Colossus
Colossus at the Southbank Centre forms part of the Centre’s 75 birthday celebrations and finds itself slotted between events forming part of Harry Styles Meltdown festival and what an extraordinary piece of semi-immersive dance that manages to be both stimulating and emotionally affecting.
Featuring over 50 dancers from the London Contemporary Dance School and choreographed by Stephanie Lake, this performance originating in Australia makes it way to the UK.
From the moment you enter, there is a sense that you are stepping into something ambitious and distinctive. The fifty dancer move as one, their movements at times like a wave washing over the audience, hypnotic and mesmerising yet never losing your attention.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The staging is remarkably effective, making excellent use of sound and lighting to create a futuristic environment that feels both contemporary and lightly unsettling.
The performers deserve considerable praise. They deliver nuanced and convincing performances that anchor the experience emotionally. Their interactions with the audience feel natural rather than forced, helping to create a genuine sense of involvement and investment in the unfolding narrative.
What makes Colossus particularly memorable is the way it encourages reflection long after the event has ended. Questions about the role of the individual, their autonomy and conversely the role of society and others in modern life.
Rather than presenting simple answers, the production invites audiences to consider multiple perspectives and reach their own conclusions.
Colossus demonstrates the Southbank Centre’s willingness to champion innovative dance that pushes the boundaries of what live performance can be. It is thought-provoking, visually striking and genuinely almost immersive, offering an experience that feels both timely and relevant.
This show was reviewed on Thursday 25th June 2026 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Review written by Mike Stocks
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