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St Pancras Pianos

4 Extra Debut. The story of ordinary people and tunes they play, giving intimate access to strangers’ lives at this London station. From 2017.

A lyrical improvisation captures the music and the stories of those who stop to play the street pianos at St Pancras Station in London, exploring the communities the music creates in this transient urban setting.

Around 45 million people pass through the station each year, travelling not only to the North of England or Kent, but also to Paris, Brussels and Lille. Visitors who stop unexpectedly - and regulars who come frequently - play the station's unusual street pianos with a wide range of musical styles and ability. Their personal stories reinforce ideas about the universal language of music and its ability to cut across class, nationality, creed and colour.

Over the years, top performers from Sir Elton John to Laura Mvula, Jamie Cullum to John Legend, have all played here - with Sir Elton signing and donating a piano.

But this programme tells the story of the ordinary people and the tunes they play. It provides intimate access into strangers’ lives and to this London station at both its busiest and its quietest moments.

Producer: Sophie Sparham

An Overtone production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.

Available now

30 minutes

On radio

Tue 24 Jun 2025 10:30

Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Oct 2017 11:00
  • Tue 24 Jun 2025 10:30
  • Tue 24 Jun 2025 16:30
  • Wed 25 Jun 2025 00:30