SEA SHANTIES

London
28 March 2026

A deep dive into musical sea lore.

Just you and your crew alone, against the unforgiving force of the open sea. If you want to survive, you must band together and get to work, fast. And there’s no quicker way of building camaraderie than through song. The rhythm is what binds you.

Join Manchester Collective as we chart an unlikely course through the world of sea shanties – a centuries-old folk tradition at the heart of maritime culture. At the helm is Sean Shibe, a master of the guitar in its various guises across the ages, from acoustic to electric.

There’s no one better to join the dots between the sea shanty’s rich history and its TikTok success than Ben Nobuto. The British-Japanese composer brings a whirlwind of avant-garde, contemporary classical and video game sounds, playfully reflecting our fragmented lives.

Ben Nobuto’s new work is co-commissioned by Manchester Collective and Southbank Centre

Dates

28 Mar – London – Southbank Centre

Check times, ticket prices and access info via the link above

Approximate runtime: 90 mins plus interval

Line-up

Manchester Collective String quartet, percussion, lute
Sean Shibe Guitar

Part of 25/26

EXPLORE THE SEASON

We’re all about the atmosphere and immersion. You might encounter lighting to set the mood, amplified sound to deliver music straight to your eardrums, or maybe a little bit of haze.
Between pieces, our performers often share a short explanation about the music. They might chat about what to listen out for, the themes or their personal experience.
Rather than the standard black attire, our musicians wear what they feel is comfortable: whether that’s a colourful dress, or a woolly jumper if it’s chilly.
To us, music is most powerful when it’s immediate and personal, not bound by convention. Whether you’re a first-timer or veteran concert-goer, you’re invited to a new kind of classical music experience.
From warehouses to concert halls, everywhere we play is unique.
At underground and independent venues, it’s a more intimate experience. You can expect to get up close and personal to the musicians, hear outside noise and grab a drink at the bar. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
The “Book” links under Dates & Tickets lead to venue websites. There, you’ll be able to find specific access information. Please note that some independent venues might be standing shows, with the option to request a seat if you need one. This will be specified on the booking page.
If you have any questions at all about access, get in touch at events@manchestercollective.co.uk and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Our performances aren’t formal – so you don’t have to be either! Dress in whatever style makes you feel comfortable, just as our performers do.
If you’ve never been to a classical concert before, you might be worried about rules and etiquette. That’s not what we’re about. You’re free to bring the same excitement and respect you would to any other performance.
Depending on the venue, you might be able to take a couple photos and short videos during the show. If you’re filming the entire gig, we promise we have better recordings on our YouTube channel.
All we ask is that you listen with an open mind and ears.