Carnival
Roll up, roll up to a bold new collaboration of music and movement created by Aurora Orchestra and physical theatre experts Frantic Assembly.
Distinguished audience members, friends: 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
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.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
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.