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A group of performers on stage, holding white banners in the air with floating inflatable organs hanging from the ceiling
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Saturday Sessions with Body Odyssey

Through workshops and live performance, step inside a human wonderland as we play, make and experience a journey through the body.

Part of Open Doors

Saturday Sessions are the perfect place to start the weekend. 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, learn how our bodies fight to stay strong, and explore what truly lies beneath the surface.

Schedule
1pm: Welcome to Body Odyssey
1.15pm – 1.40pm: Create your own cell costume
1.40pm – 2.15pm: Extract from the Body Odyssey show
2.15pm – 3.30pm: A big body disco dance party

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.

Credits
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

Age guidance
For ages 5 – 11
Event information

Saturday Sessions are free, drop-in events with no booking required. The sessions are part of our Open Doors programme to welcome everyone into our creative spaces.

We also offer Relaxed Sessions, an adapted version for families who may benefit from a more chilled out space.

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

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. There is also a nearby rest space available to use for the duration of the session whenever needed.

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.