The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady at Barbican Theatre

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady at the Barbican Centre is not your average musical performance. Audience members are on stage with the performers and eventually become performers themselves, as the line between viewers and cast is blurred.

Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Clod Ensemble team up in this production to bring theatre-goers a lively rendition of Charles Mingus’ iconic album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. Considered a masterpiece of jazz, this performance offers a new and lively take on the classic by combining music and dance, while staying true to the soul of the original album. The setting is transformed into an immersive jazz bar, complete with strings of light, cloth-covered tables and a bar where attendees can buy drinks.

With everyone all settled on the stage, the atmosphere is intimate and becomes even more so when the dancers invite guests to join in. The performers will gently guide those who are bold and courageous enough to join in through slightly choreographed group dances set to the tune of the music, as well as allowing for somewhat freer-flowing dancing. It is therefore not only a music and dance show, but a dance class taster session as well!

The highlight – apart from the beautiful musical rendition from Nu Civilisation Orchestra (led by Artistic Director Gary Crosby and Music Director Peter Edwards) – is when the Clod Ensemble dancers take a break from leading patrons through the moves and step into the spotlight themselves. Their movements mirror the music, mimicking the somewhat disjointed style of jazz so that onlookers are never quite sure what their next move will be, just as listeners of jazz can never be quite certain what the next note will be. With great skill and precision, the dancers make what to anyone else would be incredibly physically strenuous look easy.

A totally unique experience, the Barbican Centre’s The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady might not be to everyone’s taste, particularly those not keen on audience participation. But for those looking for a creative and involved night out, it is the perfect choice!

Madison Sotos
Photos: Graeme Miall/Jesse Olu Ogunbanjo

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady is at Barbican Theatre until 21^st September 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.