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The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady

Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra

A group of dancers dressed in colourful clothing move on stage with their arms in the air.

Share the floor with outstanding artists as two leading companies transform the stage into a vibrant gig venue, with a live jazz orchestra and dynamic dancers. 

Celebrate the sensuality and power of jazz as the award-winning Clod Ensemble and world-class Nu Civilisation Orchestra return with their perspective on Charles Mingus’ iconic 1963 recording of ‘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 backseat and soak up the atmosphere with a drink from the on-stage bar. Everyone, including wallflowers, are invited to this celebration.

For over two decades, Clod Ensemble have been thrilling audiences with original, 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 shapeshifting, cutting-edge ensemble, refusing to be bound by genre or scale.

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.

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.

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. During the interval there are further sales points open selling drinks. These are all cashless bars. You can also purchase a drink 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-serve 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 questions or access requirements, 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

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