One Story: 365 Words
Aidan O’Rourke’s compositions react to James Robertson’s daily stories, each 365 words, creating fleeting vignettes intertwining the two.
This piece is about storytelling: about how to tell stories without saying too much.
James Robertson wrote a story every day for a year, each exactly 365 words.
What began as an exercise became a valued ritual and a captivating collection of tales, from the supernatural to the philosophical.
Aidan O’Rourke applied the same discipline to composition: a tune a day in response to Robertson’s stories.
The music is rooted in Scottish folk fiddling with Kit Downes on harmonium adding jazz and French impressionism.
The performance intertwines tunes with the words that inspired them. A series of fleeting, vivid vignettes.
Need to know
This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).
To book tickets for these services, call our Ticket Office on 020 3879 9555 or email [email protected]. You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
Find out more about our Access Scheme
This event is free, but ticketed. Seating is unallocated and tickets don’t guarantee entry: admission is on a first come, first served basis for those with tickets. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
This 15-minute piece is performed twice, with a short Q&A session with the composer between the performances.
Dates & times
Price
Free, but ticketed
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Venue
Purcell Room
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More information
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Get an overview of the seating layout of the Purcell Room by downloading our seating plan.
Toilets
An accessible toilet is located in the foyer.
A Changing Places toilet is located on Level 1 Royal Festival Hall next to the JCB Glass Lift, for the exclusive use of disabled people who need personal assistance to use the toilet.
The facility includes a height-adjustable bench, tracking hoist system, a centrally-placed toilet, a height-adjustable basin and a shower. The phone outside the Changing Places toilet will connect you with a member of staff, who can provide you with the key. The facility is open daily 10am – 11pm.
Cloakroom
The Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room cloakroom is closed. You won’t be able to bring any bags over 40 x 25 x 25cm into the venues, so please leave large bags at home.
We're cash-free
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Purcell Room is located in Queen Elizabeth Hall. For step-free access please use Royal Festival Hall JCB glass lift to Level 2 and enter via Riverside Terrace.
Talk to a member of staff at the auditorium entrance if you have a disability that means you can’t queue, or you need extra time to take your seat. They can arrange priority entry for you as soon as the doors open.
Please bear with us while we update our access map to reflect the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall’s Level 2 foyer spaces. The step-free routes remain the same.