Creative Encounters: You've Got the Love
Dive into love in all its forms as writer Rhianna Ilube leads an evening of writing, exchanging and debunking love stories with singer-songwriter Karima Francis.
Join playwright Rhianna Ilube to learn about the art of romance writing, and create, collage and write love cards or letters to gift to loved ones in your life – whether that be friends, partners, family members or even yourself.
We also look at some famous rom-com ‘meet-cutes’ from film history, learn about the basics of scriptwriting and have a go at writing our own short scripts – all the while reflecting on the role of love stories and experiences in our day-to-day lives.
Rhianna Ilube is a playwright, dramaturg, curator and film programmer from London. Her debut play, Samuel Takes A Break…, premiered at The Yard Theatre in 2024. As a film programmer, she spends each year watching hundreds of films about queer love from around the world. As a true child of the noughties, she was an avid and semi-obsessive consumer of every straight rom-com going.
With these credentials behind her and the beloved/dreaded Valentine’s Day just around the corner, she invites you to come together for an evening about love: to write, to share stories, and to reflect on the nature of modern love in all its forms.
London-based artist Karima Francis has been captivating audiences for over a decade with their stunning and emotionally charged musical narratives. Through melancholic and enchanting songs, they skillfully navigate the intricate tapestry of human emotions, establishing a profound and enduring connection with listeners. Channeling inspiration from luminaries like Sharon Van Etten and Cat Power, their music blends elements of indie soul and Americana.
As ever, Creative Encounters is joined by the National Poetry Library, bringing the Poetry Kitchen to fulfil all your poetry needs.
So come on down to Creative Encounters and find a creative home in the heart of the city, where Londoners old and new are brought together for conversation, music and making.
Need to know
This is a drop-in event.
Creative Encounters is a fortnightly programme, running every other Wednesday. This is sometimes subject to change, so do always check the website for dates. These are friendly sessions designed for both those attending on their own or with others. There are opportunities to socialise and take part in activities together, but you are also very welcome to have a solo experience.
Creative Encounters is part of our Open Doors programme to welcome everyone into our creative spaces.
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.