Dancing hands star in elaborate miniature sets, the action filmed live to become epic on a big screen. See an ingenious show animated before your eyes – ‘a total theatrical treat’ (Times).
In this wonderfully whimsical production, the story of seven surprising deaths takes audiences into an array of scenarios that touch on the fleeting fragility of life. Watch as performers and crew conjure visuals onstage or simply succumb to the beautifully detailed kaleidoscopic vistas appearing on film. From the razzamatazz of a Fred and Ginger-style dance number to a floating figure in outer space, from a ravaged war-torn cityscape to the recreation of an iconic Boléro ballet.
Set to music including Ravel, David Bowie and Janis Joplin, Cold Blood brings together intricate hand choreography, tiny props, live cinema and a witty script. From Jaco Van Dormael and Michèle Anne De Mey – who co-directed Kiss & Cry here in 2017 – ‘it is entirely original and totally entrancing’ (WhatsOnStage).
1 hour 20 mins, no interval
Age guidance 12+ (contains depictions of death).
Presented by the Barbican in association with London International Mime Festival. Executive production by Astragales. Association production by Mars, Mons Arts de la Scène – Belgium and Théâtre de Namur – Belgium. Co-produced by Charleroi Danse – Belgium, La Fondation Mons 2015, KVS – Belgium, Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Le Printemps des Comédiens – France, Torino Danza – Italy, Canadian Stage, Théâtre de Carouge-Atelier de Genève and Théâtre des Célestins – France. With the support of Fédération Wallonie Bruxelles – Service de Danse.
Creative Team
Ticket prices
Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.
No booking fee. Discounted tickets subject to availability.
Under 16
Save 50%. Proof of age required on collection.
Students
Students are entitled to half-price tickets in advance for Wednesday evening. Proof of eligibility required on collection.
School
£12 per ticket. Call the Groups line on 020 7382 7211 to book.
Access
Visitors with access requirements who have joined our Access Membership scheme may be eligible for reductions on tickets. Call the Box Office on 020 7638 8891. For Minicom facilities, call 07710 854 085.
Groups (10+)
Save 20%. Call the Groups line on 020 7382 7211.
Corporate Discounts
Save 25%. More info
Discounts are not available on lowest price tickets and are subject to availability. Discounts do not apply to associated talks, films or workshops. They cannot be combined to make greater savings.
Booking fees
£3 booking fee per online transaction, £4 by phone.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. Booking fees do not currently apply to bookings for exhibitions in the Art Gallery. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events.
Events
Post-show talk, Thu 30 Jan
Free to same-day ticket holders
BSL-interpreted performance and post-show talk, Thu 30 Jan
Reviews
You might also like
Theatre
Location
The Barbican Theatre is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in the rear of the Stalls (four) and row B of the upper circle (four), both with companion seats. Row B is reached via a platform lift, and staff will be happy to help you. Seats in the back row of the Stalls are suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the theatre – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Sign language
For our occasional BSL-signed performances. Stalls seats close to the signer are reserved for people with hearing impairments. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Captioned performances
These display the full text of the play on a screen as the actors speak the words. Seats with the best view of the screen are reserved for people with hearing impairments, so please book early and ask for these seats.
Audio-described performances and amplified sound
Headsets are available from the sales kiosk outside the Stalls Right entrance to the theatre
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
