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The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady

Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra

— ,Theatre
A group of people wearing colourful clothing dance enthusiastically under beads that hang from the ceiling

The stage transforms into a vibrant gig venue with live music and dancing as the ★★★★★ 'joyful celebration of movement' (Guardian) returns following a sold-out, critically acclaimed run here in 2024.

Celebrate the sensuality and power of jazz and share the floor with outstanding artists as the award-winning Clod Ensemble and world-class Nu Civilisation Orchestra return with a perspective on Charles Mingus’ iconic 1963 recording, 'The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady', widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time.

And you can join in! Lose yourself in the music on the dancefloor or take a seat and soak up the atmosphere with a drink from the on-stage bar. Everyone, including wallflowers, are invited.

For over two decades, Clod Ensemble have been thrilling audiences with, finely-crafted shows, with a unique blend of stunning movement and exhilarating music, while the critically acclaimed Nu Civilisation Orchestra has earned a reputation as a cutting-edge ensemble, refusing to be bound by genre or scale.

 

Tagged with: Contemporary music Theatre & dance Theatre and Dance Winter/Spring 2025 More...

This performance takes place on the Barbican Theatre stage. For more information please refer to the Event Information section below. 

Running time: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

Age guidance: 14+

This production contains haze. 

BSL-interpreted performance, Thu 17 Apr
BSL-interpreted by Jacqui Beckford. Take a look at our Accessible Events page to find out more about the accessibility of our venues.

Photography and filming, including of the audience, may take place during this performance by media and social media users.

Presented by the Barbican. 

Created & Produced by Clod Ensemble in association with Nu Civilisation Orchestra. 

Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra are supported by Arts Council England. 

Images by Graeme Miall and Jesse Olu Ogunbanjo.

Creative team

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady by Charles Mingus
Featuring new compositions by Romarna Campbell, Peter Edwards and Paul Clark
Suzy Willson Artistic Director Clod Ensemble / Director
Peter Edwards Musical Director Nu Civilisation Orchestra / Composer / Piano
Gary Crosby Artistic Director Nu Civilisation Orchestra / Upright Bass
Paul Clark Artistic Director Clod Ensemble / Composer
Hansjörg Schmidt Lighting design
Marianthi Hatzikidi Costume design
Sarah Blenkinsop Set design

Ticket prices

Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.

No booking fee. Subject to availability.  

Become a member

Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices to this performance.   

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability. 

Become a Corporate Member

£10

Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.    
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.    

Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.    

Booking essential companion tickets:
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.    

Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats:
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.    

Join our access scheme.

If you'd like to hear more about accessible events at the Barbican, sign-up to our Access newsletter. 

Groups (10+)   
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.   

Schools  
£12*, subject to availability.

Students
Save 50% on Wednesday performances only, subject to availability. 

Under 16’s   
Save 50%, subject to availability. 

*If you are a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City of London Corporation. Find out more.

*Excludes £4 booking fee

These accessibility provisions are available for this event.

BSL

Event information

This performance takes place on the Barbican Theatre stage and is set-up to feel like a gig venue with an on-stage bar, dancefloor, tables and standing tables. Audiences are invited to join in and dance if they want to, or can step back and watch the show.

On-stage bar
There is a bar on stage which is open throughout the performance. This is a cashless bar. You can also purchase drinks from any of the bars in the centre and bring them into the auditorium.

Unreserved Seating
There are some tables on stage where audiences can sit and enjoy the performance. These tables are unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating will be prioritised for audience members with access needs. 

Unreserved Standing Tables
There are standing tables on stage where audiences can lean during the performance. 

Accessibility
This event is wheelchair accessible. Seating will be prioritised for audience members with access needs.

If you have any access requirements, please get in touch before your visit to discuss how we can best support you by reserving a space or seating. Please email [email protected] or call our Access Line on 020 7101 1188 (Mon-Sun, 10am-5.30pm).

Reviews

‘The slinky grooves of Charles Mingus animate the expressive dancers of Clod Ensemble, who sweep up the crowd in a joyful celebration of movement.‘
The Guardian
‘A once-in-a-lifetime experience... the Barbican Theatre offered a glimpse into a future of immersive theatre that the world is ready for.‘
The Strand
‘A chance to fully engage with the moment. The joy of being present, letting the music move you, and connecting with others through the freedom of dance is truly something special.‘
The Reviews Hub
‘''Something Magical''‘
All About Jazz

Music

Part 1
Let’s Lime by Romarna Campbell 
Slow Dance by Peter Edwards 
Cripps Yard by Paul Clark 
 

Part 2
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady by Charles Mingus
 

Theatre

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