Following the spectacular afternoon matinee, the energy is set to turn all the way up for an unforgettable evening showcase where massive vocal anthems meet professional stage illusions! On Saturday 4 July 2026, the south coast’s premier youth vocal group steps into the spotlight as Sound Pop Academy presents Illusion – Advanced live at MAST Mayflower Studios (Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU). Lighting up the state-of-the-art Studio 1 auditorium at 19:00 (7:00 PM BST), this high-octane flagship production features the academy’s senior 9-to-17-year-old performers delivering intricate multi-part pop harmonies and dazzling, fast-paced choreography.
Event Schedule and Timings
The flagship evening performance is designed as a complete theatrical event with an integrated intermission. Please note the precise evening schedule:
- 18:00 (6:00 PM): Venue Foyer and Cafe-Bar Open — Perfect for arriving early with family, collecting your printed tickets, and relaxing with refreshments before the rush.
- 18:30 (6:30 PM): Studio 1 Auditorium Doors Open — Theater ushers open the house, allowing guests to find their assigned tiered seating layout and soak up the pre-show buzz.
- 19:00 (7:00 PM): Act One Commences — The senior academy vocalists kick off the show with dynamic multi-part pop harmonies, massive ensemble choreography, and initial illusion numbers.
- 19:40 (7:40 PM): Mid-Show Interval — A 20-minute theater intermission to purchase refreshments at the MAST bar, use the local facilities, and stretch your legs.
- 20:00 (8:00 PM): Act Two & Grand Finale — The performance resumes with peak-energy vocal routines alongside the headline magical sequences curated by Louise Andrée.
- 20:30 (8:30 PM): Performance Concludes — The full production wraps up, running for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in total, letting you exit smoothly into the Cultural Quarter.
Tickets & Prices
Seating within Studio 1 is strictly assigned, and ticket prices reflect your chosen view tier or stall assignment:
- Standard Stalls or Balcony Seating: £15.50 to £23.50 — Tiered pricing structured based on your proximity to the main performance stage. Standard theater transaction levies apply at checkout.
- Infants & Toddlers (Under 2): Free Lap Tickets — Very young children under 2 are permitted. If they do not require an individual seat and will remain on a parent’s lap, you must call the Box Office team on 02380 711811 to lock down a free entry token beforehand.
Entry and Venue Policies
- Age Suitability: Fully recommended for all ages! This is an energetic, welcoming family event showcasing the hard work of regional 9-to-17-year-old performers.
- Pushchair and Stroller Constraints: Due to fire safety regulations within the tiered rows of Studio 1, prams and pushchairs cannot be brought into the seating decks. Secure, monitored pram parking is provided free of charge inside the main foyer corridor.
- Media Restrictions: Flash photography, video capture, and audio recordings are strictly banned during live show blocks to ensure child safety protections and protect copyrighted illusion configurations.
MAST Mayflower Studios is located on Above Bar Street inside a heavily regulated pedestrian and mass-transit loop:
- Bus Gate Enforcements: Ensure your navigation approach avoids driving directly past the theater front doors on Above Bar Street. This corridor is restricted to public buses and licensed taxis only, with automatic camera tracking. Route your vehicle via Civic Centre Road to avoid fines.
How to Get There
The production is held at MAST Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU:
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is just a 10-minute flat walk away. Exit via the northern platform doors, walk straight up Commercial Road through Guildhall Square, and the entrance sits on your right.
- By Bus: Frequent central bus corridors stop directly within 150 yards of the building at the Civic Centre / Art Gallery bays. Key operating routes include Bluestar lines 1, 2, 7, and 18.
- By Foot: Located right in the vibrant core of Southampton’s Guildhall Square, easily reached from any central high street location.
Where to Park Near MAST Mayflower Studios
While the studio building itself does not have public parking facilities, several convenient council car parks operate inside a 3-to-5-minute walking bubble:
- Civic Centre Car Parks (SO14 7LY): Reliable open-air parking spaces right behind the main municipal offices, offering rapid direct walk paths to the theater doors.
- Marlands Car Park (SO15 1BA): A massive covered multi-story option providing direct pedestrian elevator paths straight out onto Above Bar Street.
- Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey (SO15 2UA): Situated just west of the Cultural Quarter, featuring secure multi-level bays perfect for evening theater-goers.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is Sound Pop Academy presents Illusion – Advanced?
- The flagship evening performance takes place on Saturday 4 July 2026 inside Studio 1 at MAST Mayflower Studios. The show starts promptly at 19:00 (7:00 PM BST). The main venue foyer opens at 18:00 (6:00 PM BST) and auditorium doors open at 18:30 (6:30 PM BST).
- Who is performing in the ‘Illusion – Advanced’ showcase?
- This evening performance features Sound Pop Academy’s talented senior academy members aged 9 to 17 years old. They are performing alongside special guest illusionist Louise Andrée, an elite member of the Inner Magic Circle.
- How long does the show last and is there an interval?
- The performance runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, concluding at 20:30 (8:30 PM BST). This includes a 20-minute mid-show interval to grab drinks and use the venue facilities.
- How much are tickets for the Advanced show?
- Tickets range from £15.50 to £23.50 depending on which seating tier or stalls area you choose inside Studio 1. Standard venue transaction fees apply during checkout.
- Can under-2s attend and do they need a ticket?
- Yes, children under 2 can attend for free. However, they must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. You will need to contact the box office directly on 02380 711811 before matchday to secure a complimentary lap token.