Live Brum: Theatre Events

Oh! What A Lovely War , 15 May 2012 - 20 Jun 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:33:10 +0000

15 May 2012 - 20 Jun 2012 at The Old Joint Stock

Take a large dollop of The British Expeditionary Force, add a generous dose of the Afghan/Iraq war and a smidgen of political activists of the Vietnam War; stir thoroughly with lively music, slapstick humour, improvisation, loveable songs from the era – blast in a red hot theatrical furnace of The Old Joint Stock Theatre at the temperature of 7.30pm (or 2pm) sharp for a slightly adapted production of Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop’s music theatre master piece ‘Oh! What A Lovely War’. You'll leave wanting seconds!

The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekov, 18 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:03:24 +0000

18 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at Hall Green Little Theatre

For Madame Ranevskaya, her cherry orchard is more than just land: it is her childhood, her memories and her life. However, in order to free her family of debt the orchard must be sold. This touching play exercises the perfect balance of comedy and tragedy, through the characters, relationships and observations of society.

Brush Up Your Shakespeare, 21 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:46:24 +0000

21 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at Highbury Little Theatre

A miscellany of Shakespeare lovers and other characters.

Steel Magnolias 2012, 21 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:51:21 +0000

21 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at New Alexandra Theatre

Wonderful Town, 22 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:32:03 +0000

22 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at Birmingham Hippodrome

Connie Fisher, star of The Sound of Music and winner of the BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome in the multi award-winning musical comedy, Wonderful Town.

Featuring a superb score by legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story), the show has received countless awards since its premiere in 1953 including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Musical.

Connie plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York City fresh from Ohio with her beautiful younger sister Eileen. Bursting with dreams of romance, riches and perhaps a free lunch at Walgreen's deli, the indomitable pair meet an array of colourful characters in their search for success, causing chaos and delight at every turn.

Wonderful Town recreates the bright lights of 1930s New York City with spectacular sets, dazzling choreography and the rich sound of Bernstein's magnificent music.

Season’s Greetings , 23 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:45:32 +0000

23 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at Palace Theatre

A comedy by Alan Ayckbourn, Directed by Steve Brookes

Season's Greetings is a black, often farcical, frequently hilarious comedy about a dysfunctional family Christmas. It is set in the average English suburban house of Belinda & Neville Bunker.

Belinda endures a stale relationship with Neville - he being always too busy fiddling with anything mechanical out in his shed – so she resorts to flapping about the house and constantly dressing the Christmas tree. They have invited their family for the traditional Christmas celebration.

The guests include: Neville’s exhausted & neurotic sister Phyllis; her husband Bernard, an ineffectual doctor whose annual puppet shows are the stuff of legend and terror to both young and old alike; Neville’s lacklustre & lazy friend Eddie and his very pregnant & nagging wife Pattie; uncle Harvey, a cantankerous military man who bemoans the collapse of society whilst himself gorging on TV violence; Belinda’s unmarried and emotionally fuddled sister, Rachel and Clive, a suave writer and friend of Rachel.

Site-Specific Performance: 5x5, 24 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:23:37 +0000

24 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at mac

FREE

Foyer Students from University of Birmingham’s MPhil Playwriting Studies course present five short plays inspired by society, community and current events performed in site-specific spaces within the MAC building.

From the clearing out of the family shed, to a mother waiting for her son’s return, to a world where drugs are legalised, 5x5 explores questions, concerns and the ethics of modern-day society. Performed within an hour, these five short plays give a taste of Birmingham’s new writing talent. Come and follow the journey through the space and experience five different perspectives from the one same city.

Dolly West's Kitchen, 24 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:59:34 +0000

24 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 at The Old Joint Stock

As the Second World War rages on in Europe, in Donegal there is another war closer to home. In Dolly West's kitchen, her family has its own conflicts to face as their lives are transformed with the arrival of allied troops across the border in Derry. War changes everything - its tragedies, its survivals and the history of the West family will be changed forever as this compelling play by award-winning playwright Frank McGuinness shows.

Capital Theatre Festival: Without A Hand To Hold , 25 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:54:42 +0000

25 May 2012 at mac

Boz and Cank are friends who share a flat. One works days as a hospital porter, the other works nights as a security guard. They look out for each other, as friends are supposed to do. But while Boz likes the fun of their routines Cank can not remember the last time he laughed and has not seen or felt the sun for years…

Capital Theatre Festival: Cuddles , 25 May 2012 - 27 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:01:20 +0000

25 May 2012 - 27 May 2012 at mac

Tabitha makes a lot of money and likes weak men. She keeps Eve safe in one room, completely under her control. Eve thinks that Tabitha is the best sister she could ever have. She gives Eve books, plays with her, and hoses her down when she’s dirty. Sometimes she even takes her for walks. But do either of them know what the other is truly capable of?

Edwardian Fete , 26 May 2012

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:40:11 +0000

26 May 2012 at Winterbourne House & Garden

Step back in time and join us for a wonderful day out with an array of exciting Edwardian entertainment.

There will be music, laughter, competitions, performers and fair rides. Along the lawn there will be stalls selling their wares and delicious Edwardian Afternoon Teas will be on sale in the tea room.

In keeping with our village fair feel, there will be a bake-off style competition for produce, preserves and cakes , presided over by a select committee of judges. Our colleagues at Special Collections Cadbury Research Library will be educating us on all things turn of the century in the Old Kitchen, with live demonstrations and the chance to see some of the works from the library. What weird and wonderful things did our Edwardian ancestors eat and why?

Grand Hotel, 26 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:26:09 +0000

26 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012 at Crescent Theatre

In 1928 Berlin, the world is between wars and the stock market is booming. The center of the action is the illustrious Grand Hotel. The show concerns the eccentric guests of the hotel including a beautiful Prima Ballerina; the charming but broke young Baron; the determined Hollywood hopeful; the deathly ill bookkeeper; the honest, hardworking father-to-be; and the cynical doctor.

The Infernal Comedy Starring John Malkovich, 26 May 2012

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:05:36 +0000

26 May 2012 at Symphony Hall

John Malkovich stars in a stage play for baroque orchestra, singers and actor, based on the real-life story of convicted serial killer Jack Unterweger. Malkovich’s monologues journey through the life and mind of this notorious Viennese womaniser, writer and murderer, illustrated with music embodying joy, hatred, love, grief, and desire. Sometimes darkly comic, sometimes bleakly brutal, it’s a fascinating insight into the twisted mind of, as Malkovich says, “a bad, bad guy.”

Capital Theatre Festival: Calyx , 26 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:52:52 +0000

26 May 2012 at mac

In January 2012, we invited submissions from playwrights, devisers, writer-performers and theatre-makers of any designation working with the spoken and written word. Three exciting and innovative new plays will be selected and premiered during the Festival.

Capital Theatre Festival: Calyx , 27 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:53:04 +0000

27 May 2012 at mac

Capital Theatre Festival: Without A Hand To Hold , 27 May 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:55:06 +0000

27 May 2012 at mac

Capital Theatre Festival: Pecha Kucha , 27 May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:09:08 +0000

27 May 2012 at mac

Brand new six and a half minute plays performed in Pecha Kucha's famous 20x20 format. Fast & furious new writing.

Pecha Kucha was originally devised by Klein Dytham Architects in Japan as a format for designers and architects to share their work and inspiration in a snappy and concise way – talking about each of 20 slides for just 20 seconds per slide. The 20x20 format has become a global phenomenon, with events now regularly taking place in over 400 cities worldwide.

Jointly hosted by Pecha Kucha Birmingham and Pecha Kucha Coventry alongside Capital Theatre Festival, this evening's event is a worldwide Pecha Kucha first!

Eight visual artists each supplied us with a set of 20 images – we then gave each set to a regionally-based writer and asked them to write a play to fit the 20 images and the 20 seconds per image format.

A Royal Midday Variety, 29 May 2012

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:53:21 +0000

29 May 2012 at Solihull Arts Complex

This popular afternoon variety show is back with a special Jubilee edition so get those flags dusted down and ready to wave! Malcolm Stent returns once again as everyone's favourite host for a royal line-up.

Don Maclean one of Britains much loved comedy stars is back on home territory. He will be accompanied by musical duo Andante, Kirsty Michelle Anderson direct from a wonderful tour which included stops at the Symphony Hall and O2 Arena plus Andrew Van Buren and partner - Europe's Man of Mystery & Champion Plate Spinning act (...watch out in the front row!).

With a top class backing orchestra in the shape of Fast Lane Music this promises to be a right royal state of affairs & a perfect afternoon of entertainment.

I Dreamed a Dream , 29 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:40:42 +0000

29 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012 at Birmingham Hippodrome

Starring Elaine C Smith, best known as Mary Doll in BBC TV’s Rab C Nesbitt, the musical follows Susan Boyle’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global icon and features signature songs from her multi-platinum selling albums.

Gore Blimey - CANCELLED, 30 May 2012

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:23:22 +0000

30 May 2012 at Kitchen Garden Cafe

Hip Hope Hero, 31 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:20:44 +0000

31 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012 at The Old Rep Theatre

(suitable for under 18s)

The Hip Hope Hero knows the world’s biggest secret…that inside everyone lurks a hero, even a super hero!

Come and meet the Hip Hope Hero and soon your very own unique and powerful inner hero will be released.

Featuring South Africa’s Got Talent winner, deaf Hip Hop dancer Darren Rajpal as the fabulous Hip Hope Hero, this exciting new show combines dance, poetry, animation, music and some seriously cool puppets.

Frozen, 31 May 2012 - 9 Jun 2012

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:35:53 +0000

31 May 2012 - 9 Jun 2012 at The Blue Orange Theatre

One evening ten-year-old Rhona goes missing. Her mother, Nancy, retreats into a state of frozen hope. Agnetha, an American academic, comes to England to research a thesis: "Serial Killing - A Forgivable Act?" Then there's Ralph, a loner who's looking for some distraction. Drawn together by horrific circumstances, these three embark on a long, dark journey which finally curves upward into the light. Angry, humane and compassionate, FROZEN is an extraordinary play that entwines the lives of a murderer, the mother of one of his victims and his psychologist to explore our capacity for forgiveness, remorse and change after an act that would seem to rule them out entirely. Contains: strong language and references of a sexual and violent nature.

Upstairs Improv , 31 May 2012

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:49:08 +0000

31 May 2012 at The Old Joint Stock

The finest free range Improv performers, ethically sourced from eco-friendly habitats.

The purest diverse formats of improvised theatre, lovingly served.

Performances garnished with the sweetest, sharpest, funniest, cleverest, most moving scenes available.

Dave McPherson, Lottie Phazey, Ricardo Thompson , 1 Jun 2012

Sun, 13 May 2012 10:28:32 +0000

1 Jun 2012 at Eddie's Rock Club

InMe's Front Man, DAVE McPHERSON returns for a 5th time to EDDIES as part of his Solo Tour of the UK. Support comes from Lottie Phazey and Ricardo Thompson will open the show

Richard III, 2 Jun 2012

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:18:05 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at Manor House Museum

Shakespeare has crafted a Machievellian character of gargantuan ego and ambition, Richard Duke of Gloucester, who will stop at nothing to gain the Crown. Playing in splendid period costume, the Festival Players Theatre Company is thrilled to bring you the drama of the last King of England to be killed in battle. In its inimitable colourful, energetic, and crystal-clear style this all-male ensemble promise an unforgettable and exciting theatrical experience.

David Lee-Jones in the title role, is believed to be the first British-Chinese actor to take on the mantle of one of Shakespeare’s most famous villains.

Advance tickets are available on 0121 588 2985, price £12 adults/£10 concessions. Tickets on the night will be £14 adults and £12 concessions. Members of the audience should bring their own seating and the production will transfer inside the venue if wet.

www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk

Naukar Teemi Da, 2 Jun 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:07:08 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at The Drum

Hunter Kaur believes that marriage is nothing but just give and take. Give me happiness and I’ll give you pain. Fatte Chak danceson Hunter Wali’s tunes, cooks food for her and sings songs for her. In short he is a perfect ‘Naukar Teemi Da’ but one fine day HunterWali’s younger sister Kuljeet (Aka) Jugni comes to their house tospend her summer holidays and then......there is love in the air.

The Tempest, 2 Jun 2012

Sat, 05 May 2012 11:51:13 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at mac

Successful, Midlands touring company, MadCap Theatre Productions, are proud to present William Shakespeare's The Tempest in association with the 'Shakespeare 2012' project.

Featuring popular Midlands-based actors, the adaptation will bring new life to one of the Bard's most loved comedies.

Magician Prospero is banished to an isolated island with his daughter Miranda. Twelve years later he seizes the opportunity to right the wrongs done to him, by creating the storm that shipwrecks his enemies on the island.

Helped, and in some cases hindered, by his un-earthly companions this is the ultimate revenge play, featuring foul-play, magic, mayhem, drunken bawdiness and, like all good Shakespeare plays, love.

American Buffalo, 2 Jun 2012 - 9 Jun 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:05:13 +0000

2 Jun 2012 - 9 Jun 2012 at Crescent Theatre

As with so many of Mamet's plays this deceptively simple tale of small-time crooks and swindlers is apparently about nothing at all - the reality, of course, is the world he creates is a microcosm of all that's good, bad and ugly in life in the twentieth century.

You're Not Like Any Other Girls Chrissy, 2 Jun 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:54:41 +0000

2 Jun 2012 at Artrix

January 1945. Paris has been liberated. Christiane, an eccentric Parisienne, waits at Gare Du Nord for a ticket to England to be reunited with her fiancé and recounts the unlikely story of her love affair with Cyril, a tongue-tied English teacher.

Bob the Builder Live (1pm), 6 Jun 2012

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:48:57 +0000

6 Jun 2012 at Palace Theatre

(suitable for under 18s)

The Fixham Theatre is set for a grand re-opening.

Local talent Dickie Olivier needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand new musical. But when Spud decides he wants to be the star of the show, the job doesn’t go exactly to plan.

Will the theatre be ready?

Will the show go on?

Bob’s going to need help from his friends.

With well-known songs and three new exclusive songs, join Bob and help him fix it in his big theatre build!