the market is open Friday – Sunday and bank holidays. Check our website for opening times.

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.

Many of our ticket prices include a £2 restoration levy, enabling us to care for our historic buildings.

Scan the QR code to see our full event listings

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

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

Stay in the know

Subscribers to our email updates are the first to hear about new events, offers and competitions. Just head to our website to sign up. On the cover

As part of our new cross-art form festival Multitudes, dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests and London Sinfonietta join forces to present their vision of Terry Riley’s In C, a trailblazing piece of musical minimalism (Tue 29 & Wed 30 Apr).

Image credits

This month's highlights: A Small Anatomy © Bart Grietens; Linder, SheShe (detail), 1981. © Courtesy the artist and Modern Art. Photo: birrer; Mickalene Thomas, Din avec la main dans le miroir et jupe rouge (detail), 2023. © courtesy the artist; Kindred © courtesy the artist; Chineke! Orchestra/Aaron Azunda Akugbo © Olivia Da Costa; Kit de Waal © Sarah Lee; Holly Blakey: A Wound with Teeth & Phantom © Natasha Back

Header images: Classical music: Jan Lisiecki © Mathias Bothor; Family: The Lion Inside © Rachel Bright. Illustrations: Jim Field, Licensed by Hachette Children's Group; Gigs: Lex Amor © courtesy the artist; Literature & talks: Amitav Ghosh © Mathieu Genon; Performance & dance: In C, Sasha Waltz & Guests © Yanina Isla; Art & exhibitions: Mickalene Thomas, Afro Goddess Looking Forward (detail), 2015 © courtesy the artist; Free events: Jham! © Nosa Malcolm

Upcoming highlights: South Asian Sounds/Baluji Shrivastav & Inner Vision Quartet © Simon Richardson; Rambert x (La)Horde: Bring Your Own © Kibwe Tavares, Armando Elias and Vianney Le Caer; International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings © David Parry/The Booker Prize Foundation; Khashabi Theatre © Christophe Raynaud de Lage; Opera North: Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra © Mark Allan; Moomin 80 © Moomin Characters™; Norman Jay © Dean Chalkley

Listings correct at time of going to press (2025).

The Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909