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Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

A joyous celebration of creativity and cultural diversity.

Two performers doing an inverted hang from a trapeze, one of whom is in a wheelchair, in front of an audience with a city skyline in the background.

Booking and details

River Stage: Friday 12 - Sunday 14 July
This show has now ended

Event times:

Friday: 6:30pm – 11pm
Saturday: 1pm – 11pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival bring their much-loved mash-up of vibrant, inclusive and disruptive summer fun to River Stage.

This celebratory line-up of street theatre, dance, music, and circus will delight audiences of all ages.

The weekend begins the one month countdown to GDIF 2024.

 

Hosted by:

Friday 12 July

A performer in an orange outfit and white ruffled collar dances energetically on a checkered stage, illuminated by vibrant pink and purple lights. The crowd around the stage watches enthusiastically, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

Jordan Charles

Host

Soul singer and poet brings his infectious energy to the River Stage, guiding you through GDIF’s joyful Friday programme. Well-known for fronting Cocoa Butter Club nights and Kinky Kabaret – he will have you up and dancing in no time.

Access: BSL Interpreted.

Two performers wearing helmets and protective gear demonstrate a synchronised roller-skating stunt in front of an audience. One skater holds the other, who is extended horizontally in an impressive pose, while the crowd watches intently, some applauding.

Les Patineurs

6.30pm – 6.50pm and 7.40pm – 8pm

Roll up and experience a gasp-inducing, hilarious, and joyful battle on roller skates presented by 15ft6. Combining impressive circus skills with the music of the Skaters Waltz, this show will delight audiences of all ages.

With support from the Delegation of Flanders to the UK & Ireland.

A performer in a bright pink top and orange shorts dances energetically on a grassy field in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd. The audience, including both adults and children, watches and applauds.

Family Catwalk Extravaganza

6.55pm – 7.30pm and 9.10pm – 9.45pm

The competition is heating up. Runway fashion, ballroom dance and lip syncing come together in this celebratory contest of self-expression for all ages. Take to the floor with friends and family, and help choose a competition winner. Presented by Ghetto Fabulous.

Access: BSL Interpreted (9.10pm performance only).

Easy read guide available. 

A DJ with short hair wears headphones and a black shirt, focused intently. The background is warmly lit, with blurred figures and lights adding depth to the scene.

Dibs - DJ Set

8.10pm – 8.55pm and 10pm – 10.45pm

Get ready to hit the dance floor as London-based DJ and artist Dibs explores a rich blend of genres. Enjoy a celebratory set including Afrobeats, R&B, Jazz, Funk, Amapiano, House, and Soul.

Saturday 13 July

A joyful woman with piercings and vibrant makeup smiles broadly, her face surrounded by an arrangement of colorful flowers. The floral elements include roses and various other blooms, creating a lush and festive appearance.

Sadie Sinner

Host (12.30pm – 5pm)

Introducing your glamourous hostess, Sadie Sinner the Songbird. As a velvet-toned songbird and powerhouse of a host, Sadie will bring the party with her unrivalled vocals and vibe, inviting audiences to dance and celebrate the joys of Summer.

Access: BSL Interpreted. Captioned (3.35pm performance only).

The Way Ahead

1pm – 10.45pm

Explore Caroline Cardus’ celebrated disability protest installation with new signs created exclusively for GDIF. These signs call for courage, power, and hope for disabled people in the UK.

Access: Audio described notes available. Easy read guide available. 

 

 

A woman with glasses and a shocked expression holds her face with both hands, her mouth wide open. The image is tinted blue, adding a dramatic effect.

Variety D

Host (5pm – 10.45pm)

Making it a day to remember, legendary stand-up Variety D takes the mic to host GDIF’s Saturday evening line-up. Known for being the UK’s hilarious first Black Disabled comedian, she will share her hysterical comedy throughout the evening.

Access: BSL Interpreted.

Six performers, including a wheelchair user, execute a dynamic dance under an urban overpass. The dancer in the wheelchair is at the centre, while others are mid-air or in dramatic poses, wearing colourful costumes and protective gear, creating a striking visual contrast against the industrial setting.

Frock

1pm – 1.25pm and 5pm – 5.25pm

Six virtuosic dancers from Stopgap Dance Company joyously celebrate difference and identity in this tour de force show. Expect frocks, suits, tea and a celebration of love, relationships and fluidity. All performed to an original punk soundtrack.

Access: Easy read guide available. Audio described notes available.

Two performers wearing helmets and protective gear demonstrate a synchronised roller-skating stunt in front of an audience. One skater holds the other, who is extended horizontally in an impressive pose, while the crowd watches intently, some applauding.

Les Patineurs

1.40pm – 2pm and 6.40pm – 7pm

Roll up and experience a gasp-inducing, hilarious, and joyful battle on roller skates presented by 15ft6. Combining impressive circus skills with the music of the Skaters Waltz, this show will delight audiences of all ages.

Access: BSL Interpreted.

With support from the Delegation of Flanders to the UK & Ireland.

Dancers in flowing black skirts perform an outdoor routine with colourful underskirts. The performance attracts a crowd, with a bright blue sky overhead.

Black Victorians

2.15pm – 2.50pm

Black Victorians looks at the complex and often forgotten Black presence in pre-Windrush Britain. It is a powerful dance performance that celebrates previously hidden figures. It also calls in to question both old and new perceptions. Created by renowned choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE.

Access: BSL Interpreted. Captioned. Audio Described.

Audio described notes available.  Easy read guide available.

A performer in a bright pink top and orange shorts dances energetically on a grassy field in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd. The audience, including both adults and children, watches and applauds.

Family Catwalk Extravaganza

3pm – 3.35pm and 7.15pm – 7.50pm

The competition is heating up. Runway fashion, ballroom dance and lip syncing come together in this celebratory contest of self-expression for all ages. Take to the floor with friends and family, and help choose a competition winner. Presented by Ghetto Fabulous.

Access: BSL Interpreted. Captioned. Audio Described.

Easy read guide available. 

A group of musicians plays brass instruments in a field of tall, dry grass. They wear vibrant clothes, creating a striking contrast with the natural setting.

Perhaps Contraption

4pm – 4.45pm and 10pm – 10.45pm

Perhaps Contraption bring their multi-award winning, progressive brass band party to the River Stage. Part choir, part chamber orchestra, part avant rock band. They create a unique musical experience, melding elements of jazz and pop.

Access: Captioned (4pm performance only).

With support from Without Walls.

A vibrant collage of a woman in a textured sweater, posed dramatically. The background features abstract cut-outs in yellow and green, set against a blue backdrop.

Patois

5.45pm – 6.20pm
Two unwritten languages meet: the spoken Patois (French Creole) and the movement of dance. Choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE tells a story of lost languages, longing and belonging. It has traditional Caribbean choreography, contemporary dance and an original music score.
 

Access: Captioned. Audio Described.

Easy read guide available. 

A person with bright pink hair styled into a dramatic pink mohawk poses with their hands under their chin. The black background highlights their colourful hair and nails.

Caroline Parker

8pm – 8.15pm

Caroline Parker is renowned for her inclusive signed performances. She blends British Sign Language, physical theatre and pop music. In this joyous celebration, she brings your sing-along classics to life like you’ve never experienced before.

Access: Captioned.

A DJ in a yellow hoodie mixes music at a lively event, with a colourful crowd dancing in the background. The scene is illuminated with vibrant pink and purple lighting.

Bubble Club DJ

8.45pm – 9.45pm

Learning disabled artists DJ Prince King and DJ Yosife take to the decks for a Bubble Club DJ Set. They’ll be sharing their creative and inclusive atmosphere with the River Stage. Expect a celebratory set filled with irresistible bangers guaranteed to start the party.

Sunday 14 July

A close-up portrait of a man with a distinctive curl in his hair, wearing a plaid shirt. The soft background focuses attention on his expressive face.

John Kelly

Host

Introducing your musical host, John Kelly. Beloved for his warmth and humour, John is a lover and a (non-violent) fighter for equality and human rights. He’ll be there to guide you through GDIF’s fabulous finale line-up at the River Stage.

Access: BSL Interpreted.

A group of musicians plays brass instruments in a field of tall, dry grass. They wear vibrant clothes, creating a striking contrast with the natural setting.

The Journey

1pm – 1.50pm and 4pm – 5pm

This joyful parade invites you to embark on a musical journey that celebrates the power of community. Award-winning brass band Perhaps Contraption flood the River Stage with rhythms and harmonies. They will combine an original pop score with physical theatre, signed poetry and mime.

Access: Intergrated BSL. Touch Tour available at 3.45pm.

With support from Without Walls.

The Way Ahead

1pm – 5pm

Explore Caroline Cardus’ celebrated disability protest installation with new signs created exclusively for GDIF. These signs call for courage, power, and hope for disabled people in the UK.

Access: Audio described notes available. Easy read guide available. 

 

A performer in a colourful striped shirt and ripped denim shorts balances on a large metal ring. The background features classical architecture and a bright blue sky, highlighting the dramatic performance.

Roll Play

2pm – 2.30pm and 3.15pm- 3.45pm

Three performers blur the boundaries between hip hop dance and circus cyr wheeling. This series of playful interactions will inspire and amaze audiences of all ages. Featuring feel-good choreography and storytelling by Simple Cypher.

Access: BSL Interpreted. Audio Described.

Easy read guide available. 

A person with short, styled hair and a serious expression performs in a red-lit environment. They wear a dark blazer and a necklace, signing in British Sign Language with their hands raised in expressive gestures.

Sign Song

2.45pm – 3pm

Fresh from her tour with Ed Sheeran, Fletch@ bridges the gap between Deaf and hearing audiences. She signs her way through a hit list that will captivate and delight audiences from all backgrounds in this lively performance.

Access: Captioned.

Access

Our Customer Service Assistants (CSAs) in black t-shirts with the River Stage logo are here to help.

Access Provisions: 

  • Ear defenders are available upon request.
  • To access live audio description, please download the WaveCast app. Suitable for iOS and Android devices.
  • Assistance dogs are welcome, with water bowls available on-site.
  • There is a Changing Places toilet alongside accessible toilets on-site at the National Theatre.
  • Step-free access areas.
  • Free parking is available in the National Theatre Car Park for Blue Badge holders.

You can find information about transport routes, parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, and our car park on our Getting here page.

Supporters

River Stage weekends

River Stage 2024: The Glory
Two drag artists in black outfits performing on a stage.

The Glory

The Glory brings a dazzling lineup of DJs, Drag, Cabaret and theatre makers to River Stage 2024.
River Stage: Friday 5 - Sunday 7 July
This event has passed
River Stage 2024: Rambert
A dancer captured mid-motion against a pale blue background, her pose expressing dynamism and grace. She is dressed in a pastel pink sports bra and high-waisted shorts with a white long-sleeved shirt flowing behind her.

Rambert

The brilliant Rambert dance company presents exciting dance performances, fun family workshops, and live music to keep you moving.
River Stage: Friday 19 - Sunday 21 July
This event has passed
River Stage 2024: National Theatre
A group of vibrant and diverse individuals cheer enthusiastically in bright, summer attire at an outdoor event. Their expressions range from joyous singing to excited clapping, capturing a moment of collective enjoyment in the sunshine.

National Theatre

Join us as we bring River Stage 2024 to a close for another year.
River Stage: Friday 26 - Sunday 28 July
This event has passed

More to explore

Overhead shot of people sitting at tables on the Forza Wine outdoor tearrace and below that, Theatre Square with a Taste of KERB bar, umbrellas and traders and lots of people enjoying the evening sunshine, all at the National Theatre.

Summer eating and drinking

Experience a taste of KERB as their open-air food and drink market returns for summer, with a host of seasonal street food specials. Find us by the Riverside Walkway.

This summer, Forza Taps is taking over the Weston Terrace (just below Forza Wine’s outdoor terrace), serving ‘on tap’ drinks, alongside their signature ‘Italian-ish’ snack menu.