Carnival: Family Edit
It’s time to round up the family for Aurora Orchestra’s Carnival, created in collaboration with physical theatre company Frantic Assembly.
Distinguished audience members, friends, children of the world – welcome to a world of sound and movement, of risk and endeavour, of mystery and beguilement. Meet Dr Frompou, a madcap scientist who’s dedicated his life to taming his Most Magnificent Orchestra.
In this brand-new orchestral theatre production of The Carnival of the Animals, Aurora musicians are pushed to their limits by collaborators Frantic Assembly (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time). From the virtuosic flight of the flute to the demon speed of the pianists; from the floor-shaking footsteps of the double bass to the soft glides of the cello, the dazzling carnival parade is infused with movement, design, lighting and new text by Kate Wakeling.
But can you always believe your eyes? Specially commissioned for this production, Richard Ayres’ new work Dr Frompou’s Anatomical Study of an Orchestra tells the story of what happens after the carnival is over and the musicians begin to rebel…
Credits
Jane Mitchell and Scott Graham co-directors
Simisola Majekodunmi lighting design
Jon Bausor production design
Kate Wakeling script
An Aurora Orchestra/Southbank Centre co-production developed in collaboration with Frantic Assembly.
Performers
Aurora Orchestra
Christopher Akrill dancer, actor
Naomi Frederick actor
Repertoire
Saint-Saëns: The Carnival of the Animals (performed from memory)
Richard Ayres: Dr Frompou’s Anatomical Study of an Orchestra (World premiere)
Need to know
Access
This is a Relaxed performance. This means that we have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and you are free to enter and exit. A quieter space and noise-cancelling headphones are available for both adults and children. There are no changes made to light and sound effects.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
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For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
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All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
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