Southbank Centre – Your Culture Fix
Nod along as Richard Ayoade talks to Adam Buxton and give your ears an afternoon out at M.I.A’s Meltdown.
Culture in the bank
Another bank holiday’s arrived, and we’re here to help you mark the day with a bit of creative entertainment and inspiration. Pop on our festival playlist, try our classical recommendations, gather your family for a cultural caper, or satisfy your curiosity with our podcasts and interviews.
If you’re spending your spare time indulging your own artistic ambitions, read on to find out how some of the world’s most inspiring minds get their creative juices flowing.
Whether you’ve got a weekend to fill or just want a more indulgent tea break, it’s time for your culture fix.
explore stories →Fuelling around
Video: Richard Wilson discusses 20:50 (1987)
Discover how a pile of rubbish and Doctor Who’s TARDIS inspired sculptor Richard Wilson to fill an entire gallery with oil back in 1987, in a piece later shown at the Hayward Gallery as part of our Space Shifters exhibition.
Bring the noise
Playlist: M.I.A.’s Meltdown
Turn the volume up for dancefloor fillers and agitpop heroes on this playlist influenced by M.I.A.’s radical Meltdown back in 2017. Soak up the festival vibes with the likes of Crystal Castles, Soulwax and Dexta Daps.
listen now →Plane speaking
Podcast: Richard Ayoade in conversation
Wherever Richard Ayoade goes, laughter follows. In this podcast, the comedian joins Adam Buxton to tell us why, out of all the films ever made, he chose to write a book about Bruno Barreto’s cabin crew rom-com, View From the Top.
listen now →Do the robot
Choreographer Jean Abreu on Solo for Two and the future of dance
Mechanical partners, labyrinths and heavy weights – choreographer Jean Abreu talks about bringing his technologically ambitious dance productions, including INSIDE and Solo for Two, to the Southbank Centre’s most intimate venues.
read now →Cello from the other side
Residence orchestras: lockdown picks from our classical partners
Missing concerts as much as we are? Our partner orchestras are being endlessly inventive in their attempts to bring you great music. If the technology’s out there, they’re trying it. All you have to do is decide what to listen to next.
read now →see all storiesI spy something to do
Family fun in May half term
Your youngsters may not be able to jump around in our giant fountain this week, but we’ve got a few activities we hope will make a splash (see what we did there?) including enchanting storytelling and podcasts designed for kids.
read now →Spoilt for choice
Culture picks
It’s time to stop channel-hopping. Our resident arts experts are back with another round-up of must-see culture, including a documentary about die-hard fans of Depeche Mode and an online choir for singers of all abilities.
read now →Make tracks
Plug in for toe-tapping music
Missing the sweet sound of your colleagues’ voices? Try one of our playlists to fill the silence or to accompany your lunchtime dance around the room. We’ve got mixtapes hand-picked by Joan As Police Woman, Marius Neset and Susheela Raman, to name a few.
listen now →Lend us an ear
Learn something new with our podcasts
Our podcast series features conversations with great writers, comedians, thinkers and musicians. Consider women on the page with Roxane Gay, spend an evening with Roger Daltrey or mull mental health and creativity with Matt Haig and Jordan Stephens.