Now in its seventh year, the National Theatre’s River Stage returns with an eclectic summer programme on the South Bank. This year’s programme platforms leading arts and culture organisations from across London, with events including unmissable club nights, performances from legendary drag artists, dance companies, music, comedy and more.
The Glory return to River Stage from 9–11 June to kick-off the festival with a weekend packed with musical sing-a-longs, cabaret, live-drawing and more. John Sizzle brings a selection of classic Glory hits, and Jonny Woo hosts special guests including Sooz Kempner, Adam Perchard and George Bourgeois for a night of comedy and musical theatre. Dance to a soundtrack of RnB and disco with rising cabaret stars from the Global Majority at Shade hosted by Rhys’ Pieces. Glamorous ghost whisperer Séayoncé will summon spirited high jinks from beyond the grave with hilarious stand-up and original songs. Returning this year are Bolly Illusion celebrating London’s South Asian queer community and Drag Life Drawing, a daytime workshop for the whole family.
Making their River Stage debut on 16–18 June, James Cousins Company bring an exciting line-up of dance and music to the South Bank. The company reimagines their hit immersive production We Are As Gods turning the South Bank into a club night. James Cousins will lead a Guys and Dolls workshop teaching the choreography from Adelaide’s Hot Box. A conversation with Arlene Philips sees her share stories from the highlights of her career. Get your dancing shoes on at the Line Dancing and Salsa Workshops or dance the night away at the After Party with songs remixed by PÄTO.
Shubbak Festival makes its way to the South Bank from 23–25 June showcasing ground-breaking contemporary Arab arts through a cutting-edge programme with over 20 incredible acts across the weekend. In collaboration with choir singers, string players and more, Zahed Sultan presents a series of live performances that celebrates people on the margins of society. Featured on Boiler Room and a pioneer of the SWANA/UK music scene, Saliah will be bringing a high-energy set that remixes SWANA classics with modern club sounds. Artist Aya Haidar invites audiences of all ages to join in stitching and sharing fabric to build a rich layered tapestry that transcends borders. Audiences are invited to an array of musical styles performed by Beirut Groove Collective, Amira Kheir, Berber Diffusion and more.
Hackney Empire’s Young Producers return from 30 June – 2 July for a weekend curated by the next generation of young creatives, aged 14-21. Expect a weekend of exceptional young talent including performances by award-winning UK hip-hop dance company Boy Blue, an interactive movement workshop by The Pappy Show and celebrate Pride weekend with the Young Producers Sing Along. Singer, songwriter and producer Kali Claire, who has previously worked with the likes of Alicia Keys and Mabel, will be headlining the Saturday programme. Hosted by Scully (No Signal Radio), audiences can expect dance crews, rap battles, big vocals, steel pans, grime, ‘90s bangers, alongside some of the latest crazes tearing up TikTok.
KERB brings their open-air street food market to the National Theatre once again, opening from May to September. London’s longest banqueting table will be ready for visitors to tuck into seasonal street food specials such as pork belly and chicken thigh Portuguese bifanas, fluffy Korean bao buns, Venezuelan cachapas, Japanese ramen, Nashville fried chicken, Indian thalis, Sicilian style deep pan pizzas and wildly flavoured ice cream.
River Stage will run from Friday 9 June until Sunday 2 July 2023. Please find the full programme details here.
