Live Brum: Birmingham Hippodrome Events

Wonderful Town, 22 May 2012 - 26 May 2012

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

22 May 2012 - 26 May 2012 - Theatre 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.

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

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

29 May 2012 - 2 Jun 2012 - Theatre 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.

Cape Town Opera - Porgy and Bess, 6 Jun 2012 - 9 Jun 2012

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:48:02 +0000

6 Jun 2012 - 9 Jun 2012 - Classical at Birmingham Hippodrome

Following its critically acclaimed UK debut in 2009, the globally renowned Cape Town Opera brings the rarely performed George Gershwin masterpiece Porgy and Bess to Birmingham for the very first time.

Porgy and Bess has emerged as one of the great icons of American music theatre, known around the world as ‘the peoples’ opera’.

Written in 1935 and originally portraying the 1920s life of America’s Deep South, this compelling work contains some of the most stirring and ever-lasting songs including Summertime, I Got Plenty Of Nuttin’, It Ain’t Necessarily So and I Loves You Porgy.

Transplanted to the townships of South Africa, this production provides a contemporary view of an enduring classic which has received critical acclaim the world over.

Gang Show 80th Anniversary , 10 Jun 2012

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:43:56 +0000

10 Jun 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

A special one off Gang Show is being staged at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 10th June 2012. Featuring 150 scouts and guides from 30 Gang Shows across the UK. Come and enjoy this evening of comedy, music and dance. Curtain up at 7pm, don't be late, the gang's all here.

Every night of every year, somewhere in the world a Gang Show is playing. Since the first "Gang" took a bow in 1932, this unique entertainment has throughout the world raised more than five million pounds for the Movement. The creator, writer and producer of the "Gang Show" is Ralph Reader, C.B.E., who was born in Crewkerne, Somerset, England, and who for many years was a leading actor and theatrical producer in New York and London. This show is supporting the Ralph Reader Memorial Fund.

Welsh National Opera - La Bohème , 13 Jun 2012 - 15 Jun 2012

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 12:22:45 +0000

13 Jun 2012 - 15 Jun 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

Cast includes Anita Hartig as Mimì, Alex Vicens as Rodolfo, David Kempster as Marcello, Kate Valentine as Musetta, David Soar as Colline and Gary Griffiths as Schaunard

Welsh National Opera - Tristan & Isolde , 16 Jun 2012

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 12:25:47 +0000

16 Jun 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

Cast includes Jay Hunter Morris as Tristan, Ann Petersen as Isolde, Susan Bickley as Brangaene, Phillip Joll as Kurwenal, Matthew Best as King Marke and Simon Thorpe as Melot

Birmingham Royal Ballet - Far from the Madding Crowd, 20 Jun 2012 - 23 Jun 2012

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:34:19 +0000

20 Jun 2012 - 23 Jun 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

Passions run out of control in this balletic adaption of Thomas Hardy’s famous novel by David Bintley, Company Director and award-winning creator of the Company’s huge Christmas hit, Cinderella. An enrapturing story of lust, deceit and murder, with one woman at the centre of it all.

Bathsheba Everdene sends ripples through the lives of three men as they compete for her love. The dependable farm-hand Gabriel Oak, the dignified but obsessive William Boldwood and the dashing but deceitful Sergeant Francis Troy, all vie for the heart of the woman they love… Bathsheba’s complex relationships with all three leads one to death, one to madness and the other to true love.

Adorned in stunningly detailed period costumes and sets by designer Hayden Griffin, and with an evocative score by Paul Reade, composer of the Company’s Hobson’s Choice, Far from the Madding Crowd makes a very welcome return to the stage. If you are a fan of the worlds of Gone with the Wind, Cranford or The Forsyte Saga, this is a ballet for you.

Birmingham Royal Ballet - Summer Celebration, 27 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:38:07 +0000

27 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

All aboard for the roaring 20s! The Grand Tour sees our heroine, a doughty American spinster, embarking for Europe. She can’t believe her luck when she finds herself on board with a feast of famous faces. However, it turns out that Noël Coward, Gertrude Stein and George Bernard Shaw, to name but a few, aren’t the friendliest of shipmates. Choreographer of many films and hit Broadway shows, American Joe Layton creates a genuinely funny take on the eccentric celebrities of the 1920s. Accompanied by unique orchestral renditions of Noël Coward songs, the critically acclaimed The Grand Tour makes a long-overdue return to the stage.

Faster, Higher, Stronger is a brand-new ballet from the award-winning team behind E=mc². After winning the last-ever South Bank Show Dance award in 2009 with E=mc², Company Director David Bintley embarks on a second collaboration with renowned Australian composer Matthew Hindson. This ballet of speed, power and athleticism will be a fitting creation for the leadup to London 2012.

The course of true love never did run smooth... certainly not in Frederick Ashton’s The Dream where a group mischievous fairies are involved! Having argued with beautiful Titania, Oberon, king of the fairies, seeks a suitable revenge. He orders Puck to transform a dopey local peasant into a donkey and cause Titania to fall in love with it. This he does, but things soon get out of hand – the over-use of a love potion hilariously embroils four poor mortals in the fairies’ games. Mendelssohn’s tuneful and instantly recognisable music becomes the basis for Ashton’s elfin comedy, as he shows his mastery of dance, theatre and humour.

Dirty Dancing 2012, 4 Jul 2012 - 25 Aug 2012

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:11:33 +0000

4 Jul 2012 - 25 Aug 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.

Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.”

Opposites Attract, 26 Sep 2012 - 29 Sep 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:23:56 +0000

26 Sep 2012 - 29 Sep 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

Creating her first piece for a major European company, award-winning American choreographer, Jessica Lang crosses the Atlantic to make this ballet, jointly commissioned by International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012 and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Set to romantic musical miniatures by Norwegian master Edvard Grieg and with a hand-picked design team, Lyric Pieces promises to be one of the Company’s highlights of 2012.

Director David Bintley invites you to share his love of jazz and, in particular, the music of Dave Brubeck. In homage to one of his heroes, he created this sexy and energetic series of vignettes to some of Brubeck’s most famous tracks including, Take Five and Unsquare Dance.

One of Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen’s most famous works, Grosse Fuge is an invigorating and uplifting experience, that has lost none of its power over the last 40 years. The tension is palpable as four men and four women take to the stage, their gazes never meeting. Bare-chested, the men enter into a stern and muscular display. Ripping the men’s skirts from them, the women meet them on equal terms, and the two groups engage in a ritualised dance of raw power and sexuality.

Swan Lake: Birmingham Royal Ballet, 2 Oct 2012 - 6 Oct 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:28:39 +0000

2 Oct 2012 - 6 Oct 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

A timeless story of good, evil and the all conquering power of love, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is without doubt the most famous of all classical ballets.

In mourning for his father, Prince Siegfried finds solace in hunting in the forest. He comes across a moonlit lake and is astonished to see one of the swans transform into a beautiful Princess. She is Odette, who, under the evil Von Rothbart’s spell, spends her days as a swan, returning to human form as night falls. Only the love of one who has never loved before can save her from this fate, but when the Prince is tricked into declaring himself toVon Rothbart’s daughter Odile,magically disguised as Odette, all hope seems lost.

Sister Act, 9 Oct 2012 - 20 Oct 2012

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:53:04 +0000

9 Oct 2012 - 20 Oct 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul & disco, which more than a million people saw in the West End!

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun she makes the wrong impression on the strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the choir into the most glorious musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her newfound friends… and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters!

Blood Brothers 2012, 22 Oct 2012 - 3 Nov 2012

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:57:44 +0000

22 Oct 2012 - 3 Nov 2012 - Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS. Bill Kenwright’s production has recently celebrated its 23rd phenomenal year in London and continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance.

Jephtha , 7 Nov 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:35:05 +0000

7 Nov 2012 - Classical at Birmingham Hippodrome

The offices of state weigh heavily on Jephtha’s shoulders. He has led his people through war to victory, he is a hero, the man of the hour – but there is a catch, a terrible catch. Before victory, Jephtha vowed that, if he was to win, he would sacrifice the first living creature he encountered on his return. The first person to greet him was his beloved daughter Iphis...

La Bohème, 8 Nov 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:38:38 +0000

8 Nov 2012 - Classical at Birmingham Hippodrome

Love at first sight: Mimi and Rudolfo meet on Christmas Eve, and instantly fall in love. Their happiness is short lived. Mimi’s health deteriorates and to make matters worse she must deal with Rodolfo’s growing jealousy. Their friends, Musetta and Marcello rekindle their love for each other.

Cosi Fan Tutte, 9 Nov 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:40:31 +0000

9 Nov 2012 - Classical at Birmingham Hippodrome

Fiordiligi is engaged to Guglielmo, and her sister Dorabella is engaged to Ferrando. The two men are Italian sailors stationed in a British seaside town and their fiancées are coming to visit. Their friend Don Alfonso, a local pier entertainer, believes that by nature all women are fickle and unfaithful, and makes a bet that when tested, their girlfriends will show themselves to be so too. They accept the wager and agree to put themselves under Don Alfonso’s command. Soon doubts set in, their certainties crumble and their relationships become very complicated indeed.

La Bohème, 10 Nov 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:38:46 +0000

10 Nov 2012 - Classical at Birmingham Hippodrome

Kevin Bridges, 11 Nov 2012

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:55:07 +0000

11 Nov 2012 - Comedy at Birmingham Hippodrome

Kevin Bridges returns to the road in the Autumn of 2012 with a brand new show called the 'The Story Continues...' which follows up the huge success of his sell-out UK & Ireland tour of 2010.

Having made his debut on BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow in 2009 he has now gone onto host the Bafta nominated Live At The Apollo and Channel 4's Stand-Up For The Week. His new 6 part BBC 1 series - Kevin Bridges What's The Story will be transmitted in February, 2012 and a new DVD - 'Kevin Bridges The Story Continues...' will be recorded in Oct 2012 at the Glasgow SECC Arena for November 2012 release.

Batsheva Ensemble - Deca Dance, 13 Nov 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:50:40 +0000

13 Nov 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

Batsheva Ensemble is the younger wing of Israel’s outstanding and world class contemporary dance group Batsheva Dance Company and this is their first visit to the UK.

Led by choreographic supremo Ohad Naharin, Batsheva’s dancers were described as “acrobats of God” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Naharin has said of his dancers that he wants them to be “people that are connected to their sensuality, to their demons. People that are capable of laughing at themselves. Musicality, groove – I’m attracted to people with groove” and in the Ensemble he has selected dancers, aged between 18 and 24 and from countries around the world that are just that. Rarely will you see such urban, gritty and skilled dancers as these.

Deca Dance is constantly updated and so offers a fresh look at the work created by Batsheva every time it is performed. It is set to a sensational compilation of music ranging from The Beach Boys to Vivaldi and on to Dean Martin!

Batsheva Ensemble - Deca Dance, 14 Nov 2012

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:51:09 +0000

14 Nov 2012 - Dance at Birmingham Hippodrome

Batsheva Ensemble is the younger wing of Israel’s outstanding and world class contemporary dance group Batsheva Dance Company and this is their first visit to the UK.