Block Universe 2017 – Our Thoughts

Monday 29th May to Sunday 4th June, Various Locations

Block Universe, London’s international performance art festival, is now in its third year running. For one week, a truly cosmopolitan line-up of contemporary, multimedia art was presented across London’s diverse institutions and venues. The programme included five newly commissioned and site-specific performances, four UK premieres, exclusive artist talks, and workshops. Continue reading “Block Universe 2017 – Our Thoughts”

Crash, Boom, Hisssssss. Legend of the Liquid Sword – Zadie Xa

Thursday 1st June, the Strand

On a sweltering summer’s afternoon, Somerset House hosted the premiere of Canadian visual artist Zadie Xa’s fantastical new piece. Crash, Boom, Hisssssss. Legend of the Liquid Sword is an immersive piece of visual and oral storytelling. In this fascinating production Xa delves into the problem of cultural identities facing the Asian diaspora community. Continue reading “Crash, Boom, Hisssssss. Legend of the Liquid Sword – Zadie Xa”

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at Somerset House Summer Series

Alexander Ebert stumbles across the stage like a man drunk on his own musicality. But it is his fans who are truly intoxicated by his drug; it’s rare to see a crowd so utterly devoted to their hero. At times, tears were shed, but Edward Sharpe, a blessed fiction created by Ebert himself, spreads his message through a show of sheer joy.

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Lianne La Havas at Somerset House Summer Series

Born to a Greek father and a Jamaican mother, both musicians in their own right, Lianne La Havas was born a proud Londoner. She grew up listening to her parents’ records, with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and Ella Fitzgerald providing a rich, deep soundtrack to her childhood. It is hardly surprising then that whilst La Havas’ music is rooted in soul, particularly in her vocals, there are so many other elements at work. Continue reading “Lianne La Havas at Somerset House Summer Series”

Alex Clare at Somerset House Summer Series

Somerset House’s Summer Series began last night with Alex Clare, supported by Chloe Howl. His band opened with stadium-filling instrumentals, all bass and drums. But when Clare himself entered, with ‘Relax my Beloved’, he was more than a match for them. His voice is strong and loving, occasionally exploding into characteristically passionate warbles.

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