Through songs, dancing and games designed to encourage connection and communication, you and your child are invited to enjoy WordPlay together.

Performing brand new music written especially for WordPlay, songwriter and musician Emma-Lee Moss shares songs to sing together, songs to sing to your child and songs that stay with you throughout the week.

When: Friday 30 Jan 2026, 11.30am
Friday 13 Feb 2026, 11.30am
Friday 27 Feb 2026, 11.30am
Friday 13 Mar 2026, 11.30am
Friday 27 Mar 2026, 11.30am

Where: The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank.

Ticket Price: Free

Find out more and book here

More information from organisers:

With accompaniment from harpist Serafina Steer and poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai, WordPlay is a treat for children and adults alike.

WordPlay is set within a soft sensory environment for you and your child to enjoy, designed by artist Rosie Elnile. With dreamlike shapes and squishy spaces, you can explore, get comfortable and connect.

WordPlay is a new early years strand as part of Open Doors, the Southbank Centre’s regular free events.

Emma-Lee Moss is a singer-songwriter. Formerly known as Emmy the Great, she loves exploring the ways that songs exist in our lives and help us understand ourselves and each other. Her original songs for WordPlay have been designed to introduce the joy of words, communication and connection to under-fives and their grown ups, with moments of sing-a-long, storytelling and space to let imaginations grow.

Rosie Elnile is an award-winning set and costume designer working between drama, opera and live art. She has been awarded a Jerwood Arts Grant to explore scenography as a sole narrative device in a work.

Arji Manuelpillai is a poet and facilitator. He loves words and language and has toured the country encouraging people to express themselves together.

Serafina Steer is a harpist, songwriter and instrumental teacher based in London.

Run time: 45 minutes (approx)

All timings are approximate and subject to change.