MAY
Welcome to the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre has long been known as a home for culture that is as innovative as it is thought-provoking. This month we welcome Conor Mitchell and the Belfast Ensemble who present Abomination: A DUP Opera over three nights. Based on real events, the lauded work brings together opera, cabaret, drag and political satire in response to a notorious
incident of homophobic hate speech that became a catalyst for the Northern Irish equality debate.
If you’ve not yet had the chance to explore our exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s classic album Aladdin Sane, make sure you do so before it closes towards the end of May. Aladdin Sane: 50 Years tells
the story of the creation of the album’s iconic artwork, and is accompanied by a free display from our own archives that through rare material brings to light Bowie’s history of appearances in our venues, starting all the way back in 1969.
Mark Ball Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 May
Abomination: A DUP Opera
Acclaimed composer Conor Mitchell and The Belfast Ensemble present the London premiere of their award-winning verbatim opera, which redefines what a 21st-century opera can say, and why
Abomination: A DUP Opera is based on a scandalous radio interview given by Northern Irish politician Iris Robinson, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), during which she described homosexuality as ‘an abomination’. The interview, now part of Irish queer history, instantly reignited the equality debate in this area of the UK.
In a five-star review, The Guardian called Abomination ‘outstanding’, while the Sunday Times praised it for being ‘musically diverse, visually stunning’. Ahead of its run here, we spoke to the composer and artistic director of The Belfast Ensemble, Conor Mitchell, about this pioneering work.
Mitchell is a composer, librettist and theatremaker from Northern Ireland. His works have been performed by the Ulster Orchestra, Irish National Opera and Cologne Opera, and have appeared at festivals internationally.
What initially prompted you to write an opera on this topic?
I’d been asked to create a short closing event for Outburst – a Belfast queer arts festival – in 2018. I’d always wanted to do this, write a work where the score expressed the opposite of the text; difficult, questionable words and ideas wrapped in seductive, playful music. And as
a political writer, it allowed me to comment without saying a word. There’s a theatrical electricity in that, a need for music. The piece grew into an opera.
The interview at the core of the work is from 2008 – what is its continued relevance today?
The gay community had been largely marginalised for decades, and when a prominent politician made those statements live on air, it was a final straw. The backlash marked the end of ‘open season’ on queer people, and issues of violence, discrimination and toxic language became hyper visible. It was a landmark in social politics that sparked change. But the fact remains, the DUP are still the largest party in the country. And Iris Robinson was, and is, not alone in her views. Gay people here are still in a state of ‘recovery’. Although centred on a difficult topic, the work also has a lightheartedness to it.
I think that’s the joy of the piece. Look, these words are barbed, often uncomfortable. To add discomfort to the theatre itself would, I felt, elevate and empower them. Instead, I wanted to reclaim, queer, charge and diffuse them. That meant finding points of repose in the drama. Safety valves. And comedy is a self-defence weapon gay men sharpen with each generation.
Why might this work appeal to those who are new to opera?
The most common response I’ve had is ‘I’ve never seen an opera, and I want to see more’. I think that’s because the audience are being guided carefully through the score; the melody providing a path they can follow – ultimately to dissonance. They evolve as they listen, seduced. Opera is mesmeric!
But I also wanted to ‘queer the form’; bring those hurtful words directly into the world of queer performance, not sit grandly outside it in the rarefied world of operatic opulence and commentary. Drag, cabaret – these are queer, direct languages that matter. They inform, politicise and educate. They connect. As a writer, I think you have a duty of care to your audience. Guiding them, connecting with them and levelling with them is crucial.
For more information and to book, head to our website
May highlights
Also this month...
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
International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings
The annual prize celebrates writers from around the world as well as the art of translation by shining a light on the best translated fiction.
Thursday 18 May
Family fun this May half-term
Our fun-tastic family events for half-term kick off at the end of this month. toooB is an enchanting wordless performance for children and their grown-ups, encouraging empathy and playful interaction. You can also follow our self-led activity trail, One & Everything Family Trail, to learn about the world’s languages and the people that use them by exploring around our site.
The magic doesn't stop there: in early June, join us for a musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, playful mime performance Yellow, and a free storytelling performance and knees-up at The Marvellous Myth Hunter Ceilidh
Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 4 June
See all of our family events on our website
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
Don't miss our current Hayward Gallery exhibition, closing soon, the first major survey of work by internationally acclaimed British artist Mike Nelson.
Until Sunday 7 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
futuretense
Our free gig series is back: come along to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer once a fortnight to encounter some of the best in upand-coming talent.
Thursday 4 & Thursday 25
The New Heathen Archives
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Our free archive exhibition uncovers David Bowie’s history here, from his Purcell Room debut in 1969 to his curation of Meltdown in 2002.
Until Sunday 28 May
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
Wednesday 3
Aurora Orchestra: American Rhapsody
Aurora roams from the mountains of Appalachia to the mean New York streets of West Side Story in an exuberant all-American programme.
Nicholas Collon conductor
Tom Poster piano
Copland Appalachian Spring Suite arr. for 13 instruments; Caroline Shaw Valencia; Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue arr.
Iain Farrington; Ives Three Places in New England (with film by Jon Frank); Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story arr. Iain Farrington
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £50
Thursday 4
Philharmonia Chamber
Players: Tchaikovsky
Enjoy a free performance by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Eunsley Park violin
Ella Rundle cello
Dinara Klinton piano
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed Philharmonia Orchestra: Stephen Hough Plays Beethoven
Beethoven’s stormy Third Piano Concerto comes alive in the hands of Sir Stephen Hough, with the Philharmonia.
Ryan Bancroft conductor
Stephen Hough piano
Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela (Lemminkäinen Suite No.2); Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3; Nielsen Symphony No.4 (The Inextinguishable)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Friday 5 – Sunday 7
Abomination: A DUP Opera
This riotous Northern Irish original fuses verbatim opera with drag, cabaret and political satire. For ages 12+.
The Belfast Ensemble Tom Deering conductor Cast includes Rebecca Caine soprano, Iris Robinson
Tony Flynn actor, Stephen Nolan
Sarah Richmond DUP Soloist
Matthew Cavan DUP Soloist
John Porter DUP Soloist
Christopher Cull DUP Soloist
Conor Mitchell Abomination: a DUP opera (London premiere)
Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun, 6pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12.50 – £35
Saturday 6
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Hymn of the Forests
The LPO ends their London season with a colossal shout of joy: Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass –a choral work that stands alone.
Edward Gardner conductor
Alina Ibragimova violin
Sara Jakubiak soprano
Madeleine Shaw mezzo-soprano
Toby Spence tenor
Matthew Rose bass
Catherine Edwards organ
London Philharmonic Choir
Tippett Suite in D (for the Birthday of Prince Charles); Mendelssohn Violin Concerto; Janáček Glagolitic Mass
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 7
Music of Today: Composers’ Academy
Be the first to hear new music by this year’s cohort of participants in the Philharmonia’s Composers’ Academy.
Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra
Robin O'Neill conductor
Nneka Cummins 3 Planets (World premiere); Jamie Man Orphans of the Cosmos (World premiere); Arthur Keegan New work (World premiere)
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Philharmonia Orchestra: Yamada Conducts SaintSaëns’ Organ Symphony
Feel the might of the huge Royal Festival Hall organ, playing with a full Philharmonia Orchestra.
Kazuki Yamada conductor
Baiba Skride violin
Stephen Farr organ
Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte; Berg Violin Concerto; Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3 in C minor (Organ)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10
Wednesday 10
RPO Journeys of Discovery: Psychedelia
Blow open the doors of perception with music transporting you into a fantastical world of dreams and nightmares.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Arabella Steinbacher violin
Jennifer Higdon blue cathedral; Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63; Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy: Symphonic Dances
Plunge into the kaleidoscopic colours of Rachmaninov and Prokofiev with a masterful piano duo.
Pavel Kolesnikov piano
Samson Tsoy piano
Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances arr. for 2 pianos; Prokofiev Cinderella Suite arr. Pletnev for 2 pianos
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Thursday 11
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Scriabin’s Prometheus & Rachmaninov’s The Bells
Enter the kaleidoscopic world of Scriabin, as the Philharmonia recreates his Prometheus
Stanislav Kochanovsky conductor
Alexei Volodin piano
Anush Hovhannisyan soprano
Toby Spence tenor
Yuriy Yurchuk baritone
Philharmonia Chorus
Simon Bennison lighting design
Rachmaninov The Bells (Choral Symphony); Lyadov From the Apocalypse, Op.66; Scriabin Prometheus (The Poem of Fire) for piano, chorus, organ & orchestra (performed with lighting according to the composer's directions)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10
The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Insights Talk. Admission free
Friday 12
Abel Selaocoe, Seckou
Keita & Chineke! Orchestra
A new concerto for cello, kora and orchestra merges African and European sound-worlds.
Fela Sowande African Suite; Coleridge-Taylor Novelletten for strings, Op.52 Nos.3 & 4; Abel Selaocoe Concerto for cello & kora (London premiere) and works by Abel Selaocoe and Seckou Keita
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Saturday 13
OAE TOTS: LPO FUNharmonics – Flying High in the Sky!
Let your little ones’ imaginations take flight in an interactive music workshop with the OAE. For ages 2 – 5.
10.15am, 11.15am & 12.15pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £9 (adult), £2 (child)
FUNharmonics Family
Concert: Before the Firebird
The whole family comes under the spell of the LPO in a concert inspired by Stravinsky’s masterpiece. For ages 7+.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Seal conductor
Catrine Kirkman soprano, narrator Young Singers from the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Paul Rissmann presenter
Paul Rissmann Before the Firebird; Stravinsky Excerpts from The Firebird
12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; £16 – £24 (adult), £8 – £12 (child)
Manchester Collective & Sean Shibe
These boundary-breaking performers join forces to create a kaleidoscope of musical colours.
Manchester Collective string quartet
Rakhi Singh music director
Sean Shibe guitar, electric guitar
Cage 6 Melodies; David Fennessy Rosewoods; Kelly Moran
Living Again (London premiere); Eastman Buddha (London premiere of new arrangement); Emily Hall Our Potential Space (London premiere); Traditional La Folia (London premiere of new arrangement); David Lang Killer (London premiere of new arrangement)
5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £35
Sunday 14
Divergent Sounds
Amble Skuse’s soundscapes build on conversations with neurodivergent people to explore their experience and identity. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). There are two quiet rooms available.
City of London Sinfonia
Stephanie Lamprea soprano Jen McGregor dramaturg, libretto
Amble Skuse Divergent Sounds (World premiere)
4pm & 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £1 – £10
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.
Wednesday 17
Corinthian Orchestra
Performs Mahler 5
Two 20th-century masterpieces address love, life and death.
Corinthian Orchestra
Michael Seal conductor Lucy Crowe soprano
Strauss Four Last Songs; Mahler Symphony No.5
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £22
Budapest Festival Orchestra: Mahler 9
The Budapest Festival Orchestra presents a work both tragic and life-affirming, unique in its power, wisdom and sincerity.
Iván Fischer conductor Mahler Symphony No.9
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Thursday 18
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Mozart on the Road – Part 2
The OAE follows in the footsteps of composers who left home and became agents of change in the process.
Kati Debretzeni director, violin
Jean-Guihen Queyras cello
CPE Bach Symphony in F, Wq.183/3; Cello Concerto in A, Wq.172; Johann Christian Bach Sinfonia concertante in B flat for violin, cello & orchestra, WC.46; Mozart Symphony No.34
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £82
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Santtu Conducts
Stravinsky I – The Firebird
Santtu-Matias Rouvali and the Philharmonia train their focus on Stravinsky and Prokofiev. in the first of a pair of concerts (see Sunday 21).
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Behzod Abduraimov piano Prokofiev Scythian Suite, Op.20; Piano Concerto No.2; Stravinsky The Firebird, Suite (1945)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15 Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Insights Talk: Demystifying Classical Music. Admission free
Friday 19
Unclassified Live:
Curiouser and Curiouser
Discover composers evading categorisation in this live version of the radio show.
BBC Concert Orchestra
André de Ridder conductor
Elizabeth Alker presenter
Qasim Naqvi God Docks at Death Harbour (World premiere); Hinako Omori New work (World premiere); Cate Le Bon New work (World premiere)
8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 – £22
Saturday 20
The Music of Zimmer vs. Williams
An epic concert spotlights unforgettable scores from two of the world’s greatest film composers.
London Concert Orchestra
Anthony Inglis conductor Coro Spezzato
Programme includes music from: ET, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman, The Lion King & Superman
2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £18.50 – £49.50
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Holst – The Planets
Enter the Philharmonia’s orbit for a night crowned by Holst’s planetary masterpiece.
Lee Reynolds conductor
Danny Driver piano
London Philharmonic Choir
Verdi Overture, La forza del destino; Rachmaninov Piano
Concerto No.2; Holst The Planets
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £19.50 – £57.50
Sunday 21
Daniel Pioro, Michael Morpurgo & London
Sinfonietta
Daniel Pioro leads an exploration of perceived time in the music of Vivaldi and Grisey.
Players from the London Sinfonietta
Geoffrey Paterson conductor
Daniel Pioro director, violin
Sir Michael Morpurgo narrator
Vivaldi The Four Seasons; Grisey Vortex temporum
4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu Conducts
Stravinsky II – Petrushka
Santtu and the Philharmonia’s two-concert focus on Stravinsky and Prokofiev continues.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor
Esther Yoo violin
Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Suite; Violin Concerto No.1 in D, Op.19; Stravinsky Petrushka (1947)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £15
Royal Festival Hall at 6pm: Insights Talk: Demystifying Classical Music. Admission free
Wednesday 24
Ingrid Fliter Plays Schumann
The much-loved pianist devotes her recital to the dazzlingly romantic music of Robert Schumann.
Schumann Kinderszenen, Op.15; Piano Sonata No.2 in G minor, Op.22; Etudes symphoniques, Op.13 vers. with Op. posth. variations
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Thursday 25
The Bach Choir: The World Imagined
The Philharmonia Orchestra and the Bach Choir lift us with music of spirituality and sensuality. Philharmonia Orchestra
David Hill conductor Benjamin Hulett tenor Philip Scriven organ
L Boulanger Vieille prière bouddhique (Prière quotidienne pour tout l'univers); Debussy Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune; Poulenc Concerto in G minor for organ, strings & timpani; Gabriel Jackson The World Imagined
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; Tickets from £10
London Sinfonietta: Fireworks
The ensemble illuminates with virtuosic fireworks from different musical and cultural traditions. Vimbayi Kaziboni conductor Hidejiro Honjoh shamisen
Augusta Read Thomas Terpsichore's Box of Dreams (UK premiere); Dai Fujikura Shamisen Concerto; Tania León Ritmicas; Ligeti Chamber Concerto
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £22 – £30
Sunday 28
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
The maestro slide guitarist mesmerises with his delicate yet fiery music.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £17.50–£25
Wednesday 31
Olivier Latry Plays Wagner
The organist of Paris’ Notre-Dame plays some of the best-loved moments of Wagner’s operas. Olivier Latry organ
Messiaen Apparition de l'église éternelle; Liszt St François d'Assise (La prédication aux oiseaux) (Légende, S.175 No.1); Saint-Saëns Aquarium, Aviary & The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals arr. Shin-Young Lee; Franck Pièce héroïque in B minor (No.3 of 3 Pièces pour grand orgue); Wagner Overture, Der fliegende Holländer arr. Edwin Lemare; Allmächt'ger Vater from Rienzi arr. Sigfrid Karg-Elert; Overture, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg arr. Edwin Lemare
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – this month, come along for colourful classical music for kids and get stuck in with interactive May half-term events
Friday 5
Rug Rhymes
A celebratory Coronation Special of our regular short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 13
OAE TOTS: LPO
FUNharmonics – Flying High in the Sky!
Let your little ones’ imaginations take flight in an interactive music workshop with the OAE. For ages 2 – 5.
10.15am, 11.15am & 12.15pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £9 (adult), £2 (child)
FUNharmonics
Family Concert: Before the Firebird
The whole family comes under the spell of the LPO in a concert inspired by Stravinsky’s masterpiece. For ages 7+.
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Seal conductor
Catrine Kirkman soprano, narrator Young Singers from the Royal Borough of Greenwich
Paul Rissmann presenter
Paul Rissmann Before the Firebird; Stravinsky Excerpts from The Firebird
12 noon; Royal Festival Hall; £16 – £24 (adult), £8 – £12 (child)
Friday 19
Mix & Move: Ceilidh Jam
For this edition of our free and inclusive monthly dance, Folk Dance Remixed leads a fusion of folk dance and street dance, with an energetic live band.
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 19
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 31 toooB
Follow this curious and friendly shape-shifter as she learns and plays in a new land. All performances are Relaxed. For ages 6 – 24 months.
11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
One & Everything Family Trail
On this self-led activity trail, learn about the world’s languages and the people that use them. For ages 5+.
Until Sun 4 Jun; 10.30am – 4pm; Level 2 Foyers, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.
Classical music multi-buy: with our multibuy offers, you can book concerts from across our classical music programme and receive a discount. There is a small number of events that aren’t included in the multibuy offer. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.
Children aged 7+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre classical concerts, except where indicated.
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 5
Rug Rhymes
A celebratory Coronation Special of our regular short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 10
European Poetry Festival: Latvian Poetry
Discover three of Latvia’s most dynamic writers, and new collaborations with British counterparts. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 11
Out-Spoken: May
Out-Spoken’s usual brilliant blend of poets and musicians, but this time in the Queen Elizabeth Hall for an even bigger night. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Granta Best of Young British Novelists
Get to know the most exciting and imaginative fiction writers in the British literary scene. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Friday 12
Can We Have Prosperity Without Growth?
What is a prosperous society? And how important is economic growth in reaching it? This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Tuesday 16
Def Leppard: Definitely
All five members of the band speak about their new book, Definitely: The Official Story of Def Leppard, and their incredible life in music. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £40
Thursday 18
International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings
The finest fiction from across the globe is under the spotlight in this annual event. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Thursday 18 & Sunday 21
Demystifying
Classical Music
A chance to ask members of the Philharmonia Orchestra anything you've always wondered about classical music, the orchestra, and what it's like to be a professional musician.
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 19 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 21
Out-Spoken
Masterclass: May
Write poetry and learn new techniques from an established poet in this masterclass. For ages 18+.
1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £20
Wednesday 24
Sadiq Khan: Breathe
Celebrating his new book, Sadiq Khan discusses politics, life, and the future of our city and planet. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £35
Wednesday 31
Jeremy Deller: Art Is Magic
The Turner Prize-winning artist’s book ties his key work to his personal cultural influences. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
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 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
Until Sunday 7
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, excluding Mon 1 & Tue 2, 10am – 6pm); Hayward Gallery; Hayward Gallery supporter £16.50*; standard £15 (Wed – Fri); Hayward Gallery supporter £17.60*; standard £16 (Sat, Sun & bank holidays); free to Members
Until Sunday 21
Olivia Bax: Monkey Cups
Two blue steel-framed vessels covered in paper pulp lean on each other for support in this 2018 sculpture, displayed in our window.
Daily; Riverside, Level 1; Free
Until Sunday 28
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 12 – 14 May); Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5 (free to Members)
The New Heathen Archives
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Retrace the connections between David Bowie and the Southbank Centre in this free archive display.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 3
Members-Only Hours: Mike Nelson
Enjoy Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons away from the crowds in this Members-only time slot. Until Sunday 28 6pm; Hayward Gallery; Free to Members
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.
Gigs
Thursday 4
futuretense: Natty Wylah + SHEIVA
Part of futuretense
A double dose of free new music: playful genre-hopping from SHEIVA and an unpredictable strain of hip-hop from Natty Wylah.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Saturday 20
The Anchoress
Producer and multiinstrumentalist Catherine Anne Davies is The Anchoress, known for her debut album Confessions of a Romance Novelist
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £16.50 – £20
Thursday 25
futuretense: And Is Phi + t l k
Part of futuretense
Our free gigs series invites two artists who wrap ethereal vocals around electronic, ambient and R&B.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 26
Nadine Shah Presents To Be a Young Man
The musician’s stunning playwriting debut, co-written with Jackie Thompson. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25
Performance & comedy
Gentle family shows, brand-new stand-up and playwriting debuts: discover international artists and up-and-coming names here in our venues
Friday 19
Phil Wang: Wang in There, Baby!
Phil Wang’s new stand-up show covers race, nipples and everything else in his Philly little life. For ages 16+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £24 – £30
Friday 26
Nadine Shah Presents To Be a Young Man
The musician’s stunning playwriting debut, co-written with Jackie Thompson. For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25
Wednesday 31 toooB
Follow this curious and friendly shape-shifter as she learns and plays in a new land. All performances are Relaxed. For ages 6 – 24 months.
11am, 1pm & 3pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £12 (adult), £9 (child)
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free at the Southbank Centre, including exhibitions on artists, brand new compositions, and family rhymes and trails
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
Until Sunday 21
Olivia Bax: Monkey Cups
Two blue steel-framed vessels covered in paper pulp lean on each other for support in this 2018 sculpture, displayed in our window.
Daily; Riverside, Level 1; Free
Until Sunday 28
The New Heathen Archives
Part of Aladdin Sane: 50 Years
Retrace the connections between David Bowie and the Southbank Centre in this free archive display.
Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm; Wed – Sun, 10am –11pm; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 4 futuretense: Natty Wylah + SHEIVA
Part of futuretense
A double dose of free new music: playful genre-hopping from SHEIVA and an unpredictable strain of hip-hop from Natty Wylah.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Philharmonia Chamber Players: Tchaikovsky
Enjoy a free performance by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Eunsley Park violin
Ella Rundle cello
Dinara Klinton piano
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op.50
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 5
Rug Rhymes
A celebratory Coronation Special of our regular short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11am; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 7 Music of Today: Composers’ Academy
Be the first to hear new music by this year’s cohort of participants in the Philharmonia’s Composers’ Academy.
Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra
Robin O'Neill conductor
Nneka Cummins 3 Planets (World premiere); Jamie Man Orphans of the Cosmos (World premiere); Arthur Keegan New work (World premiere)
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Wednesday 10
European Poetry Festival: Latvian Poetry
Discover three of Latvia’s most dynamic writers, and new collaborations with British counterparts. For ages 16+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 25
futuretense:
And Is Phi + t l k
Part of futuretense
Our free gigs series invites two artists who wrap ethereal vocals around electronic, ambient and R&B.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Thursday 18 & Sunday 21
Demystifying Classical Music
A chance to ask members of the Philharmonia Orchestra anything you've always wondered about classical music, the orchestra, and what it's like to be a professional musician.
6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 19 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
Mix & Move: Ceilidh Jam
For this edition of our free and inclusive monthly dance, Folk Dance Remixed leads a fusion of folk dance and street dance, with an energetic live band.
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Wednesday 31
One & Everything Family Trail
On this self-led activity trail, learn about the world’s languages and the people that use them. For ages 5+.
Until Sun 4 Jun; 10.30am – 4pm; Level 2 Foyers, Royal Festival Hall; Free
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
Christine
and
the
Queens' Meltdown
It’s just a few weeks until Christine and the Queens takes over the Southbank Centre for the 28th edition of the UK’s longest-running artist-curated music festival. ‘I can’t effing wait,’ Christine and the Queens says – and we couldn’t agree more.
Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis
On next at the Hayward Gallery, this pioneering group show explores artistic responses to the climate emergency.
Wednesday 21 June – Sunday 3 September
Princess Ida, or Castle Adamant
In its season finale, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment takes a fresh look at Gilbert and Sullivan’s thorny 1884 comic opera.
Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 June
Reflecting the wealth of Christine and the Queens’ influences and inspirations, the line-up so far includes Django Django, KOKOROKO, Sigur Rós & London Contemporary Orchestra and Warpaint.
Friday 9 – Sunday 18 June
Also coming soon
The Gruffalo Join Mouse on a daring adventure in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, in one of our family events for May half-term.
Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 June
Stewart
Lee:
Basic Lee
One man, one mic, plus another in case that one breaks. Pure. Simple. Classic. Basic Lee.
Wednesday 28 June – Sunday 2 July
Alice Sara Ott & Friends: Quartet for the End of Time
One of our Resident Artists, pianist Alice Sara Ott, performs Messiaen’s visionary masterpiece with friends.
Thursday 22 June
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms
A summer favourite returns to our site. By shooting jets of water into the air, the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge.
Tuesday 30 May – Sunday 3 September
Eat & explore
The Story of 51
This is a spot that’s seen more than its fair share of seismic cultural moments, and changed immeasurably over the last 100 years. One year, more than any, set the mood for this patch of London south of the river, and its story is told in our petite exhibition, The Story of 51, tucked away in the foyer of the Royal Festival Hall.
The story’s a good one, so excuse us a few spoilers. The Royal Festival Hall, our oldest building, sprung up out of the bomb-scarred South Bank as part of the 1951 Festival for Britain, a landmark celebration of arts, science, industry and design. Scheduled on the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition, the festival was designed as a ‘tonic for the nation’ after the ravages of the Second World War. In our exhibition,
you can hear from the people who visited and worked at the festival, and get a real sense of what it meant to be wrapped up in such a patriotic gesture of optimism.
We’re confident they’d be proud of what the Southbank Centre has become – a place for everyone, a place of joy and curiosity, of broadened horizons, of escape from everyday life. And with war continuing to wreak harm across the world, it’s right that we remember stories of light rising from the rubble.
The Story of 51 can be found in the Level 2 Foyer, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall
Pop-ups with passion
Feeling peckish? Look around and you’ll spot a few new foodie friends and drink-toting dudes hanging round town. Some of these pop-ups you may recognise, others need a little introducing. So let’s start with a newbie: Thirsty Farrier are here this summer, slinging Pimm’s and salted caramel espresso martinis for you to sup on their colourful deckchairs.
Wizards of craft ale Hop Locker top up the drinks selection, while sustenance comes from a pop-up greatest hits compilation: meaty miracles from Jimmy’s BBQ, hotdog heaven from Oh My Dog and fungi finesse from Truffle Burger. And going out on a sweet note, score your sugar fix from the self-explanatory Chocofruit or SNOG, makers of frozen yoghurt to melt your heart.
Thu 27 Apr – Sun 17 Sep; 11am – 11pm; across the site
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
For an audio version of this publication, visit 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.
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Image credits On the cover: Seckou Keita © Andy Morgan Inside cover: Abomination: A DUP Opera
This month's highlights: toooB © Darren Harvey-Regan; Abel Selaocoe © Parlophone Records Ltd; futuretense: SHEIVA © matylda.ci; Installation view of Mike Nelson, I, IMPOSTER, 2011. Various materials. Photo: Matt Greenwood. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery. International Booker Prize Shortlist Readings © Man Booker Prize; Sadiq Khan © Courtesy of Penguin
Header images: Classical music: Abel Selaocoe © Parlophone Records Ltd / Christina Ebenezer; Family: One and Everything Family Trail; Literature & talks: Def Leppard © Ross Halfin; Art & exhibitions: Installation view of Mike Nelson, Triple Bluff Canyon (the woodshed), 2004. Photo: Matt Greenwood. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery; Gigs: The Anchoress © Jodie Cartman
Chains; Performance & comedy: Phil Wang © Courtesy of Avalon; Free events: Philharmonia Chamber Players: Tchaikovsky © Luca Migliore
Upcoming highlights: Christine and the Queens © Paul Kooiker; Andrea Bowers, Step It Up Activists, Sand Key Reef, Key West, Florida, Part of North America’s
Only Remaining Coral Barrier Reef. Courtesy of Andrea Bowers and Andrew Kreps Gallery. Photo credit: Thomas Mueller. The Gruffalo © Tall Stories; Alice Sara Ott © Jonas Becker, Wiesbaden; Sophie Bevan © Sussie Ahlburg; Stewart Lee © Steve Ullathorne; Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms © India Roper-Evans
Eat & explore: The Story of 51 © India Roper-Evans; Chocofruit © Photography by Jake Davis
Scan the QR code to see our full event listings. To
accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk