Get ready for an enchanting, family-friendly afternoon where the high-energy world of modern pop music collides with spellbinding live illusions! On Saturday 4 July 2026, the brightest young stars of the south coast take the stage as Sound Pop Academy presents Illusion – Little live at MAST Mayflower Studios (Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU). Lighting up the state-of-the-art Studio 1 auditorium at 14:00 (2:00 PM BST), this highly anticipated summer theatre showcase features talented 6-to-8-year-old performers delivering infectious vocal harmonies and brilliant choreography.
Official Event Schedule and Timings
This localized matinee production is designed beautifully as a fast-paced, high-energy single-act showcase:
- 13:00 (1:00 PM): Venue Foyer & Cafe-Bar Open — Get to the studio early to beat the parking queues, collect family tickets, and purchase pre-show refreshments.
- 13:30 (1:30 PM): Studio 1 Auditorium Doors Open — House doors reveal the main tiered theater bowl. Families can guide their children inside to get comfortable in their assigned seats.
- 14:00 (2:00 PM): Performance Commences — The show opens instantly with the Sound Pop Academy “Little” members delivering massive vocal harmonies alongside the spellbinding illusion sequences of Louise Andrée.
- 14:45 (2:45 PM): Performance Concludes — Running for approximately 45 minutes without an internal intermission, the show wraps up, clearing out perfectly for celebratory family photos in Guildhall Square or afternoon snacks.
Tickets & Prices
Seating inside Studio 1 is strictly assigned and split across uniform tier segments. Given the extreme popularity of youth academy showcases, checking availability beforehand is highly urged:
- Standard General Seat (Stalls or Balcony): £15.00 — Flat-rate admission covering all standard audience areas. There are no extra concessionary discounts active for this production.
- Infants & Toddlers (Under 2): Entry Allowed — Very young toddlers under 2 are warmly welcome to attend. If they are sharing a seat directly with an adult, you must coordinate booking a free lap token by calling the Box Office line at 02380 711811.
Entry and Family Show Policies
- Age Suitability: Recommended for all ages! This production features comfortable sound design dynamics scaled explicitly for families, parents, and younger children.
- Pushchair & Pram Protocols: For security and rapid fire safety egress, pushchairs, buggies, and heavy pram frames cannot be rolled inside the active row aisles of Studio 1. The venue front-of-house teams manage a free stroller parking bay right inside the main foyer entrance.
- Photography Restrictions: Flash photography and recording devices are strictly forbidden during the show to protect child performance safety regulations and illusionist licensing.
How to Get There
The family matinee is held at MAST Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU:
- By Foot: Situated directly opposite the Southampton Civic Centre building, right inside the bustling pedestrian plazas of Guildhall Square.
- By Train: Southampton Central Station is roughly a 10-minute flat walk away. Head out via the northern platform exit, walk straight up Commercial Road through the square, and the glass foyer entrance sits straight ahead.
- By Bus: Frequent regional routes drop you within a 2-minute walk of the studio steps at the Civic Centre / Art Gallery bus stops. Key transit options include Bluestar lines 1, 2, 7, and 18.
Where to Park Near MAST Mayflower Studios
While the studio complex does not feature private parking, extensive multi-story and open-air council parking areas are located within a short walking radius:
- Civic Centre Car Parks (SO14 7LY): Affordable pay-and-display open-air spaces situated right behind the local council offices, providing rapid entry pathing directly to the theater entrance.
- Marlands Car Park (SO15 1BA): A large covered multi-story option offering direct pedestrian elevator access straight out onto the main Above Bar street walkways.
- Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey (SO15 2UA): Positioned just west of the Cultural Quarter, providing secure multi-level bays perfect for weekend matinee attendees.
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 – Little?
- The performance takes place on Saturday 4 July 2026 inside Studio 1 at MAST Mayflower Studios. The show starts promptly at 14:00 (2:00 PM BST). The foyer opens at 13:00 (1:00 PM BST) and auditorium doors open at 13:30 (1:30 PM BST).
- Who is performing in the ‘Illusion – Little’ show?
- This specific afternoon showcase features Sound Pop Academy’s talented young members aged 6 to 8 years old. They will be sharing the stage with professional Inner Magic Circle illusionist Louise Andrée.
- How long does the show last and is there a break?
- The performance runs for approximately 45 minutes and does not have an interval. It is perfectly timed to keep younger audience members engaged without losing their attention.
- How much are tickets and do under-2s need to pay?
- Tickets cost £15.00 for a standard general admission seat. Toddlers and infants under 2 can attend for free, but you must contact the box office directly on 02380 711811 to secure a complimentary lap token beforehand.
- Can I bring a pram or pushchair into the theater auditorium?
- No, pushchairs and prams cannot be taken into the seating rows of Studio 1 due to safety regulations. However, the venue provides a dedicated, free stroller parking area within the main entrance foyer.