London Transport Museum to host arts and culture experts for two-night discussion series on the power of the arts featuring a screening of modern opera ‘Angels on the Underground’

Can the arts be harnessed to create a more empathetic society? Be a powerful tool for social change? Arts and culture industry experts will delve into these questions during two special evening talks at London Transport Museum this October.

Panellists will discuss how performance, museums and the arts sector can be a transformative social force, shining a spotlight on the experiences of marginalised groups and complex social issues to build community and connection. The conversation will be inspired by themes explored in Genesis Foundation commission and modern opera Angels on the Underground, which will be screened on the night.

The evening events will be held in London Transport Museum’s Cubic Theatre and are part of its Transported by Culture initiative, aiming to champion the arts in London by bringing more arts programming to visitors. The events will be held in partnership with the Genesis Foundation, a leading UK arts charity that supports emerging talent in the arts.

Tuesday 20 October 2026 

Angels on the Underground screening and panel discussion, Cubic Theatre
How can the arts build community? 
Through the lens of opera, a panel of creative practitioners and culture industry experts will explore how the arts can help build connection, foster belonging and strengthen communities through the sharing of stories and experiences.

 Panellists: 

• Jennifer Johnston, panel chair, operatic mezzo-soprano and cultural strategy consultant

• Elizabeth McKay, London Transport Museum Director and CEO

• John Studzinski CBE, Philanthropist and Founder, Genesis Foundation

• Will Todd, musician and composer, Angels on the Underground

Thursday 22 October 2026 

Angels on the Underground screening and panel discussion, Cubic Theatre
Overlooked stories and the arts 
With a focus on storytelling, the panel will consider how opera and other forms of artistic expression can bring overlooked stories into public conversation, and the wider impact of spotlighting these perspectives. Can these forms of storytelling deepen understanding across cultural divides, create greater awareness of social issues and even spark positive action?

Panellists: 

• Jennifer Johnston, panel chair, operatic mezzo-soprano and cultural strategy consultant

• Sally Gardner, writer and illustrator, author of Angels on the Underground libretto

• Additional panellists still to be announced for 22 October event.

Both evening events will begin with a 30-minute screening of Angels on the Underground, a modern opera commissioned by the Genesis Foundation. Following the story of a young homeless man in crisis, the production explores themes of mental health, loneliness, community and connection. Composed by Will Todd, with libretto by Sally Gardner, it first premiered in 2025 at the Young Vic, conducted by Harry Christophers.

Tickets £18, concessions £17. Discounts available for local residents. Book atltmuseum.co.uk/talks  

Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO, London Transport Museum said: ‘These special events are part of our vision to celebrate the capital’s creativity and bring more art, theatre and music programming to our visitors. We’re passionate about the positive social impact of the arts and culture, so bringing experts from the sector together to share their vital knowledge, inspired by the thought-provoking themes of Will Todd’s fantastic modern opera, set in the London Underground, is a really exciting prospect.’

John Studzinski CBE, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundationsaid: ‘Angels on the Underground explores profound questions about identity, purpose, loneliness and connection. It is also a reminder of the vital role opera can play in helping us understand one another and feel less alone. Through music, storytelling and performance, the arts give voice to experiences that might otherwise remain unheard. They can challenge our assumptions, foster empathy and create a stronger sense of belonging. We are very grateful to London Transport Museum for inviting us to present this work to new audiences and for exploring how the arts can help build a more connected and compassionate society.’

London Transport Museum would like to thank the Genesis Foundation for their support of the Transported by Culture programme.