Watch This Space

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Since the 23rd of June odd things have been happening on the South Bank. From acrobats flying through the air, and actors musing, to live music, storytelling, and large projection screens flickering films throughout the evening - the South Bank has become a veritable feast of entertainment. No, the eclectic variety acts haven't traveled south from Covent Garden with a cinema screen, but rather, world class talent gathers on the square of the National Theatre everyday for their summer festival . The good news is that it runs until the 26th of September and, better still, most of the shows are completely free!

Family Friendly

With live performances running throughout the day and into the early evening the festival is a perfect day out for families and has a plethora of shows that cater to children. Overlooking the square at present is an inflatable auditorium (essentially a bouncy castle) called the Playspace - designed specifically for the younger theatre connoisseur. The Playspace features storytelling, music, song, dance and puppet shows aimed at captivating the imagination of the young ones. Of course this is just the hor devours before the main course of actors, acrobats and live shows take over on the square below.

For the Adults

What good would a free festival be if it didn't cater for the adults as well? With shows that start on weekdays at the socially commutable hour of 6 pm, to a drinking hole where you can rub shoulders with the talent at the National Theatres very own Greenbar. The Greenbar stays open until 1 am on weekends and features live DJ sets and a selection of nights dedicated to an innovative DIY disco, where you bring your own music and share with others. A variety of more risqué comedy shows, films and live acts that aren't exactly what you would consider child friendly typically kick off on weekends at 10:30 pm.

Catch a Show, Inside

Of course, ironically enough, the proximity of the National Theatre to its square always makes it easy to catch a show indoors, especially if the temperamental British summer is feeling particularly cruel. Have a look at the schedule of what's on at present and if you find something that tickles your fancy pre book tickets online for £10.

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