This summer, Somerset House will be the perfect place to bump into an old friend.
Because they’re going to be filling their huge courtyard… with dodgems.
And not just any run-of-the-mill, ho-hum, garden variety funfair bumper cars either – these will be musical dodgems, designed by award-winning Somerset House Studios artist Anna Meredith, who’s tricked them out so that every single bump, scratch and jolt is tracked by bespoke wireless tech (put together by BAFTA-winning sound artist Nick Ryan), then used to create a unique audio-visual composition. That composition will then get played in an “explosive three-minute sonic display” every hour, and each one will be completely different.
Surrounding all these dodgems will be two things:
1) An immersive art installation (which they describe as a “vibrant, colourful and kaleidoscopic world”) by British-Nigerian artist and designer, Yinka Ilori, which will also include plenty of seating, that’ll be handy for:
2) Lots of food. That part will be taken care of by pop up maestro Jimmy Garcia, who’s going to be setting up a full cocktail bar and putting together picnic baskets, street food, and DIY ice cream sundaes. There’ll even be DJ-aided brunches each weekend.
And speaking of DJs, plans are afoot for a series of Lates every Thursday & Friday night. They’re completely free, and the vinyl jockeys they have lined up include Oh Annie Oh, Supa Dupa Fly, and Manara (pictured above) to name but a few. And the kicker? You can get a self-serve keg of cognac, ginger & peach cocktail delivered to your table.
You’ll be bumping into a few more people after that.
NOTE: Dodge at Somerset House runs from 15th July until 22nd Aug 2021. The courtyard is open & free to visit, and walk-up visitors will be able to enjoy the Dodge experience (£5pp), but pre-booking is highly encouraged. All advance bookings include a table, a dodgems ride and a drink, and cost £10pp – you secure your spot right HERE.
Dodge | Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA
Hungry? Here are a few good restaurants nearby…