Plastic Drastic Fantastic (Sensory Adapted)
Friend or foe? Remarkable or rubbish? Drawing on South Asian dance, this contemporary dance theatre work for families explores the wonders and woes of plastics.
Produced by Akademi, Plastic Drastic Fantastic explores our complex relationship with plastics – the fantastic possibilities they offer, as well as the drastic consequences to the environment.
The artists investigate plastics and the dangers of their misuse through intricate movement, gestures and play in this work choreographed by Subathra Subramaniam.
Akademi makes vibrant, fascinating, and meaningful South Asian dance. With care at the centre of all that they do, Akademi uses the compelling power of storytelling, rhythm and gestures to create deeper connections with each other and our wider world. Akademi has been the beating heart of South Asian dance in the UK since 1979.
Originally an Akademi and Polka Theatre co-production. 2023 grant for the origination with the new cast supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a non-verbal dance piece and doesn’t include any spoken words. The artistic and technical team on the project worked closely with creative consultant for d/Deaf audiences Ramesh Meyappan in the development of the show.
Need to know
Every adult and child needs a ticket, except for babes in arms aged under 18 months at the time of the performance who don’t need their own seat.
Access
This performance is Sensory Adapted (SA).
A Sensory Adapted performance is designed to be more accessible for audiences with sensory sensitivities. This may include children, young people and adults with neurodivergence such as autism, learning difficulties or other sensory or communication needs.
Sensory Adapted performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and you are free to enter and exit during the performances. House lights will also be left on at a low level throughout the performance in order to make any movement in the space safer.
A chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones are available for both adults and children. The company also makes adjustments to any lighting or sound effects, or moments in the show, that might be especially loud or sudden.
The capacity for this show is much lower with a maximum of 80 people in the space. Tickets are arranged to be booked in groups of two, three, four or five with additional seats and space left between groups to help contribute to a more relaxed environment.
If you need to book additional seats and there are no suitable groups of tickets available, email [email protected] or call us on 020 3879 9555.
Plastic Drastic Fantastic is a non-verbal dance piece and doesn’t include any spoken words. The dancers use their bodies, expressions and gestural movements to guide you through the performance. This makes it accessible to a range of people, including d/Deaf and hard of hearing and non-English speakers or those with developing language and communication skills.
For d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences there are also a limited number of sensory cushions available on request. These are soft, handheld cushions that pulsate to the beat and respond to tonal qualities of the music and sounds, offering an additional sensory experience of the show.
To book a seat with a sensory cushion, or to request a cushion for an existing booking, please email [email protected] or call us on 020 3879 9555.
We know that some audiences like to know what to expect in the performance and a Sensory Adapted Performance Pack will be made available to all bookers in advance to explain the story and highlight lighting or sound effects or other sensory stimulating moments.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
All our access information
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
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.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.