DECEMBER
Highlights
Becoming: An Evening with Michelle Obama In a UK-exclusive event, Southbank Centre, in collaboration with Penguin Live, presents Michelle Obama in conversation about her highly anticipated new memoir, Becoming, with acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Reflecting on her memoir, Michelle Obama invites the audience at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall into her
Circus 1903
Rumpelstiltskin
Space Shifters
Mitsuko Uchida: Schubert Sonatas
Winter
New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-thecentury circus this Christmas. This European premiere includes sensational life-sized elephants created by puppeteers from War Horse, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and trapeze and high-wire performances
On the cover: Rumpelstiltskin See Thu 13 Dec for more details.
world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive, balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.
Dark and turbulent, elegant and grand – a selection of the composer’s most powerful solo works are performed by the sought-after pianist across two nights in Royal Festival Hall.
Catch the UK premiere of this retelling of a beloved family fairy tale, reimagined with lashings of magical mayhem, rocking music and supreme silliness. Widen your eyes for visually stunning costumes and a wondrous, hypermodern set.
See Southbank Centre transformed this winter with magical family shows, markets, twinkling lights, festive fun and other seasonal delights. Plus, at our free weekends, enjoy performances, activities and fun without opening your wallet.
Experience works by over 20 international artists that alter or disrupt our sense of space and reorient our understanding of our surroundings. Space Shifters features work by artists including Anish Kapoor, Yayoi Kusama, and Richard Wilson.
Dance through the decades in one unforgettable night: five floors of themed club nights, five bars, three live acts, twelve DJs, six dance lessons, and a front-row seat to London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Daily listings
Saturday 1 Family Gamelan Taster Session
Bring your family and friends to play our Javanese percussion orchestra. 3pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £10
Behind the Scenes Tour
Get a glimpse behind the scenes and see our famous spaces up close on this tour. 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10
Gamelan Taster Workshop
Get an introduction to Southbank Centre's Javanese gamelan. 6.30pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £10
Brexit Through the Gift Shop by Matt Forde
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £60
7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £17.50
Love, longing and friendship feature in an evening of classical music and literary readings. Freya Goldmark violin Corentin Chassard cello Leonardo Muller electric bass Timothy Adès reader William Roberts reader Debussy Pour les degrés chromatiques (Etude No.7); Pour les arpèges composés (Etude No.11); Reynaldo Hahn Selection from Premières Valses for piano; Reading: Paul Verlaine Clair de lune; Debussy Suite bergamasque; Reading: Aloysious Bertrand: Ondine; Ravel Ondine from Gaspard de la nuit; Toccata from Le tombeau de Couperin; Reading: Letter from Marcel Proust to Reynaldo Hahn; Reynaldo Hahn Sonata in C for violin & piano; Debussy Sonata in D minor for cello & piano; Piazzolla Adiós Nonino; Almarán Historia de un amor
Rob Lowe: Stories I Only Tell My Friends – LIVE
Peek behind the curtain of Hollywood, fatherhood and marriage at Rob Lowe's one-man show. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £40 – £180
Sunday 2 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler's Zog & Friends Show Don’t miss the ultimate festive sing-along for families, with songs, stories, and live drawing. 11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £7 (child), £15 (adult)
Architecture Tour
See Southbank Centre from a whole new perspective on a tour exploring decades of architectural innovation. 2pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10
Mala & The Outlook Orchestra Lose yourself in a night of bass and dubstep from the legendary producer. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £32 – £42
Federico Albanese
Be swept away on waves of meditative sound by the Italian composer’s third album, By The Deep Sea.
Monday 3 Dragon Babies – Gamelan for 3 – 5 year olds
Art Performance & dance Classical music Literature Archive studio Gigs & contemporary music Talks & topics Eat & explore There are no transaction fees for in-person bookings or Southbank Centre Members and Supporters Circles. For all other bookings transaction fees apply: £3 online; £3.50 over the phone. If you wish to receive tickets in the post, a £1 delivery charge applies. * Book free events at southbankcentre.co.uk ** Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of 10% of the standard admission charge, to support Southbank Centre’s work. For more information and to find out about Gift Aid, see southbankcentre.co.uk.
Absorb the sounds of the 18th century. John Butt director, organ, harpsichord Handel Overture, Alexander's Feast; Telemann Concerto in G for 2 violas, strings & continuo, TWV.52:G3; Handel Concerto in B flat, Op.7 No.1 for organ & orchestra; Telemann Concerto in E minor for recorder, flute, strings & continuo, TWV.52:e1; Handel Sinfonia to Act 1 from Saul; Telemann Concerto in E for viola d'amore, oboe d'amore, flute, strings & continuo, TWV.53:E1; Handel Concerto in G minor, Op.4 No.1 for organ & orchestra
Say a final hilarious farewell to the EU with Britain’s leading political comedian.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Key
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Pipedreams
Shake, rattle and gong with your little ones.
11am; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5 (child and accompanying adults)
Gong Babies
Join this relaxing music workshop aimed at parents, carers and babies. 2pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5 (one baby and accompanying adults)
TS Eliot Book Club
Discuss the ten poetry books shortlisted for this year’s prestigious TS Eliot Prize. 6.30pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Becoming: An Evening with Michelle Obama Join Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in a UK-exclusive event. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £30 – £125
Histoires D'Amour: Clara Rodriguez, Piano
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 – £20
Tuesday 4 Gamelan & Poetry Workshops – Lambeth Primary Offer
We invite Lambeth primary schools to free workshops. 10.30am; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Mitsuko Uchida: Schubert Sonatas
Hear Romantic solo piano works, ranging from the dark and turbulent to the elegant and melodic. Mitsuko Uchida piano Schubert Sonata in E flat, D.568; Sonata in A minor, D.784; Sonata in A, D.959 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Wednesday 5 London Philharmonic Orchestra: Jurowski conducts Bruckner Hear music of mountainous grandeur, interspersed with a quiet poetry. Vladimir Jurowski conductor Alena Baeva violin Weber Overture, Der Freischütz; Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto; Bruckner Symphony No.2 (vers.2, 1877) 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £65
Winter Lights
Wintry works written especially for the BBC Concert Orchestra. Bramwell Tovey conductor Alison Balsom trumpet Dobrinka Tabakova Orpheus' Comet; Anne Dudley Northern Lights; Guy Barker Trumpet Concerto (The Lanterne of Light); Jonny Greenwood Suite from Norwegian Wood; Sarah Jenkins And the Sun Stood Still (World premiere); Dobrinka Tabakova New work (World premiere) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 – £25
Brexit Through the Gift Shop by Matt Forde 7.30pm; see Sat 1 Dec for more details.
Poetry for Preservation
How does poetry help us preserve language and culture? We ask Livonian and Scots poets. 8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Thursday 6 Schools Carol Singing with the Organ
Schools are invited to sing festive favourites with the accompaniment of our magnificent organ. 11am; Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Architecture Tour 6pm; see Sun 2 Dec for more details.
Philharmonia Orchestra: Rouvali conducts Strauss
Principal Guest Conductor SanttuMatias Rouvali presents three Strauss masterpieces. Sophie Bevan soprano R Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite; Four Last Songs; An Alpine Symphony 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £12 – £58
Uniting of Opposites
The worlds of jazz and classical Indian music collide in a new musical venture. 7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
The Honey Colony: Bonnie Banane, Lafawndah and Tirzah Witness the evolution of pop at a barrier-breaking concert. 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £20
Friday 7 Rug Rhymes
A short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s and their carers. 10.30am; National Poetry Library Reading Den, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday Lunch: Liam Byrne
Open your ears to enchantment with viol music old and new at a free lunchtime concert. 1pm; Central Bar, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday Tonic: Whiskey Moon Face Go on a voyage into a bohemian musical underworld you never knew existed.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Mitsuko Uchida: Schubert Sonatas
A masterpiece for solo piano caps Uchida's multi-year Royal Festival Hall journey. Schubert Sonata in A minor, D.537; Sonata in C, D.840 (Reliquie); Sonata in B flat, D.960 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Sunday 9
Ralph McTell
Lose yourself in the fabled folk singer-songwriter’s storytelling style. 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £30
Space Shifters with the New London Chamber Choir
Spend an evening experiencing this Hayward Gallery exhibition with popup choral performances. Matthew Hamilton musical director Meredith Monk Afternoon melodies; Pauline Oliveros Sound patterns; John Cage Four2; Meredith Monk Quarry Weave 1; Robert Ashley She was a Visitor; Peter Ablinger Studien nach der Natur; Pauline Oliveros Tuning Meditation; Philip Glass 3 Songs; Christian Wolff Ashbery Madrigals; David Lang again (after ecclesiastes); Meredith Monk Astronaut anthem 7.30pm; Hayward Gallery; £20
London Sinfonietta: Sapiens
Follow the links between musical composition and literature – and how each can inspire the other. Jessica Cottis conductor Simon Haram saxophone Bidisha presenter Opening work to be announced; Mark Bowden Sapiens (Concerto for saxophone & ensemble) (World premiere); Knussen Songs without voices - 4 pieces for 8 players; Colin Matthews As Time Returns (settings of poetry by Ivan Blatny) (World premiere) 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Saturday 8 Christmas Carols
Discover the origins and stories of Christmas carols old and new in this study day. 12 noon; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £25
Behind the Scenes Tour 6pm; see Sat 1 Dec for more details.
London Philharmonic Orchestra: The Swingling Sixties Encounter an orchestral showpiece that’s a protest, celebration, and outrageous postmodern prank from the heart of 1960s counterculture. Vladimir Jurowski conductor Elizabeth Atherton soprano Maria Ostroukhova mezzo-soprano Thomas Walker tenor Joel Williams tenor Theodore Platt baritone Maxim Mikhailov bass The Swingles London Philharmonic Choir Stravinsky Variations in memoriam Aldous Huxley; Threni; Tango arr. for orchestra; Berio Sinfonia 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £46
Jerusalem Quartet
The acclaimed string quartet present three key works spanning the centuries. Haydn String Quartet in G, Op.76 No.1; Debussy String Quartet in G minor, Op.10; Beethoven String Quartet in E flat, Op.74 (Harp) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Ian Shaw and Claire Martin's Early Xmas Cracker
Get in the festive spirit with a selection box of seasonal classics from the jazz-singing duo. 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25
NCO Under 13 Orchestra Winter Concert 2018
Celebrate NCO's 40th anniversary at a musical showcase performed by the Under 13 Orchestra. Natalia Luis-Bassa conductor Peter Stark conductor Gershwin Cuban Overture; Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; Dvořák Symphony No.9 (From the New World); Justin Hurwitz La La Land Suite 2pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £30.50
Philharmonia Orchestra: Ashkenazy conducts Elgar
An evocative and virtuosic first half leads into one of the best-loved pieces in British music. Piotr Anderszewski piano Mendelssohn Overture, Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage; Mozart Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K.491; Elgar Enigma Variations 3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £12 – £58
Nicola Benedetti with National Children's Orchestras of Great Britain
Violinist Nicola Benedetti performs Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No.2 with the NCO Main Orchestra. Jonathan Bloxham conductor Howard Williams conductor Shostakovich Festive Overture; Tchaikovsky 3 Movements from The Nutcracker arr. Tim Jackson for brass; Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 in G minor, Op.63; Britten Dawn & Storm from 4 Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes; Debussy La mer 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £30.50
London Winter Concert
Bring on the cheer at a magical evening of seasonal music and song in support of The Prince’s Trust. 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £19 – £49
Wednesday 12 Winter Choirs 5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Turning of the Year
Hear the merry voices of Lewisham schoolchildren at a festive gathering of local choirs. 6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
John Lewis Partnership Christmas Concert
The John Lewis Partnership's 12 choirs and orchestra invite you to an evening of festive music, movie themes and specially commissioned pieces. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. 7.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Thursday 13 Winter Choirs 5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Lambeth Youth & Melbourne Grammar Orchestras In this joint concert, listen to the musical collaborations of two accomplished youth orchestras.
6pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Rumpelstiltskin
Watch a new spin on the classic fairy tale, to delight the whole family.
Grand Christmas Classics
Festive songs to celebrate the season. Matt Baker presenter London Concert Orchestra Toby Purser conductor Natasha Jouhl soprano Alexander James Edwards tenor Fanfare Trumpeters of the Coldstream Guards Band London Philharmonic Choir Adolphe Adam O Holy Night; Harold Darke In the Bleak Midwinter; FX Gruber Silent Night; Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride; Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker Suite; The Twelve Days of Christmas arr. Willcocks; plus carols for all 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £47.50
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. 7.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Saturday 15 Caribbean Christmas
Warm up with traditional and festive Caribbean music, stories and performances. 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Rumpelstiltskin 2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. 2pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Caribbean Christmas Party Time Party like they do on the islands at an afternoon of traditional festive Caribbean music. 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Behind the Scenes Tour
Loscil
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £40
6pm; see Sat 1 Dec for more details.
Philharmonia Orchestra: Christmas with King's College Choir
John Wilson & the John Wilson Orchestra
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £22.50 – £25
A sublime selection of carols performed by the famous voices of the chapel choristers, as well as carols for all. Stephen Cleobury conductor Roderick Williams baritone Crouch End Festival Chorus
Float through the bleak beauty of Vancouver with experimental ambient music from Loscil.
Monday 10 Dragon Babies – Gamelan for 3 – 5 year olds 11am; see Mon 3 Dec for more details.
TS Eliot Book Club 6.30pm; see Mon 3 Dec for more details.
A Very Polari Christmas
Have yourself a very merry Polari with a festive literary rampage featuring Barbara Brownskirt. 7.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £5
Roxane Gay in Conversation
The critic and author takes the stage to discuss today's culture with her characteristic humour. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £35
Tuesday 11 Winter Choirs
No silent nights at our festive season of free choir performances. 5.45pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. Funny, provocative and beautifully poetic, That Night Follows Day exposes the facts, white lies and excuses adults tell children.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £54.50
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. 7.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Warm up for the Weekend
Meet friends for a drink accompanied by free music from up-and-coming DJs. 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday 14 Rug Rhymes 10.30am; see Fri 7 Dec for more details.
Friday Lunch: Granny's Attic
This lively trio shake the mothballs out of traditional English folk. 1pm; Central Bar, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday Tonic: The Balkanoes
John Wilson and his orchestra perform the music of Hollywood and Broadway musicals. Kim Criswell vocalist Programme includes: Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend; South Pacific; The Sound of Music; ET; The Philadelphia Story; People; The Shadow of Your Smile; There's no Business Like Showbusiness, and more. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £38 – £64
That Night Follows Day by Tim Etchells & Forced Entertainment. 7.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Winter With... Glittery Clittery
Feeling fierce, feminist and festive? Join us for song, dance and an explosion of sequins. 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Sunday 16 Rumpelstiltskin 11am & 5pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Winter Gathering
Gather together for a day of craft and music to celebrate the family we choose for ourselves.
Try a Balkan goulash of brass and soul with a pinch of klezmer.
12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
2pm; see Sun 2 Dec for more details.
Rumpelstiltskin 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Architecture Tour
Philharmonia Orchestra: Christmas at the Movies
Great music from your favourite festive films. Pete Harrison conductor Lauren Samuels guest singer Nadim Naaman guest singer Programme includes: Home Alone; The Polar Express; Love Actually; Harry Potter; It's a Wonderful Life; Elf; White Christmas; The Snowman and many more 3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £49.50
Tomorrow's Warriors Winter Showcase
The UK's jazz stars of tomorrow present their Female Collective, String Tings and youth ensembles. 3pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Philharmonia Orchestra: Messiah Enjoy 350 voices raised in monumental harmony in Handel's masterpiece. Brian Wright conductor Mary Bevan soprano Kathryn Rudge mezzo-soprano Nicky Spence tenor Ashley Riches bass Goldsmiths Choral Union Highgate Choral Society English Concert Chorus Handel Messiah 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £49.50
Monday 17 Feelings of Home: Tomorrow's Warriors and WFRW
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
Circus 1903
Rumpelstiltskin
7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
4.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
2.30pm & 7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Thursday 20 Circus 1903 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Nest Collective Takeover
Take in the finest of folk and world music this Winter with Katherine Priddy and The Hut People. 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Winter Choirs 5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Rumpelstiltskin
Winter Choirs 5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Monday 24 Learn to Swing!
If you ain’t got that swing, come and get it at our Lindy Hop workshop. 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Five Go Jiving
7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Start your festive holiday in style with a dancing extravaganza.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Warm up for the Weekend 9.30pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Friday 21 Friday Lunch: MOCHUDI
Laidback beats find the intersection of neo-soul, jazz, blues and folk. 1pm; Central Bar, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Circus 1903 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Friday Tonic: Amaroun
Producer and songwriter Jay Brown blends electronic soul and pop in her latest project.
Wednesday 26 Rumpelstiltskin
Learn to Ballroom
Feel the rhythm at a ballroom workshop this winter. 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Strictly Winter Ballroom
Life’s a ball at our social dance.
7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £29 – £36
Tuesday 18 Gamelan Winter Chimes
Gongs, chimes and metallophones ring in the season at a gamelan performance. 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Winter Choirs 5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Rumpelstiltskin 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It' 7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Wednesday 19 Circus 1903
Roll up, roll up for daredevil entertainment at this turn-of-thecentury circus. 3pm & 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £25 – £95
Feelings of Home: Streetwise Opera and Kinetika Bloco Consider what home means to different people during winter at this performance.
We wish you a very Myra Christmas at this seasonal all-singing spectacular. 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Saturday 22 Circus 1903 11am, 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Snow Ball
Show off your best fancy dress and learn dance moves to festive hits at this winter ball. 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Rumpelstiltskin 2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It' 2.30pm & 7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Tango Time!
Dance cheek to cheek at an afternoon of Argentinian tango performances, lessons and social dancing. 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It' 7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Friday 28 Circus 1903 11am, 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Friday Lunch: Jack Stephenson-Oliver Trio
Enjoy your lunch to the sounds of this vibrant and energetic group. 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Friday Tonic: Piers James
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
The charmingly irreverent comedian wishes you the happiest of holidays.
7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Sunday 23
Winter Choirs
12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Rumpelstiltskin
5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
Winter with... Mawaan Rizwan and Guests
Join us for an inclusive day of music, storytelling and craft celebrating the generations.
5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Thursday 27
5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Winter Knees Up
Rumpelstiltskin 2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Rumpelstiltskin 2pm & 7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
5pm; see Sun 2 Dec for more details.
Monday 31 Kids’ Countdown
Start your family’s New Year revels early at this countdown party for kids. 11.30am; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Rumpelstiltskin Party through the decades in one unforgettable night at Southbank Centre.
7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
The rising star creates slick rap with iconic hip-hop elements.
Winter Choirs
12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
11am, 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Read her lips: an evening of rave, rollick and rant from the new queen of Coronation Street.
Get hands-on with AFRORETRO, creating crafts inspired by memories of the year.
2pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It' Winter With... Myra Dubois
2018 Wrap Up
4pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Circus 1903
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
11am & 3pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Architecture Tour
3pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
7pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
7.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Circus 1903
Circus 1903
5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
5.45pm; see Tue 11 Dec for more details.
Sunday 30
4.30pm; see Mon 17 Dec for more details.
Hear music inspired by home from two of our resident groups.
Winter Choirs
6pm; see Sat 1 Dec for more details.
2pm; see Thu 13 Dec for more details.
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Rumpelstiltskin
Behind the Scenes Tour
Maureen Lipman Is 'Up for It'
Saturday 29 Circus 1903 11am, 3pm & 7.30pm; see Wed 19 Dec for more details.
Winter's a DRAG
Top up your seasonal cheer at this day-long event with London’s best drag kings and queens. 12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
New Year's Eve Spectacular
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £85 – £250
Throughout the month Space Shifters
View artwork by over 20 international artists on the theme of space disruption. Until 6 Jan 2019; 11am – 7pm (last entry 6pm); Thursdays until 9pm (last entry 8pm); closed Tuesdays and Mon 24 – Wed 26 Dec; Hayward Gallery Supporter: £16.50**, Standard: £15
Emmanuelle Lainé
Experience Emmanuelle Lainé's intricate site-specific installation in HENI Project Space Until Mon 24 Dec; 11am – 7pm (last entry 6pm); Thursdays until 9pm (last entry 8pm); closed Tuesdays; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; Free
Every 27 September
Uncover the history of Southbank Centre through archives from a single date across the decades 10am – 11pm (for Christmas opening hours, see overleaf); Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Constructing Spaces
Make room for creativity at an interactive reconstruction of poet WS Graham’s creative space. Daily except Mondays and Mon 24 – Wed 26 Dec; 11am – 8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Winter Market
Eat, drink and be merry beside the River Thames at our enchanting Winter Market. Until Thu 27 Dec; daily except Tue 25 Dec; Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm; Queen's Walk; Free
Sixty Minute Spectrum Redux (2018)
Artist David Batchelor’s new largescale light commission highlights the architecture of our venues in dramatic colour. Until 6 Jan; 5pm – 12 midnight; Royal Festival Hall Roof
Getting here Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room ter Wa
National Theatre
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By tube Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
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Royal Festival Hall
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Hayward Gallery Be lve de re R
By train The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars
IMAX
By bus Route RV1 stops on Belvedere Road (less than a minute’s walk away) Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 521, N1, N68, N171 and N343 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away) Routes 76, 77, 211, 341, 381, 507, N381, N76 and RV1 stop on York Road (five minutes' walk away)
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London Waterloo East
While you’re here
Yo rk
Southbank Centre
LondonSouthbank Centre occupies a 17-acre site in the midst of Eye London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Waterloo
Thames. This includes Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery. We also curate the outdoor spaces along the riverfront and around our venues. Waterloo We believe art has the power to help create a better world for Station everyone. It was this belief that led to our creation in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain – a major exhibition and festival that gave the nation hope for a brighter future.
Today, millions of people gather at our events each year to enjoy culture from around the world, making us the UK's seventh most popular visitor attraction. We put on over 3,000 concerts, gigs, exhibitions, shows and debates every year, half of them for free. We also work with thousands of children and young people.
How to book tickets
You’ll never be short of eating and drinking options at Southbank Centre – we’ve got everything from cafes and sandwich shops to fine dining and bars. Browse our shops for designer concessions, unusual gifts, jewellery and homeware. Cafes, restaurants and bars You can grab a snack, sit down for a meal, or relax over a drink at a selection of venues across our site. Concrete Cafe in Queen Elizabeth Hall is newly opened and offers a range of food for breakfast and lunch. Hayward Gallery Cafe has recently opened and is the new secret place in London for quiet drinks with friends with spectacular views over Waterloo Bridge. For fine dining, head to Skylon and to Côte Brasserie and to Honest Burgers for drinks and meals with friends. For more information, see southbankcentre.co.uk/food. Shops Browse our shops for gifts designed for every age and interest, including stocking fillers and collectables. Get Christmas wrapped up at one of our three outlets – Hayward Gallery Shop, Southbank Centre Shop and Royal Festival Hall Shop. Seen something here and forgot to pick it up? Shop online at shop. southbankcentre.co.uk
Online southbankcentre.co.uk* By phone 020 3879 9555* 9am – 8pm daily In person Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office 10am – 8pm daily * There are no transaction fees for in-person bookings or Southbank Centre Members and Supporters Circles. For all other bookings transaction fees apply: £3 online; £3.50 over the phone. If you wish to receive tickets in the post, a £1 delivery charge applies.
Opening times over the holiday period Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall: Monday 24 December: 10am – 5pm Tuesday 25 December: closed Wednesday 26 December: 12 noon – 11pm Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 December: 10am – 11pm Monday 31 December: 10am – 3pm (10am – 4.30pm Queen Elizabeth Hall) Tuesday 1 January: 12 noon – 11pm (Queen Elizabeth Hall closed) Hayward Gallery: Monday 24 December: 11am – 5pm (HENI Project Space only) Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 December: closed Thursday 27 December, 11am – 9pm Friday 28 – Sunday 30 December: 11am – 7pm Monday 31 December: 11am – 3pm Tuesday 1 January: closed
Southbank Centre Food Market Discover why our food market is a food lover’s destination, as our traders return with delicious street food for every appetite. Friday, 12 noon – 8pm Saturday, 11am – 8pm Sunday, 12 noon – 6pm Bank Holiday Mondays, 12 noon – 6pm
Access We offer BSL Interpretation, Speech-to-Text Transcription, Audio Description, Captioning, and Autism-Friendly Performances. To join our Access Scheme and book concessionary tickets, email accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk or call 020 3879 9555. Level access is available to all our venues. For more access information please visit southbankcentre.co.uk/access
Membership Become a Member and be first in line for tickets to over 5,700 events. Join now at southbankcentre.co.uk/membership
Support Join our family of supporters and help us continue to present as many free activities as possible, making art available to all at southbankcentre.co.uk/support
Listings correct at time of going to press. Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
On the cover: Rumpelstiltskin Highlights page: 1903, Rumpelstiltskin © Shane Reid, Space Shifters © Richard Wilson, 20:50, 1987. Installation view Hayward Gallery, London, 2018 © and courtesy the artist. Photo: Mark Blower, Mitsuko Uchida © Decca Justin Pumfrey, Winter© India Roper-Evans, New Year’s Eve Spectacular © Nathan Kaemena
To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre. co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555