Saved events

First Light

Daniel Naddafy / Marty Langthorne

A baby in the arms of their mother look at hanging tungsten style light bulbs, bathed in a warm glow. Behind them is a red exposed brick wall. The mother is looking intently at the child.

Bathe in sound and light with your baby as you explore the wonders of how their senses develop. Sit, lie down or stand while sharing this immersive, intimate experience.

Inspired by baby lab research into the expanding vision of children from birth until 18 months, this 15-minute installation distills the world of awakening perception into a unique show. Real-life soundscapes harmonise and echo a newborn’s hearing, this is designed to be enjoyed by both baby and their grown up.
 
Co-created by theatre-maker Daniel Naddafy, and artist & lighting designer Marty Langthorne, this fascinating piece has been specially produced to be engaging, calming and relaxing for babies. First Light returns to the Barbican following the success of a sell-out run in 2021.

 

 

Running time: 15 minutes

Ticketing
This performance is designed for a baby between 0 – 18 months to experience with their adult. There are single ticket slots and group slots.

Single Ticket
£8 (this covers up to 4 people including a baby). Timeslots: 10:00, 10:20, 10:40, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40, 12:00, 12:20, 12:40, 13:00, 13:20, 13:40.

Group ticket
£12 (this covers up to 6 people including two babies). Timeslots: 15:20, 15:40, 16:00, 16:20, 16:40, 17:00.

Additional information
Latecomers may not be admitted. Please arrive on time for your specific slot. 

Wheelchair users are welcome into the pod. The pod can support a maximum of 2 wheelchairs in each slot. 

Presented and co-commissioned by the Barbican. Developed with support from Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts and Half Moon Theatre

Photo by Holly Revell

*Excludes £1.50 booking fee

Frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit

What age child is the show suitable for?
The production has been designed for babies aged 0 – 18 months to experience with their grown-up.

If you need to bring an older sibling along then that’s fine, we just want people to understand that the production hasn’t been designed for an older age group so they might not get so much from it.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my baby?
There are two types of ticket. A single ticket (£8) covers entry into the performance pod for up to 4 people (including one baby). A group ticket (£12) covers entry into the performance pod for up to 6 people (including two babies). 

How long is the show and what will happen? 
The performance lasts approximately 15 minutes.

First Light is an immersive production in which a baby and their adult encounter a fascinating sound and light experience in a specially designed performance pod.

First Light was created especially for audiences at the Barbican and is returning for a second time to the Pit theatre.

When should I arrive?
Please try and arrive in the Pit Foyer on Level minus 2 at least five minutes before your time slot.

Is there somewhere to feed or change my baby? 
There will be a changing table and a bottle warmer in the chill-out space. Breastfeeding is always welcome across our site. 

Can I take coats and bags into the performance?
There is a free cloakroom where you can leave large bags and coats in the Level -2 foyer. 

Where will I park my pram/buggy? 
You can leave your pram in a designated area when you go into the Pit Theatre to start the experience – our staff will show you where.

Can I take photos during the performance?
Please can you turn off your phone before you go into the performance pod, and not take photos during the experience.

If you are unsure of how to find the Barbican, please see our website: http://www.barbican.org.uk/visitor-information/getting-here

If you have any other queries or concerns, please email [email protected] 

Reviews

‘A great sensory experience for adults and babies. My child was fascinated by the lights and colours‘
Audience feedback, Glisten
‘Terrific watching small faces involved in sound, colour, light and texture – we were enthralled from start to finish‘
Audience feedback, Glisten

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