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Experience traditional village diaphony from the Shopluk region in the southwest of Bulgaria – the home of Bulgarian ancient harmony singing. The workshop will be participatory with some background on style and history. Eugenia will teach by ear, with printouts of the lyrics. Suitable for all abilities, no sight reading skills or previous experience needed. Eugenia Georgieva is a Bulgarian singer, performer and translator. Internationally known for her work with Bulgarian a cappella group, Perunika Trio, vocal fusion outfit, YANTRA, exploring the intersecting points of Bulgarian, Indian and Renaissance English sacred and secular tradition, and her own five-piece band of virtuosos Eugenia Georgieva & Band. She has directed Veda Slovena Bulgarian Choir for 10 years, and has lead very popular vocal workshops at The Roundhouse and Kings Place in London, as well as Musicport and Sidmouth Folk Festival. Eugenia is a member of the Independent Society of Musicians. The workshop will be held at Douglas Kane Studio. There will be a 30 minute break for a hot drink, a snack and a chat in the cosy kitchen of the National Opera Studio. Hot drinks will be provided, please bring your own snacks. All spaces are fully accessible.
National Opera Studio
Step inside this stunning late-Victorian building and enjoy an afternoon tea with a difference. Explore the building and immerse yourself in a magical world of music, poetry and dancing. A performance will play throughout, layering the past, the present and the imagined in dialogue with one another. With three rooms to explore, encounter eclectic characters, art and artefacts as they reveal their fascinating stories. Our theme is the cultural heritage of the borough of Wandsworth. Meet us in the foyer, our socialising space, where you can sip a Wendelesorde tea, nibble a delicious Balham biscuit and curate some convivial conversations. Search for clues, detect echoes of history, seek out beauty and appreciate the collage of creativity. This is a family event suitable for children aged 8+. Our exhibition includes interactive elements and our guests are free to roam through calm and enchanting spaces discovering moments of joy and delight. If you have a curious mind and a cordial manner, please join us for this fantastical and fun afternoon tea party full of unusual surprises.
National Opera Studio
The performer/dancer/singer/pianist Alyssa Marie Warning takes the audience on a time-travel through the past century. She begins in the Silent Movie Era and the Jazz Age, then moves through the Golden Age of Hollywood, through the hippie and the punk ages, the 80s and 90s, until we meet a surprise character at the very end. Inspired by the pop culture of each decade, feminism and gender-studies, Warning parodies Hollywood and Pop Culture stereotypes through Clowning, dancing and singing accompanied by her piano-playing. She awakens the nostalgia and love for these decades with fun and entertaining transitions, and some audience interaction and participation. With this as her artistic language, she uses her choices of songs and dances to comment on gender norms and society's expectations of how one should behave according to their assigned gender. It is a fun, vibrant, entertaining show to highlight the absurdities of gender norms and our love of - and even slight addiction to - pop culture.
National Opera Studio
"Echoes of a Journey - contemporary dance & laouto" is an intimate live music and dance performance by Miltos Boumis (Cretan laouto) & Yanaëlle Ritter (contemporary dance). Having left their home countries to move to the UK over a decade ago, Miltos and Yanaëlle revisit the emotional ups and downs of that journey in their first collaboration, Echoes of a Journey. This experimental piece follows the highs and lows of starting a new life abroad, capturing the various phases one might experience along the way. The music, a blend of original compositions and traditional Greek melodies, is performed live on stage. In response, the choreography reflects the dancer's wanderings through the rich layers of sound—sometimes adventurous and exploratory, other times settling into sculptural stillness. This open dialogue between music and movement creates a deeply immersive experience. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to witness contemporary dance alongside the unique sounds of the Cretan laouto. Performers: Miltos Boumis (Cretan Laouto) & Yanaëlle Ritter (Dance) Duration: 40 minutes
National Opera Studio
Eugenia Georgieva is a Bulgarian singer, performer and translator. Internationally known for her work with Bulgarian a cappella group, Perunika Trio, and vocal fusion outfit, YANTRA, exploring the intersecting points of Bulgarian, Indian and Renaissance English sacred and secular tradition, and her own five-piece band of virtuosos Eugenia Georgieva & Band. For this special intimate performance, she will present a selection of songs from that tradition, unadorned and sung completely a cappella, as they would have been performed on those long winter nights at work gatherings, or on starry summer evenings on the village square. The rhythm of the language and the emotional intensity shape up the melodic formula. Some of the songs reflect the times of slavery, others are humorous with roots in medieval imagery, and some give us an insight into the most intimate workings of a human soul. The Blackburn Hall is fully accessible.
National Opera Studio
David Ferguson is trying to figure things out. Join him to discover together what works and what doesn’t on stage and in life. After a series of setbacks (from homelessness, nearly dying and losing out on an eBay auction) David Ferguson is trying to make his dreams come true. Life is a hairy situation. Can David fix his hair? David Ferguson, co-host of @believepod, is a popular comic on the London circuit. He has had sold out shows at the Vault Festival and Brighton Fringe. With a likeable stage presence David moves between impactful one liners and raw unpredictability. Sometimes naughty, sometimes nice, always compelling. “David moves between laughter and tears with great skill.” - Paul F Taylor “A great storyteller with an ear for the silly” - Mary Bourke David can be found on Instagram @lovedavidferguson
The Bedford
Having definitely 100% totally recovered from a breakdown, Phil now brings us a show that can save all men from a mental health crisis (well, maybe not all men). Phil guides us through how to let go of typical regrets like when you accidently out your sister in hospital 30yrs ago or when you when you mess up an audition for Big Brother 5 (even though on reflection it was really due to flaws in the audition process so not really your fault at all), he’s moved on from all of that and now has a handy guide to save us all. As heard on BBC Radio 4. Following back-to-back sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs, multiple award nominations, over 20 million views on TikTok and selling out London's Soho Theatre, Phil brings us a brand new life changing show.
The Bedford
Marble Cake is a new play which takes a snapshot look at the relationship between a mixed-race brother and sister, Kumi and Keisha, as they come together for the first time in months. Over the course of one evening Keisha returns to visit Kumi in their family home and issues that they have not previously explored together come to the surface for the first time; the impact is huge. The curtain is drawn back, and the audience is brought into this moment between them, where they try to navigate conversations of race, abandonment, and male mental health. This play unpacks complex questions of identity and looks in depth at how people of dual heritage are perceived by the world, themselves and each other through dialogue, movement, and music. Marble Cake is written and performed by two young mixed-race (Black African/Caribbean and White British) actors and is not just for those who are of dual heritage. It will resonate with anyone who has a connection to this identity, and those who want to know more about how heritage can deeply affect an individual’s life and experiences.
National Opera Studio
A relaxed singing workshop for parents led by Crib Notes Choir, followed by a performance of songs by the choir. Experience a mini Crib Notes Choir rehearsal, including a fun physical and vocal warm up and learning a short song. You have the option to sing this song with the choir in the informal performance after the workshop; and hear the choir perform songs we've learnt through the term, including a mix of pop, folk, sea shanties and world music - no nursery rhymes! Particularly intended for parents with young children, little ones welcome, no singing experience needed. Crib Notes Choir is a friendly, non-auditioned daytime community choir created specially for parents and those in loco parentis. Bring your little ones with you! Community, social connection and wellbeing are all fundamental values of Crib Notes Choir. Rehearsals are relaxed and friendly with regular social opportunities, and designed to be flexible, allowing you to enjoy a good sing while also tending to your little one as needed. Singing enhances physical and mental wellbeing, even more so when you sing as part of a group, and your little one can soak up the musical, social and developmental benefits as well.
The Bedford
A Mad Adventure in Growing up, Shrinking down & Jumping Stripy Tights first Through the Looking Glass of Gender! Alice d'Lumiere chose her name, her gender and her wardrobe and now she is revisiting her childhood imagination; exploring the fantastical tales which led to her real-life choices. In the parlance of the super hero genre - this is the origin story! A highly personal piece from an accomplished writer/performer; playfully analysing the construction of the people we see in the mirror. The resultant work is a passionate, honest and celebratory show; part personal testament, part solo cabaret. Expect dynamic performance poetry, engaging comedy, voluminous frocks and more than a touch of Lewis Carroll. Gender fluid spoken word artist and poet, Alice d'Lumiere, has set herself a number of pulse-racing performance challenges over the years; from becoming an aerial hoop performer to an opera singer; all accomplished in pursuit of exploring identity, individual creativity and the joys of not always confirming to the gender one is assigned at birth. Written by Alice d'Lumiere Music by Tina Gooding, Movement Director - Angelica Bangs Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
National Opera Studio
Dresses made into skirts, jackets made from sample scraps, jumpers upcycled with embroidery, we have an abundance of creativity at Remaykit! Fast fashion is one of the most destructive industries on the planet, driving the climate crisis through massive carbon emissions and rampant over-consumption. Yet, right here in our local community, we’ve discovered inspiring individuals who are challenging this narrative of fast fashion by upcycling, reusing materials, and giving garments a second life instead of buying new. Hear the stories behind each garment, why it was recreated and what it means to the person who made it. From heirloom textiles lovingly restored to thrifted finds reimagined into wearable art, these stories highlight the potential of fashion to be both personal and sustainable. Our models are of all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds, and come from the local community. Some of our makers are neither designers nor sewers, but just sprinkle a little of their imagination and are handy with a pair of scissors. Remaykit is open to anyone regardless of skills or experience! If you’d like to take part in this fun inclusive event, please join us, we would love to hear from you.
The Bedford
An award-winning ensemble, 'Astana Sazy' introduces the rich heritage of Kazakh culture while also performing Western repertoire in specially arranged adaptations for Kazakh folk instruments such as the dombyra, kobyz, shankobyz, saz syrnai, subyzgy, azatayak, dauylpaz, and tuyaktas. Each performance of 'Astana Sazy' offers a unique cultural experience.
Sinfonia Smith Square Hall
Believe? The Conspiracy Theory Podcast is a podcast all about the world’s craziest conspiracy theories, or are they crazy? Join us for 2 live episode recordings as comedians Phil Green and David Ferguson invite a fellow comedian guest to pick their favourite conspiracy theory and then try to make sense of it. Where did the conspiracy come from? What are the facts? What is the fiction? Phil, David and guest will discuss and try to either prove or debunk the theory, or most likely neither, as they know nothing.
The Bedford
CaBiRet is the community cabaret that's all about bisexuality - the music, the comedy, the performance, and the magic. South London's free bi+ night out CaBiRet has been a breath of fresh air for more than five years now. It's the brainchild of Marcus Morgan who is probably the UK's only 'bisexual activist magician' and is a member of The Magic Circle. Centring bi/pan performance from unashamedly 'out' acts, it swims upstream against the prejudices and assumptions of both the LGBT and straight cabaret/drag scenes... CaBiRet is where you can sing along to songs about coming out as pansexual! You can laugh at comedy about biphobia! And cheer on a bi+ burlesque act or be amazed by bisexual magic! There's nowhere quite like it. Popular with both bi+ audiences and our gay/straight allies - this year we're again bringing the show to The Bedford as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe. If you ever wondered what bisexuals get up to when they think everyone is watching - now is your chance! And the best thing is that it's completely free to attend - book a ticket now and we'll see you in June!
The Bedford
A full concert programme featuring members of the London Chinese Ensemble offers an evening of delightful ancient and contemporary acoustic music, played with traditional Chinese string instruments.The event will begin with small workshops for participants to explore and engage with music and dance as forms of embodied therapy approaches towards wellbeing.
National Opera Studio
An exciting and emotive piece of queer theatre. Translation blends various movement styles - including contemporary, krump, hip hop, capoeira, acro-dance - with Chinese pole. Chinese pole is a circus art, whereby artists climb a 5m scaffolding pole covered in rubber and perform tricks! This show draws on the artists' own experiences, additionally informed by discussions with a number of LGBTQ+ groups.
The Bedford
Can a musical blackboard prevent the Apocalypse? Come and find out in Liza Bec's original coming-of-age tale featuring the modular synth of chalk. Listen as haunting vocals, surreal spoken word and soaring winds swoop over driving synths and polyrhythms. Watch as chalk, tape and water are transformed into a theatrical soundscape with one foot in the supernatural and one foot in science. Liza will use their self-built cyborg recorder, the roborecorder, as featured in New Scientist, Insider and the Museum of Science and Industry, to control the sounds made by the blackboard from afar. This immersive hour-long live theatrical performance includes music from ‘The End Times’ album, recorded live at Real World Studios. Featuring choreography by Becky Namgauds and narrated by David Ryder Prangley (Rachel Stamp, Adam Ant) Liza is an innovative contemporary performer, composer, producer and multimedia narrative author. They built the roborecorder based on their lived experience of music-triggered epilepsy. They were awarded the Fusion Fund by Help Musicians UK to create audiovisual EP INNERVATE. In 2024 they held residencies at Britten Pears Arts and Paraorchestra. They produce serial fiction podcast Spiral Dial.
National Opera Studio
“Best current British blues singer I know.” – The words of BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, who has had longstanding admiration for the music of this singer-songwriter. Melissa James is, however, much more than a blues singer. She is a poetic songsmith with a voice that reaches soul deep, gently tugging hearts. Her second album, Stripped Back, recorded in 2015, followed her debut Day Dawns—an intimate acoustic collection of songs accompanied by piano and guitar. The release of Stripped Back, which was delayed due to personal life events, also paved the way for the creation of her Big Sing and the mental health initiative SING4SANE. This album is now set to officially launch this year. Influenced by artists such as Nina Simone, Mavis Staples, Joni Mitchell, Eric Bibb, and Lizz Wright, Melissa’s sound blends folk-blues with earthy gospel-jazz. Both her voice and her songs have the power to inspire, uplift, and heal. After a celebrated performance at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe in 2022, Melissa returns with songs from Stripped Back, her earlier album, as well as more recently written material. She is accompanied by her band, with Richard Bolton leading on guitar.
The Bedford
Experience traditional village diaphony from the Shopluk region in the southwest of Bulgaria – the home of Bulgarian ancient harmony singing. The workshop will be participatory with some background on style and history. Eugenia will teach by ear, with printouts of the lyrics. Suitable for all abilities, no sight reading skills or previous experience needed. Eugenia Georgieva is a Bulgarian singer, performer and translator. Internationally known for her work with Bulgarian a cappella group, Perunika Trio, vocal fusion outfit, YANTRA, exploring the intersecting points of Bulgarian, Indian and Renaissance English sacred and secular tradition, and her own five-piece band of virtuosos Eugenia Georgieva & Band. She has directed Veda Slovena Bulgarian Choir for 10 years, and has lead very popular vocal workshops at The Roundhouse and Kings Place in London, as well as Musicport and Sidmouth Folk Festival. Eugenia is a member of the Independent Society of Musicians. The workshop will be held at Douglas Kane Studio. There will be a 30 minute break for a hot drink, a snack and a chat in the cosy kitchen of the National Opera Studio. Hot drinks will be provided, please bring your own snacks. All spaces are fully accessible.
National Opera Studio
Step inside this stunning late-Victorian building and enjoy an afternoon tea with a difference. Explore the building and immerse yourself in a magical world of music, poetry and dancing. A performance will play throughout, layering the past, the present and the imagined in dialogue with one another. With three rooms to explore, encounter eclectic characters, art and artefacts as they reveal their fascinating stories. Our theme is the cultural heritage of the borough of Wandsworth. Meet us in the foyer, our socialising space, where you can sip a Wendelesorde tea, nibble a delicious Balham biscuit and curate some convivial conversations. Search for clues, detect echoes of history, seek out beauty and appreciate the collage of creativity. This is a family event suitable for children aged 8+. Our exhibition includes interactive elements and our guests are free to roam through calm and enchanting spaces discovering moments of joy and delight. If you have a curious mind and a cordial manner, please join us for this fantastical and fun afternoon tea party full of unusual surprises.
National Opera Studio
The performer/dancer/singer/pianist Alyssa Marie Warning takes the audience on a time-travel through the past century. She begins in the Silent Movie Era and the Jazz Age, then moves through the Golden Age of Hollywood, through the hippie and the punk ages, the 80s and 90s, until we meet a surprise character at the very end. Inspired by the pop culture of each decade, feminism and gender-studies, Warning parodies Hollywood and Pop Culture stereotypes through Clowning, dancing and singing accompanied by her piano-playing. She awakens the nostalgia and love for these decades with fun and entertaining transitions, and some audience interaction and participation. With this as her artistic language, she uses her choices of songs and dances to comment on gender norms and society's expectations of how one should behave according to their assigned gender. It is a fun, vibrant, entertaining show to highlight the absurdities of gender norms and our love of - and even slight addiction to - pop culture.
National Opera Studio
"Echoes of a Journey - contemporary dance & laouto" is an intimate live music and dance performance by Miltos Boumis (Cretan laouto) & Yanaëlle Ritter (contemporary dance). Having left their home countries to move to the UK over a decade ago, Miltos and Yanaëlle revisit the emotional ups and downs of that journey in their first collaboration, Echoes of a Journey. This experimental piece follows the highs and lows of starting a new life abroad, capturing the various phases one might experience along the way. The music, a blend of original compositions and traditional Greek melodies, is performed live on stage. In response, the choreography reflects the dancer's wanderings through the rich layers of sound—sometimes adventurous and exploratory, other times settling into sculptural stillness. This open dialogue between music and movement creates a deeply immersive experience. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to witness contemporary dance alongside the unique sounds of the Cretan laouto. Performers: Miltos Boumis (Cretan Laouto) & Yanaëlle Ritter (Dance) Duration: 40 minutes
National Opera Studio
Eugenia Georgieva is a Bulgarian singer, performer and translator. Internationally known for her work with Bulgarian a cappella group, Perunika Trio, and vocal fusion outfit, YANTRA, exploring the intersecting points of Bulgarian, Indian and Renaissance English sacred and secular tradition, and her own five-piece band of virtuosos Eugenia Georgieva & Band. For this special intimate performance, she will present a selection of songs from that tradition, unadorned and sung completely a cappella, as they would have been performed on those long winter nights at work gatherings, or on starry summer evenings on the village square. The rhythm of the language and the emotional intensity shape up the melodic formula. Some of the songs reflect the times of slavery, others are humorous with roots in medieval imagery, and some give us an insight into the most intimate workings of a human soul. The Blackburn Hall is fully accessible.
National Opera Studio
David Ferguson is trying to figure things out. Join him to discover together what works and what doesn’t on stage and in life. After a series of setbacks (from homelessness, nearly dying and losing out on an eBay auction) David Ferguson is trying to make his dreams come true. Life is a hairy situation. Can David fix his hair? David Ferguson, co-host of @believepod, is a popular comic on the London circuit. He has had sold out shows at the Vault Festival and Brighton Fringe. With a likeable stage presence David moves between impactful one liners and raw unpredictability. Sometimes naughty, sometimes nice, always compelling. “David moves between laughter and tears with great skill.” - Paul F Taylor “A great storyteller with an ear for the silly” - Mary Bourke David can be found on Instagram @lovedavidferguson
The Bedford
Having definitely 100% totally recovered from a breakdown, Phil now brings us a show that can save all men from a mental health crisis (well, maybe not all men). Phil guides us through how to let go of typical regrets like when you accidently out your sister in hospital 30yrs ago or when you when you mess up an audition for Big Brother 5 (even though on reflection it was really due to flaws in the audition process so not really your fault at all), he’s moved on from all of that and now has a handy guide to save us all. As heard on BBC Radio 4. Following back-to-back sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs, multiple award nominations, over 20 million views on TikTok and selling out London's Soho Theatre, Phil brings us a brand new life changing show.
The Bedford
Marble Cake is a new play which takes a snapshot look at the relationship between a mixed-race brother and sister, Kumi and Keisha, as they come together for the first time in months. Over the course of one evening Keisha returns to visit Kumi in their family home and issues that they have not previously explored together come to the surface for the first time; the impact is huge. The curtain is drawn back, and the audience is brought into this moment between them, where they try to navigate conversations of race, abandonment, and male mental health. This play unpacks complex questions of identity and looks in depth at how people of dual heritage are perceived by the world, themselves and each other through dialogue, movement, and music. Marble Cake is written and performed by two young mixed-race (Black African/Caribbean and White British) actors and is not just for those who are of dual heritage. It will resonate with anyone who has a connection to this identity, and those who want to know more about how heritage can deeply affect an individual’s life and experiences.
National Opera Studio
A relaxed singing workshop for parents led by Crib Notes Choir, followed by a performance of songs by the choir. Experience a mini Crib Notes Choir rehearsal, including a fun physical and vocal warm up and learning a short song. You have the option to sing this song with the choir in the informal performance after the workshop; and hear the choir perform songs we've learnt through the term, including a mix of pop, folk, sea shanties and world music - no nursery rhymes! Particularly intended for parents with young children, little ones welcome, no singing experience needed. Crib Notes Choir is a friendly, non-auditioned daytime community choir created specially for parents and those in loco parentis. Bring your little ones with you! Community, social connection and wellbeing are all fundamental values of Crib Notes Choir. Rehearsals are relaxed and friendly with regular social opportunities, and designed to be flexible, allowing you to enjoy a good sing while also tending to your little one as needed. Singing enhances physical and mental wellbeing, even more so when you sing as part of a group, and your little one can soak up the musical, social and developmental benefits as well.
The Bedford
A Mad Adventure in Growing up, Shrinking down & Jumping Stripy Tights first Through the Looking Glass of Gender! Alice d'Lumiere chose her name, her gender and her wardrobe and now she is revisiting her childhood imagination; exploring the fantastical tales which led to her real-life choices. In the parlance of the super hero genre - this is the origin story! A highly personal piece from an accomplished writer/performer; playfully analysing the construction of the people we see in the mirror. The resultant work is a passionate, honest and celebratory show; part personal testament, part solo cabaret. Expect dynamic performance poetry, engaging comedy, voluminous frocks and more than a touch of Lewis Carroll. Gender fluid spoken word artist and poet, Alice d'Lumiere, has set herself a number of pulse-racing performance challenges over the years; from becoming an aerial hoop performer to an opera singer; all accomplished in pursuit of exploring identity, individual creativity and the joys of not always confirming to the gender one is assigned at birth. Written by Alice d'Lumiere Music by Tina Gooding, Movement Director - Angelica Bangs Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
National Opera Studio
Dresses made into skirts, jackets made from sample scraps, jumpers upcycled with embroidery, we have an abundance of creativity at Remaykit! Fast fashion is one of the most destructive industries on the planet, driving the climate crisis through massive carbon emissions and rampant over-consumption. Yet, right here in our local community, we’ve discovered inspiring individuals who are challenging this narrative of fast fashion by upcycling, reusing materials, and giving garments a second life instead of buying new. Hear the stories behind each garment, why it was recreated and what it means to the person who made it. From heirloom textiles lovingly restored to thrifted finds reimagined into wearable art, these stories highlight the potential of fashion to be both personal and sustainable. Our models are of all ages, sizes and ethnic backgrounds, and come from the local community. Some of our makers are neither designers nor sewers, but just sprinkle a little of their imagination and are handy with a pair of scissors. Remaykit is open to anyone regardless of skills or experience! If you’d like to take part in this fun inclusive event, please join us, we would love to hear from you.
The Bedford
An award-winning ensemble, 'Astana Sazy' introduces the rich heritage of Kazakh culture while also performing Western repertoire in specially arranged adaptations for Kazakh folk instruments such as the dombyra, kobyz, shankobyz, saz syrnai, subyzgy, azatayak, dauylpaz, and tuyaktas. Each performance of 'Astana Sazy' offers a unique cultural experience.
Sinfonia Smith Square Hall
Believe? The Conspiracy Theory Podcast is a podcast all about the world’s craziest conspiracy theories, or are they crazy? Join us for 2 live episode recordings as comedians Phil Green and David Ferguson invite a fellow comedian guest to pick their favourite conspiracy theory and then try to make sense of it. Where did the conspiracy come from? What are the facts? What is the fiction? Phil, David and guest will discuss and try to either prove or debunk the theory, or most likely neither, as they know nothing.
The Bedford
CaBiRet is the community cabaret that's all about bisexuality - the music, the comedy, the performance, and the magic. South London's free bi+ night out CaBiRet has been a breath of fresh air for more than five years now. It's the brainchild of Marcus Morgan who is probably the UK's only 'bisexual activist magician' and is a member of The Magic Circle. Centring bi/pan performance from unashamedly 'out' acts, it swims upstream against the prejudices and assumptions of both the LGBT and straight cabaret/drag scenes... CaBiRet is where you can sing along to songs about coming out as pansexual! You can laugh at comedy about biphobia! And cheer on a bi+ burlesque act or be amazed by bisexual magic! There's nowhere quite like it. Popular with both bi+ audiences and our gay/straight allies - this year we're again bringing the show to The Bedford as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe. If you ever wondered what bisexuals get up to when they think everyone is watching - now is your chance! And the best thing is that it's completely free to attend - book a ticket now and we'll see you in June!
The Bedford
A full concert programme featuring members of the London Chinese Ensemble offers an evening of delightful ancient and contemporary acoustic music, played with traditional Chinese string instruments.The event will begin with small workshops for participants to explore and engage with music and dance as forms of embodied therapy approaches towards wellbeing.
National Opera Studio
An exciting and emotive piece of queer theatre. Translation blends various movement styles - including contemporary, krump, hip hop, capoeira, acro-dance - with Chinese pole. Chinese pole is a circus art, whereby artists climb a 5m scaffolding pole covered in rubber and perform tricks! This show draws on the artists' own experiences, additionally informed by discussions with a number of LGBTQ+ groups.
The Bedford
Can a musical blackboard prevent the Apocalypse? Come and find out in Liza Bec's original coming-of-age tale featuring the modular synth of chalk. Listen as haunting vocals, surreal spoken word and soaring winds swoop over driving synths and polyrhythms. Watch as chalk, tape and water are transformed into a theatrical soundscape with one foot in the supernatural and one foot in science. Liza will use their self-built cyborg recorder, the roborecorder, as featured in New Scientist, Insider and the Museum of Science and Industry, to control the sounds made by the blackboard from afar. This immersive hour-long live theatrical performance includes music from ‘The End Times’ album, recorded live at Real World Studios. Featuring choreography by Becky Namgauds and narrated by David Ryder Prangley (Rachel Stamp, Adam Ant) Liza is an innovative contemporary performer, composer, producer and multimedia narrative author. They built the roborecorder based on their lived experience of music-triggered epilepsy. They were awarded the Fusion Fund by Help Musicians UK to create audiovisual EP INNERVATE. In 2024 they held residencies at Britten Pears Arts and Paraorchestra. They produce serial fiction podcast Spiral Dial.
National Opera Studio
“Best current British blues singer I know.” – The words of BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, who has had longstanding admiration for the music of this singer-songwriter. Melissa James is, however, much more than a blues singer. She is a poetic songsmith with a voice that reaches soul deep, gently tugging hearts. Her second album, Stripped Back, recorded in 2015, followed her debut Day Dawns—an intimate acoustic collection of songs accompanied by piano and guitar. The release of Stripped Back, which was delayed due to personal life events, also paved the way for the creation of her Big Sing and the mental health initiative SING4SANE. This album is now set to officially launch this year. Influenced by artists such as Nina Simone, Mavis Staples, Joni Mitchell, Eric Bibb, and Lizz Wright, Melissa’s sound blends folk-blues with earthy gospel-jazz. Both her voice and her songs have the power to inspire, uplift, and heal. After a celebrated performance at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe in 2022, Melissa returns with songs from Stripped Back, her earlier album, as well as more recently written material. She is accompanied by her band, with Richard Bolton leading on guitar.
The Bedford
London Coliseum