Family things to do this Easter and May half term at the Southbank Centre
Offering you inspiration for family events and activities to keep everyone happy over the Easter weekend and May half-term
The daffodils are in bloom, there was a weird bright yellow thing in the sky the other day, you’ve contemplated (but not yet committed to) putting away the big coat. It can only mean one thing; spring is here.
And with spring comes more school holidays and the pressure to find more things to keep the little ones entertained. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in. We’ve a host of family-friendly things to do taking place here at the Southbank Centre over the Easter holidays and the May half-term, from sensational shows to awesome activities and free creative experiences. Take a look at what’s coming up, below.
The Koala Who Could
Wed 1 – Sun 5 Apr
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Join Kevin, the King of the staying-still-kings, plus his friends Wombat and Kanagroo for an outback adventure based on the bestselling picture book about taking a chance and trying something new. The Koala Who Could combines puppetry and songs in an empowering, chuckle-out-loud performance.
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Tue 7 – Sun 12 Apr
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Based on Onjali Q. Raúf’s best-selling novel, this heartfelt and often hilarious adventure follows a group of friends as they set out on a quest to reunite their new classmate with his family. A celebration of friendship, kindness and compassion, Nick Ahad’s play highlights the power of good friends in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
REPLAY
until Sun 12 Apr
Spirit Level, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall
A load of recycled rubbish. Thankfully not a review, but the basis of the hugely popular REPLAY, which returns as part of Imagine. Part installation, part adventure playground, this limitless world of play and imagination fashioned from recycled materials invites children to build their own worlds and invent their own games. We also offer Relaxed REPLAY sessions for children and their families who would benefit from a gentler, less busy space.
Architecture Explorers: Family Trail
Wed 1 – Wed 29 Apr
Royal Festival Hall
Free
Follow a guided, interactive journey of discovery around the Southbank Centre on this interactive family trail. Designed to be followed by children, with a little help from their grown ups, our trail maps lead you round the unusual architecture and hidden details of our buildings.
Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special
Fri 3 Apr, 2pm
The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall
Free
Bring your best dancing shows down to The Clore Ballroom for this special all-ages edition of Simmer Down, our regular free reggae-flavoured monthly meet-up and daytime dance. With music from the Tomorrows’ Warriors house band and vinyl spinning DJ duo GW Jazz and the Reggae Choir you’ll soon be up on your feet grooving to the spirit and unity of reggae.
Community Quilting Family Workshop
Tue 7 – Sat 11 Apr
The Clore Ballroom / Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer
Free
Cut, stitch and create at our drop-in quilting workshops with textile artist Nastasha Shah. Whether you’ve stitched before or are a complete novice, be part of this creative community project and add your ideas and stories to a vibrant piece of communal artwork.
Blizzard
Wed 27 – Sun 31 May
Queen Elizabeth Hall
What do you get if you combine visual poetry performers, with incredible acrobatics, and a pretty chilly wind? You get Blizzard that’s what, a remarkable performance from FLIP Fabrique that takes you on a wild, yet gentle, journey of wonder.
The Maker
Sat 30 & Sun 31 May
Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall
A world full of surprises, physical comedy and magical experiments – some amazing, some, er, less so – awaits in this brilliantly playful new show. Will inventor Drexel and his brilliant servant Pipe manage to create something extraordinary from absolutely nothing? Or will their inventiveness end in disaster? Join us to find out.
Michael Rosen’s Birthday
Sat 23 May, 11am
The Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall
Free
Put on your party hats and pop down to The Clore Ballroom for a special celebration to mark the iconic author and poet’s 80th birthday. And what better way to celebrate than with a day packed full of storytelling, silly rhymes and special guests, including the birthday boy himself.
DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow
Sat 30 May
Riverside Terrace
Free
Step outside on our terrace and join Prancer the Dancer for the perfect fun-filled night out – just in the daytime. Get groovy, have a boogie and learn dance routines with the aid of some special guests from the worlds of cabaret and circus – expect gymnastic ribbons and general sparkle-iness aplenty.
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