National Theatre announces 2018 River Stage line up

The line-up for the River Stage, the National Theatre's open air summer festival, has been announced.

Over five weekends between 13 July and 12 August the outside stage – situated on the river, next to the Understudy bar – will be curated by a different partner. The first weekend up is 13 to 15 July and will be programmed by London's queer performance venue The Glory, the second weekend (20 to 22 July) will be run by Home in Manchester, then Sadler's Wells – a first for the theatre – will curate 27 to 29 July. Nonclassical will be in charge of 3 to 6 August and the final weekend 10 to the 12 August, the National Theatre will programme the events.

The events take place throughout the day and include Lypsync1000! on 13 Friday, Big Gay Songbook on 14
Saturday as part of The Glory; Dave Haslam and Bourgeois and Maurice on 20 July and Manchester International Roots Orchestra on 21 July as part of Home; Breakin' Convention, lindy hop workshops and Flamenco taster workshops as part of Sadler's Wells weekend.

Nonclassical, a club night founded to try to support and promote the next generation of classical composers, is making its first appearance at the River Stage, with performances from Nick Luscombe, Cecilia Bignall and Peter Gregson.

During the National Theatre's weekend The Wardrobe Ensemble will appear alongside Nick Pynn and Empire Sounds, while the final day will see an outdoor NT Live screening of Follies.

Rufus Norris, artistic director of the National Theatre said: "I am delighted that River Stage is back for the fourth year running…The thrill for me is seeing the crowds of new faces that River Stage brings to the South Bank. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone in July. "