Manchester’s acclaimed trio GoGo Penguin is set to make a highly anticipated return to Barbican Hall on 3 December 2025, unveiling their much-awaited new album, Necessary Fictions. Featuring the dynamic talents of pianist Chris Illingworth, bassist Nick Blacka, and drummer Jon Scott, GoGo Penguin continues to push the boundaries of genre, seamlessly fusing jazz, classical, and electronic influences. Their artistry explores the fertile ground where acoustic and electronic worlds collide, with modular synths, electric bass, and richly layered textures shaping a truly immersive live experience.
Necessary Fictions signals a bold evolution for the band, embracing greater personal and sonic clarity without losing their sound’s signature rhythmic intensity and improvisational spirit. This visionary project promises some of GoGo Penguin’s most daring and expressive music to date, further elevated by bespoke lighting and inventive instrumentation crafted especially for this performance.
Opening the evening is special guest Daudi Matsiko, whose heartfelt songwriting and minimalist arrangements offer a deeply personal prelude to the night’s musical journey.
GoGo Penguin + Daudi Matsiko
Wednesday 3 December 2025, 7:30 pm
Barbican Hall
Tickets from £25 plus booking fee
For more details and to book your tickets, visit the Barbican website.
Image by Mark Gregson, courtesy of the Barbican Center
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