London’s South Bank comes alive every summer with the River Stage festival, a month-long celebration of arts, culture, and community hosted by the National Theatre. From vibrant drag shows and electrifying dance performances to family-friendly workshops and live music, the River Stage offers something for everyone. This blog provides a detailed look at the exciting lineup for July 2024.
Dates: Every Friday to Sunday from 5th to 28th July 2024
Address: River Stage, National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX, London
- The Glory (5th - 7th July) Kicking off the festival is The Glory, a weekend curated by Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, renowned for their spectacular drag performances. Expect a riotous mix of drag queens, cabaret artists, DJs, and theatre makers, delivering an unforgettable celebration of queer culture.
Event Highlights:
- Drag Shows: Top drag queens and kings will grace the stage with their extravagant performances.
- Cabaret and Comedy: Laugh out loud with cutting-edge cabaret acts and comedians.
- Dance Parties: Dance the night away to the beats of celebrated DJs.
- Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (12th - 14th July) The following weekend, the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) brings a vibrant array of street theatre, dance, and circus acts. This weekend is perfect for all ages, offering inclusive and disruptive summer fun.
Event Highlights:
- Street Theatre: Engaging performances that transform everyday spaces into extraordinary stages.
- Dance and Circus Acts: Awe-inspiring acrobatics and dance routines that captivate audiences.
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in creative workshops that encourage audience involvement.
- Rambert (19th - 21st July) Renowned dance company Rambert takes over the River Stage with a dynamic weekend of performances and workshops. Known for their innovative choreography and diverse talent, Rambert promises a weekend of dance that will leave you inspired.
Event Highlights:
- Dance Performances: Watch stunning performances by Rambert’s talented dancers.
- Dance Workshops: Learn new moves in workshops led by professional dancers.
- Special Guests: Enjoy performances by exciting guest artists.
- National Theatre (26th - 28th July) The festival concludes with a weekend curated by the National Theatre itself, offering a diverse mix of family-friendly theatre, live music, and interactive workshops. This finale promises a celebration of arts and culture that showcases the best of the National Theatre.
Event Highlights:
- Theatre Performances: Enjoy engaging and entertaining shows for all ages.
- Live Music: Experience live music from talented artists across various genres.
- Workshops and Tours: Participate in hands-on workshops and guided tours of the National Theatre.
The River Stage festival in July 2024 is set to be a spectacular celebration of arts and community, offering free performances that cater to diverse tastes and interests. From the flamboyant drag shows of The Glory to the high-energy dance of Rambert, and the inclusive street performances of GDIF, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and make your way to London’s South Bank for a month of unforgettable experiences.
For more information and detailed schedules, visit the National Theatre River Stage page.