Relaxed Sessions with Body Odyssey
Play, make and experience the wonders of the immune system as we journey into the amazing human body through inclusive workshops and accessible live performance.
Relaxed Sessions are the perfect place to start the weekend, specially designed for children and families who would benefit from a sensory adapted space and a smaller group experience.
On a monthly basis you can watch a performance, make something with the artists and play with other children and their families – all for free!
This month, Body Odyssey returns, inviting families to investigate the human body. Be transported into a wonderland of glowing inflatable organs, floating cells, larger than life puppets and mesmerising soundscapes. Through playful, hands-on activities and interactive storytelling, you’ll learn how our bodies fight to stay strong, and explore what truly lies beneath the surface.
Relaxed Sessions are our adapted version for children and families who would benefit from a sensory adapted space and a smaller group. See all access changes in the access section below.
Schedule
10.30am: soft start and welcome to the Body Odyssey
10.45am – 11.15am: create your own cell costume
11.15am – 11.45am: extract from the Body Odyssey show
11.45am – 12 noon: soft finish
Body Odyssey is created by writer Camille Dawson, inspired by her real-life experiences with hidden illness. Returning for a second time on the Clore Ballroom, this developed work takes you on a journey within, and tells the story of Marnie, whose body is about to face the greatest challenge of her life.
In this immersive adventure, families transform into white blood cells on a mission to protect Marnie’s health. Along the way, you’ll meet her vital organs — brought to life with original music by Franklin Dawson and Lottie Pendlebury (Goat Girl) from country to disco to R&B — and work together to battle infections and keep her body functioning.
Camille Dawson is a critically acclaimed comedy writer, performer and director specialising in multi-art immersive performance.
Surrounding the show, an interactive exhibition designed by Cristina Ottonello offers sensory and anatomical displays to deepen your understanding of the body’s systems.
Camille Dawson writer and director
Cristina Ottonello immersive inflatable art installation
Chloe Young movement director and co-director
Joana Nastari dramaturgy and co-director
Franklin Dawson & Lottie Pendlebury composition, music and lyrics
Adam Pearson composition sound mixing
Paul Freeman sound design
Sam Alexander Noble costume design
Sophie Taylor, Carrot & Camille Dawson performers
Jesse Dupre & Sarah Wanendeya voiceovers
Heather Ralph producer
Need to know
Free tickets are available to book from eight days before the event.
Relaxed Sessions are the adapted version of Saturday Sessions: if you or your child have SEND or other needs and would benefit from a smaller group and an adapted space, please book a free ticket. See all access changes in the access section.
The performance and workshop is repeated in the afternoon’s Saturday Sessions, without the adaptations of Relaxed Sessions and with no need to book a ticket.
A ‘What to expect’ guide with additional access information is available for audience members who may benefit from preparing for the performance.
View the guide
Access
This session has a relaxed approach to noise and movement, a reduced capacity, sensory adaptations and a nearby rest space available to use for the duration of the session whenever needed.
Relaxed Sessions and Saturday Sessions take a relaxed approach to noise or movement coming from the audience. They give everyone permission to relax and respond naturally and people are free to come and go as they please.
The following changes are in place for Relaxed Sessions:
- Smaller group: these sessions have a reduced number of spaces, and only people with tickets can attend
- Fixed lighting state with no sudden changes
- Moderate sound levels and no extreme or sudden changes in noise
- Curtains partly drawn to reduce distractions and noise
- Chairs, benches, bean bags and floor space to get comfortable on
- A team member present who specialises in play for children with SEND
- A rest space available nearby available from 10.30am – 3.30pm
- Noise-cancelling headphones on request
- A slow start and slow finish to the session: you may relax in the space for 15 minutes after the workshop ends
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 The Clore Ballroom Southbank Centre
The Clore Ballroom is open six days a week.
Tuesday, 10am – 6pm*
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
*If we’re hosting a performance, the building will stay open until the event ends.
Plan your visit
The Clore Ballroom is located inside our Royal Festival Hall on Level 2.
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.
There is step-free access to The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, via a ramp.
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
Next to The Clore Ballroom is our Ballroom Cafe where you can grab a coffee and a piece of freshly made cake. Also on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace.
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.