Season Brochure April 2016 by Birmingham Hippodrome

April 2016 Do something different, see something new birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 338 5000

The full package – open here for Ticket & Dining details

There’s always something to look back on with pride to seek inspiration, to recall a particular moment in our shared history, or to ensure we recognise those who helped make our lives what they are today. 2016 is another important year of celebration and commemoration, and the programme here at Birmingham Hippodrome reflects that with both long-standing and new creative partners. In July, we are honoured to be presenting Furious Folly (p16), a 14-18 NOW co-commission commemorating the World War One centenary. The Battle of the Somme took place in the summer of 1916 with local battalions trained in Sutton Park where, as part of Hippodrome CREATIVE, we’ll be hosting this free open-air show which uses pyrotechnics, sound and live performance to reimagine the inconceivable madness of WWI. It promises to be an extraordinary experience. April 1946. A makeshift rehearsal room above a garage in Cardiff. From these inauspicious beginnings 70 years ago, led by the fervour and belief of a group of local miners, teachers and doctors, Welsh National Opera came to life. And in June (p11) we join them to celebrate with performances of their first production, Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.

The Taming of the Shrew and a Shakespeare inspired Triple Bill this summer (p12), plus the world premiere of David Bintley’s The Tempest (p25) in October. After 27 years in imprisonment Nelson Mandela completed his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ in February 1990. In September, we proudly present Mandela Trilogy (p20), in the third visit of Cape Town Opera, performing with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. This three-act musical tribute with a 60-strong cast tells the story of his early life through to incarceration and release from Robben Island. Be inspired by Mandela’s story, told through a fusion of xhosa songs, jazz tunes and modern music.

Probably the most culturally significant celebrations this year are already underway across the country. Our Shakespeare marks the Bard’s 400th anniversary year in Birmingham and we are delighted to be presenting Birmingham Royal Ballet’s celebratory programme, which features

And combining all this, our Hippodrome Heritage (p24) project comes to life in July, with a free Open Day. After months of hard work cataloguing all we can find, including many donations of otherwise lost materials from our patrons, you can now share in our unique history with digital touch-tables in the foyer and on a dedicated website. Thank you to everyone who so kindly donated or volunteered to bring our shared heritage to life.

Fiona Allan Artistic Director & Chief Executive

14-18now.org.uk ourshakespeare.co.uk

chiefexecutive@birminghamhippodrome.com

Front cover: Mamma Mia! p14, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan p6, Furious Folly p16 and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater p21

Photo: Pamela Raith

Learning from our past to inspire our future

The full package We’ve a number of ways to make your trip to the theatre extra special. Why not enjoy one of our canapé options at a specially reserved foyer table, either pre-show or during the interval? For special occasions, choose one of our Dining Experiences. And don’t forget, we have several private suites for parties of 10+.

“A great start to an evening of entertainment” Tripadvisor

VIP Experience

Royal Box Experience

Celebrate with champagne and nibbles on arrival, a three course meal in Circle Restaurant, a show programme and top price seats. Return to your table at the interval for desserts and coffee.

Treat a loved one to a special evening at the theatre with a luxury meal, a show from your very own private Royal Box, along with champagne, nibbles and a show programme.

From £87 †

Champagne & Canapés

Private Dining

Pantomime Treats

Indulge yourself with a selection of our finest mouth-watering canapés and champagne, served at your own reserved foyer table either pre-show or during the interval.

For parties of 10+ After champagne and nibbles on arrival, mark that special occasion by enjoying a pre-show meal with family, friends or colleagues in a private suite.

For parties of 7–10 Whether it’s a family panto tradition, or simply friends & family getting together, enjoy food and drink in the privacy of our Royal Boxes and the adjoining Covent Garden Suite.

From £15.50^

From £55.50^

From £15^

Find out more online birminghamhippodrome.com/eatanddrink For Dining Experiences and Champagne & Canapés: 0844 338 5000* For Private Dining and Pantomime Treats: 0844 338 6500* or email events@birminghamhippodrome.com

*Calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge. †5% transaction charge applies. Prices may vary from show to show. ^Excludes price of ticket.

Food, glorious food Our own in-house catering focuses on fresh, seasonal produce, locally-sourced wherever possible. Bon appetit!

“A relaxed, stylish and delicious start to a wonderful evening” Tripadvisor

Make your visit one to remember in our award-winning restaurant. Enjoy attentive, friendly service just a few steps from your seats in the auditorium. You’ll find a classic range of delicious dishes and regularly changing menus with seasonal produce. We are proud of our foodpurchasing philosophy and, whenever possible, source excellent quality ingredients from local suppliers. Beat the queues and return to your table in the interval for dessert, coffee and drinks.

Choice of 2 or 3 course set menu

From £19.50 Reservations 0844 338 9000 reservations@birminghamhippodrome.com birminghamhippodrome.com/eatanddrink

Calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

If you’re short on time and looking for a quick and tasty bite to eat before the show, our Deli Bar is perfect. Find us on the Front Circle Foyer, offering a delicious selection of cakes, hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. Quick and tasty bites on the go From £1.20

May Jun-Aug Sep

Highlights

The fifth International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016 Sun 1– Sun 22 May It’s back. A world of dance in one city. Dance: Sampled Tue 17 & Wed 18 May Fancy trying some tango? What’s hot in hip hop? Sample outstanding live dance in this taster event. The Sound of Music Tue 24 – Sat 28 May A brand new production of this much-loved classic. 02

Cats Mon 30 May – Sat 4 Jun Enjoy fantasy, drama and romance from one of the longest-running shows in musical history. BRB The Taming of the Shrew Thu 16 – Sat 18 Jun A battle of the sexes with comedy, romance and bravura dancing. Mamma Mia! Tue 28 Jun – Sat 3 Sep Enjoy the songs of ABBA at this hit West End sensation.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Wed 7 – Sun 18 Sep Laughs, magic galore and favourite songs. Starring Michelle Collins and Lee Mead. Mandela Trilogy Tue 20 & Wed 21 Sep A celebration and tribute from Cape Town Opera to one of the world’s most iconic figures. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Fri 23 & Sat 24 Sep The irresistible dancers are back to wow Birmingham.

Save over £400 on tickets and dining! Let’s be Friends If you have a passion for theatre and want to enjoy a host of exclusive benefits and discounts, join our membership scheme today from only £40 per year. – priority booking – Friends hotline – great ticket savings

– no transaction fee* – free use of our cloakroom – special invitations – newsletter – pays for itself in one visit – discounted dining All discounts are subject to availability

Single Friends

Joint Friends

Family Friends

(any group of four people)

2-for-1 on Opening Night Price Bands A+/A–C only unless otherwise stated

St presuck for a ent Mem idea gif t bership for o ? ne o makes per

sua the f yo d u id Frie e some r friend eal nds o mem ne to b s OR u b ya e for y ou! rship

Standard Friends Discount £5 off Price A+/A, £4 off B, £3 off C

Nederlands Dans Theater 2

Both Performances

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Both Performances

Dance: Sampled

Both Performances

Ballet BC

Both Performances

The Sound of Music

Sorry, not available

Cats

Limited availability

Mamma Mia!

£10 off

Mon – Thu

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

£10 off

Tue – Thu

Mandela Trilogy

Both Performances

Alvin Ailey

Limited availability

Blood Brothers

Sorry, not available

Million Dollar Quartet The Full Monty

Limited availability £10 off

Vamos Cuba!

Limited availability

Dick Whittington

Yellow performances only

Limited availability Mon – Fri Mon – Thu

Limited availability The Red Shoes

£10 off Limited availability

Tue – Thu

Billy Elliot

Sorry, not available

Limited availability Mon – Thu

Join Birmingham Hippodrome Friends today 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com/friends friends@birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 calls to us cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge

Aged 16-24? Join our FREE membership scheme First Night - see p8. Please note: Friends Discounts are subject to restrictions and limited availability; they cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or applied retrospectively. We reserve the right to withdraw discounts at any time. Terms and conditions apply. *Only when a Friends discount applies.

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016

1 May — 22 May

The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome 3 May & 4 May

17 May & 18 May

Black Out

Sin Titulo

“A masterstroke that is watched from above: a moving picture of light, muscle and rubber dust”

World Premiere

by Cie Philippe Saire

by Olga Pericet & Company Stunning new flamenco show from celebrated stars.

Julien Burri, L’Hebdo Switzerland

20 May

6 May & 7 May

Echoes

Eclipse

by Aakash Odedra Company

by Csaba Molnár

Kin-Incede

UK Premiere

by Sanjukta Sinha

JINX 103

by Trefeli & Varga Double bill of exciting new contemporary style work with an Eastern European sensibility. 10 May

Monchichi by Wang Ramirez

UK Premiere A fascinating fusion of contemporary and hip hop styles. 13 May & 14 May

Correction ^

by Vertedance / Jirí Havelka / Clarinet Factory Winner of the Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015.

Kathak dance with a modern twist. 21 May

Trikonanga & Twine

by Hemabharathy Palani

Morphed

by Subhash Viman Exciting programme of contemporary, Kathak and Bharatanatyam.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre 10 May

Vuelos

by Aracaladanza / MOKO Dance Magical production for families inspired by the visionary genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Come and be entranced.

“The range and quality of new international dance work presented is second to none in the UK” Dawn Prentice, Head of Touring Sadler’s Wells London

Full programme and booking visit idfb.co.uk

Tue & Wed 8pm

From £15

13 May & 14 May

Political Mother by Hofesh Shechter Company

“...as ambitious and as headsdown, hair-prickingly exhilarating as modern dance gets” The Telegraph

The Crescent Theatre 17 May & 18 May

Smoke & Mirrors by The Ricochet Project

Poetic, acrobatics and exhilarating high flying. Winners Total Theatre Award for Best Circus at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015. 19 May

Sandhya

by Shijith Nambia & Parvathy Menon

Sangachhadhwam by Sujata & Preetisha Mohapatra Classical Bharatanatyam & Odissi dance.

Warwick Arts Centre 19 - 20 May

32 Rue Vandenbranden by Peeping Tom

“Totally gripping from start to finish. Don’t miss it” Critical Dance Olivier Award Winner, Best New Dance Production 2015

PLUS Thrilling outdoor

performances events in Centenary Square LIVE NIGHTS 11-14 May

Dance Consortium presents

Nederlands Dans Theater 2 Nederlands Dans Theater is one of the world’s most celebrated dance companies, wowing audiences with a unique brand of breathtaking dance, awe-inspiring skill and passionate creativity. With an impressive company of 18 international dancers, NDT2 presents a mixed repertoire of work that promises to inspire and entertain.

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016

11 UK & World Premieres Shows from 17 countries 37 theatre performances 39 free outdoor events

3 May & 4 May

From multi-award-winning Swedish choreographer, Johan Inger’s fresh and optimistic I New Then sees nine dancers propelled by songs from Van Morrison. The UK premiere of Romanian choreographer, Edward Clug’s mutual comfort, highlights the dancers’ own individual stories with surprising moments of beauty and spontaneous irony. Legendary Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen’s Solo delivers an athletic tour de force with an extraordinarily fast-paced ballet set to Bach’s violin Partita. For the finale, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti bursts onto the stage with an uplifting and joyous party spirit that celebrates the youthful prowess of NDT2’s dancers. “Pure pleasure” says the Guardian. “A clever and original crowd-pleaser” says The Telegraph. “NDT2 is the tippest of the top. Its fledgling dancers are triple A-rated” The Times

FREE Post-Show Q&A with company members Tue Access

First Night

Friends

Groups

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016

5 May — 7 May

Thu – Sat 7.30pm

10 May & 11 May

From £15

Tue & Wed 7.30pm

From £15

Last s few rem eats ainin g!

Photo: Angela Taylor

Photos: YU Hui-hung

Photos: Johan Persson

Carlos Acosta: A Classical Farewell

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

Carlos performs excerpts from his favourite ballet repertoire alongside dancers from Cuba and live orchestra, Manchester Camerata.

Acclaimed for its unique fusions of ancient and modern traditions, and its exquisite choreography inspired by the wealth of spiritual practices found throughout Asia, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan returns to Birmingham.

Last few seats remaining. Co-produced by Sadler’s Wells and Valid Productions. Presented in association with Como No. FREE Post-Show Talk Fri

Save money with Encore. IDFB is a great time to experience something new and exciting with us. Save 10%* when you book three or more IDFB productions on our main stage.

A visually stunning tribute to pilgrimage, Lin Hwai-min’s Songs of the Wanderers creates a world of intense reverence, distinctly Asian in its imagery yet with powerful relevance far beyond any geographic boundary. Evocative movements set to a soundtrack of soulful Georgian folksongs sung by the Rustavi Choir find life on a simple but striking set, including three tons of shimmering golden grains of rice falling to the floor.

To book call 0844 338 5000 or go to birminghamhippodrome.com/encore Calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

*This offer is valid on all performances excluding premium seats. This offer cannot be applied retrospectively and only one concession applies per ticket. Tickets must be booked in the same transaction for discount to apply. Subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. 5% transaction fee applies (excl. cash sales in person). 06

“When you’re talking about Cloud Gate, magic is not too strong a word” Time Out Access

First Night

Friends

Groups

Tue & Wed 8pm

20 May & 21 May

All tickets £15

Fri & Sat 7.30pm

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016

17 May & 18 May

All tickets £15 Age Guidance: 12+

Photos: Michael Slobodian

Photo: Didier Michalet

Photo: Diego Franssens

Dance: Sampled

Ballet BC

Fancy trying some tango? What’s hot in hip hop? Now is your chance to find out why dance has the power to move and amaze.

Ballet BC present a stunning triple bill, choreographed by three internationally acclaimed female choreographers.

This special festival taster means you and your friends can experience a little bit of everything for just £15. Come a little earlier to enjoy FREE performances from local groups in the foyers, join in or find out more.

Emily Molnar’s 16+ a room is inspired by writers Jeannette Winterson and Emily Dickinson. The choreography is a study of time, transition, and stillness, where space between is as important as the space occupied.

The main show features outstanding live dance from Company Wayne McGregor, Birmingham Royal Ballet, BBC Young Dancer finalist (and Birmingham’s own) Vidya Patel, Argentine world tango champions German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, French hip hop company Pockemon Crew and the beautiful Faun from Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

Premiered by Batsheva (IDFB 2012), Sharon Eyal’s Bill shifts from larger to smaller groups; which morph seamelessly into breathtaking solos.

Produced by Sadler’s Wells.

“A wonderful showcase of dance diversity”

“Physically rigorous, dramatically solid, and truly contemporary”

Time Out Access

Sadlers Wells Associate Artist and founder of Kidd Pivot (IDFB 2014) Crystal Pite’s Solo Echo is inspired by Brahms’ sonatas for cello and piano and the poem “Lines for Winter” by Mark Strand; moving from aggression to yearning, from the individual to the collective, travelling the pathways from conflict to acceptance.

Dance Magazine First Night

Friends

Groups

Access

First Night

Friends

Groups

FIRST NIGHT

Supported by

FR TO J EE OIN

Aged 16–24?

Enjoy exclusive benefits Join FIRST NIGHT, our FREE membership scheme and pay from as little as £5 for your tickets, plus special offers like 2-for-1 or £10 off selected performances. “Discovered theatre for £5 and now I’m hooked! It’s a brilliant scheme for young people” First Night member

– Lots of exclusive discounts on theatre tickets – Pre- and post-show talks, backstage tours – Invitations to special events for 16-24s and discounted workshops – e-newsletter with all the latest news All discounts are subject to availability

First Night Offer

Performances

Price Bands

Step 1 Register

Nederlands Dans Theater 2

£5 Tickets

Tue 3 May 8pm

B–D

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

£5 Tickets

Tue 10 May 7.30pm

B–D

Call us or download form online.

Dance: Sampled

£5 Tickets

Tue 17 & Wed 18 May 8pm

B–D

Ballet BC

£5 Tickets

Fri 20 May 7.30pm

B–D

The Sound of Music

£10 off

Tue 24 May 7.30pm

C–E

WNO Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci

£5 Tickets

Thu 9 Jun 7.15pm

ALL

WNO In Parenthesis

£5 Tickets

Fri 10 Jun 7.15pm

ALL

Mandela Trilogy

£5 Tickets

Tue 20 & Wed 21 Sep 7.30pm

C–E

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

£5 Tickets

Fri 23 Sep 7.30pm, Sat 24 Sep 2.30pm & 7.30pm

B–D

Blood Brothers

£10 off

Mon 10 Oct 7.30pm

C–E

Million Dollar Quartet

£10 Tickets

Mon 24 – Fri 28 Oct 7.30pm, Wed 26 Oct 2pm

C–E

Step 3 Enjoy

Vamos Cuba!

£5 Tickets

Tue 1 – Thu 3 Nov 7.30pm, Wed 2 Nov 2pm

C–E

WNO Kiss Me, Kate

£5 Tickets

Thu 10 & Fri 11 Nov 7.30pm

B–D

Relax and enjoy your visit!

WNO The Merchant of Venice

£5 Tickets

Tue 8 Nov 7pm

B–D

WNO Macbeth

£5 Tickets

Wed 9 Nov 7.15pm

B–D

The Full Monty

£10 Tickets

Mon 14 Nov 7.30pm

C–E

The Red Shoes

£5 off

Tue 7 Feb 7.30pm

C–E

Step 2 Book Check birminghamhippodrome. com/firstnight for offers then call us or pop in to book (you’ll need your ID).

Join First Night today 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com/firstnight 0844 calls to us cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge

Over 24? Join our Friends membership scheme from only £40 per year – see p3.

Please note: All offers are subject to restrictions and limited availability; they cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or applied retrospectively. We reserve the right to withdraw discounts at any time. Terms and conditions apply. Tickets must be booked by registered individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 inclusive. Proof of entitlement will be required for all tickets.

24 May — 28 May

Bill Kenwright presents a new production of

Tue – Sat 7.30pm Wed & Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £20 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

LUCY NE O’BUPYINR LAST YEAR’S RUNNER

THE VOICE as MARIA

Music by RICHARD RODGERS Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Book by HOWARD LINDSAY and RUSSEL CROUSE

N prod ew ucti on

The Sound of Music One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent new production to enchant the young and the young at heart. This wonderfully lavish new staging tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom at the start of WWII.

“A stunning production. Fabulous from beginning to end. Deserves to be one of your favourite things” Daily Echo

The Stage

Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers By Maria Augusta Trapp Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com

Lucy O’Byrne, fresh from her success on BBC One’s The Voice, plays the title role of Maria. She became the competition’s runner up last year, impressing the nation and chart topper will.i.am with her stunning vocal range.

Audio Described Sat 2.30pm

Signed Wed 7.30pm

Families

“Brilliant and entertaining” Mail Online

“I loved every minute of this five star production… perfection”

The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, So Long Farewell, and of course, The Sound of Music. Access

“Sumptuously lavish…a real joy”

The Gazette

“A night of heavenly entertainment” Portsmouth News

Captioned Thu 7.30pm

First Night

Friends

Groups

30 May — 4 Jun

DIRECT FROM THE LONDON PALLADIUM

LET THE MEMORY LIVE AGAIN

Mon – Sat 7.30pm Wed & Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £20 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

term Half eat tr

Cats “Shows don’t come much better than this – it’s absolutely brilliant” Daily Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking 2015 Olivier Award nominated musical Cats returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for one week only, direct from its sell-out seasons at the London Palladium.

With “timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast” (Daily Mirror), breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable Memory, Cats is a magical musical like no other.

Adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this “groundbreaking musical” (Daily Express) comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse, and has now taken on a new life for a new generation.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, Cats has been seen by over 73 million people and enchanted audiences in over 300 cities around the world – now you too have the chance to experience this legendary musical phenomenon.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a more hard working, bright and breezy young cast on the road... It’s mesmerising to watch On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball and overall is a theatrical masterpiece” where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle The Herald Express choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be “It’s the cat’s whiskers” reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. The Times

Access

Audio Described Sat 4 Jun 2.30pm

Signed Wed 1 Jun 7.30pm

Families

Captioned Thu 2 Jun 7.30pm

Friends

Groups

Thu & Sat 7.15pm

10 Jun

From £16.50

Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci Mascagni & Leoncavallo Welsh National Opera mark 70 years with the double bill that started it all. Cav & Pag (as they are affectionately known) are as full-on and intense as Italian opera gets. Each opera packs in much high drama and powerful music and Cavalleria rusticana’s highlights include the glorious Easter Hymn and Intermezzo. Pagliacci features one of the greatest of all tenor arias, Vesti la giubba. The sumptuous period-set production features a recreation of a Sicilian village square. It is only fitting that the cast for these celebratory performances includes some of Wales’ greatest opera talent. Everyone who enjoys the elegance and pageantry of opera will want to embrace Cav & Pag.

Fri 7.15pm

Welsh National Opera

9 Jun & 11 Jun

From £16.50

In Parenthesis

Iain Bell

W premorld ière

In Parenthesis is young British composer Iain Bell’s adaptation of the epic poem by poet, writer and artist David Jones. Private John Ball and his comrades are posted to the Somme. In Mametz Wood they enter a strange realm – outside of time, dream-like but deadly. Rather than simply reporting the horrors of the Somme, In Parenthesis dares to offer hope. Even here among the destruction, a fragile flowering of regeneration and re-birth can be found. Bell’s beautiful score combines traditional Welsh song with moments of otherworldliness, terror, humour and transcendence. David Pountney’s period production is both an evocation and a commemoration of the events of the Somme.

Conductor Carlo Rizzi Director Elijah Moshinsky Designer Michael Yeargan Lighting Designer Howard Harrison

Conductor Carlo Rizzi Director David Pountney Designer Robert Innes Hopkins

Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

FREE Pre-Show Talk Thu & Sat 5.45pm Access

Audio Described Sat 7.15pm

FREE Pre-Show Talk Fri 5.45pm Groups

Access

Groups

16 Jun — 18 Jun Thu – Sat 7.30pm Fri 2pm Sat 2.30pm

£16 - £52 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Photo: Richard Battye

The Taming of the Shrew Choreographer John Cranko adapts Shakespeare’s tale of mismatched marriage to create his undoubted masterpiece.

Music Domenico Scarlatti Arranged by Kurt-Heinz Stolze Choreography John Cranko Designs Susan Benson

In this sparkling comedy, independent and tempestuous Kate gives her suitor Petruchio considerably more than he bargained for. Cranko breathes new life into this witty battle of the sexes, set to a vibrant baroque score by Domenico Scarlatti, and achieves a memorable and truly funny mix of comedy, romance and bravura dancing.

FREE Audience Open Day Sat 12.30-2.30pm (for matinee ticket holders) A unique chance to have fun, get involved and peek behind the scenes, Audience Open Days are free to all matinee ticket holders!

Access

Families

Groups

FREE Pre-Show Talk Fri 6.30pm

22 Jun — 25 Jun Wed – Sat 7.30pm Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

£10 - £26 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Photo: Gene Schiavone, courtesy of American Ballet Theatre

Shakespeare Triple Bill Wink | The Moor’s Pavane | The Shakespeare Suite Birmingham Royal Ballet’s celebration of Shakespeare continues with a combination of tragedy, comedy and poetry, all translated into dance.

Wink Music Jakub Ciupinski Choreography Jessica Lang Sets Mimi Lien Costumes Elaine Garlick

“Witty, dramatic and cleverly drawn”

José Limón’s The Moor’s Pavane distils the passion and drama of Shakespeare’s Othello into a thrilling one-act tragedy, tightly focussed on four characters and their jealousy. David Bintley’s The Shakespeare Suite sets a collection of the Bard’s best-loved characters to a swinging Duke Ellington score and offers a quicksilver visit to Shakespearean couples of every sort, star-crossed, bewitched, squabbling, and romantic, plus a powerhouse solo. Finally Jessica Lang captures the poetry of the sonnets in Wink, a brand-new work for the Company.

The Moor’s Pavane Music Henry Purcell Arranged by Simon Sadoff Choreography José Limón (© José Limón Dance Foundation, Inc.) Direction and Reconstruction Jennifer Scanlon Designs Pauline Lawrence Lighting Peter Teigen

“A series of pitchperfect vignettes... the best of Bintley’s jazz ballets”

FREE Pre-Show Talk Fri 6.30pm Access

Families

The Times on The Shakespeare Suite

The Guardian on The Shakespeare Suite

The Shakespeare Suite Music Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn Choreography David Bintley Sets and Lighting Steven Scott Costumes Jasper Conran

Class on Stage Sat 11.45am Tickets £10 (FREE to BRB Friends) Groups

28 Jun — 3 Sep Mon – Sat 7.30pm Wed & Thu 30 Jun 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £28 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Mamma Mia! Join the ultimate feel-good party at Mamma Mia!, the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical. Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world “Abba-solutely and now the party comes to Birmingham fabulous” Hippodrome for the first time, so there’s Daily Mail never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age “If you are looking for you are, you can’t help but have the the best night out in time of your life at Mamma Mia! town – you’ve just found it!” Photos of International Tour company by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg. Talk Radio

“The ultimate feel-good show!” Classic FM

Access

Audio Described Tue 19 Jul & Thu 1 Sep 7.30pm

Signed Tue 12 Jul & Thu 25 Aug 7.30pm

Friends

Captioned Tue 5 Jul & Thu 18 Aug 7.30pm Groups

Hippodrome CREATIVE

8 Jul & 9 Jul Fri & Sat 10pm Grounds open 9.30pm

FREE Places need to be booked in advance. Call 0844 338 5000* or go to birminghamhippodrome.com/furiousfolly

Images by Farrows Creative and Michael Depestele

“While the thunder of the batteries rumbled in the distance... we searched for an elementary art that would, we thought, save mankind from the furious folly of these times”

Furious Folly

Location: Sutton Park - Secret site tbc prior to performance. Age guidance: 12+.

Mark Anderson

Art, war and insanity on a grand scale. Furious Folly takes place as night falls, in a no-man’s land on the battle front between the two lines. Disorientated, the audience find themselves immersed within an open-air collage of sound, light, pyrotechnics and performance. Part of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary. Mark Anderson, creator of multi-media and site specific performance, leads a team of artists who draw on the anti-war spirit of the early 20th century Dadaist movement. Generously supported by

Hans Arp, founder of the Dadaist movement

In association with

Railing against the futility of the Great War and the madness of the battlefield, Furious Folly challenges the inhumanity and senselessness of conflicts past and present. Created at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space Produced by Corn Exchange Newbury and OCM in association with Birmingham Hippodrome, Oxford Playhouse, Oxford Festival of the Arts and Stockton International Riverside Festival Co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, and by the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Sat & Sun 12noon – 5pm

FREE No tickets - just turn up!

Summer in Southside Seaside sights, sounds and smells in the heart of the city. Our annual FREE summer festival is back – and this year get ready for Southside to meet Seaside! Over the weekend, experience a vibrant carnival atmosphere where Hurst Street will be transformed with seaside sights, sounds and smells. Be swept away by nautical encounters from a cod choir, deep-sea divers and even some pirates!

Hippodrome CREATIVE

23 Jul & 24 Jul

Location: Hippodrome Square, Hurst Street, Inge Street and Arcadian. mouth of an enormous whale, enjoy street acrobatics, a marching band with a difference and much, much more. Our very own back dock will be transformed into a beach with beautiful sculptures – so make Southside your destination of choice this year and enjoy a little bit of seaside familiarity and hilarity right in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to visit our Hippodrome Heritage Open Day on Sun 24 Jul - see p24 for details.

There is something for everyone – play on wooden street games, dive into the

7 Sep — 18 Sep

Phil Jupitus as Baron Bomburst & Michelle Collins as Baroness Bomburst

Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu 8 & Wed 14 2pm Sat 2.30pm Sun 11 1pm & 5pm Sun 18 1pm

From £23.50 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Lee Mead

Michelle Collins

Phill Jupitus

Carrie Hope Fletcher

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Having broken all box office records in the West End, this fun-filled production “Note-perfect singing from the team that brought you Fiddler and thrilling special on the Roof and The King and I promises effects” laughs and magic galore – and Chitty Musical Theatre Review herself!

Watch out! The most Fantasmagorical musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, flies back in to Birmingham this September. One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Can the loveable but whacky inventor, Potts, along with his two children and the gorgeous Truly Scrumptious outwit the bombastic Baron Bomburst who has decreed that all children be banished from his kingdom? What happens when the children are caught and imprisoned with the other youngsters by the evil Childcatcher? Will it all end happily-everafter? Well, of course it will!

Access

Audio Described Sun 11 1pm

Signed Wed 14 Sep 7.30pm

Friends

Starring Lee Mead (Casualty, Legally Blonde, Joseph and The Amazing “A family favourite Technicolour Dreamcoat) as Caractacus reinvented” Potts, Michelle Collins (EastEnders, The Stage Coronation Street) as Baroness Bomburst, Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray) as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst and with Carrie Hope Fletcher “Children will love it for (Les Misérables) as Truly Scrumptious. its energy and adults will enjoy a wave of nostalgia” The Yorkshire Post

Captioned Tue 13 Sep 7.30pm Groups

20 Sep & 21 Sep Tue & Wed 7.30pm

From £17 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Mandela Trilogy Featuring the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra “One of the great stories of our time” The Guardian

“An inspirational journey towards liberation” The Independent

“Cape Town Opera’s chorus is quite magnificent” Daily Telegraph

The amazing life of Nelson Mandela is brought vividly to the stage by Cape Town Opera in a large-scale celebration and tribute to the man who touched hearts and minds around the world. From tribal initiation rites on the banks of the Mbashe River, through the heady and rebellious jazz-fuelled days in Sophiatown; to incarceration and reflection on Robben Island and finally beyond, to freedom - this is the story of one of the world’s most iconic figures. Told in three acts, by a cast of over 60 South African performers, the music and story match the vastly different phases of Mandela’s journey from freedom fighter to president.

Access

Audio Described Wed 7.30pm

The upbeat jazz and swing-influenced songs of Sophiatown are framed by musical styles more familiar in contemporary opera - with a dash of authentic Xhosa folk music that grounds the production in its African roots. Written by two different composers each act is in stark contrast to the others, but with an over-arching dramatic theme that shines a light on the life of an extraordinary man. Presented by Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera Music by Peter Louis van Dijk & Mike Campbell Written and Directed by Michael Williams

First Night

Friends

23 Sep & 24 Sep

Dance Consortium presents

Fri & Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm

From £10 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Rachael McLaren. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater ®

The irresistible dancers of Ailey are back after a five year absence from the UK with a dazzling array of offerings. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, this all-star line-up continues to wow audiences and critics around the world. Experience beautifully different repertoire over two days, which include Ailey classics as well as new works by some of today’s most acclaimed choreographers. On Friday evening feel the movement and music of Cuba with Open Door and sizzling Argentinian tango re-imagined in Piazzolla Caldera. For Saturday performances, experience hip-hop as a celebration of life in Exodus, find peace,

solace and freedom in Four Corners and be swept away in a dreamlike duet in After the Rain Pas de Deux. For the finale of all performances, experience the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world, beloved crowd-pleaser Revelations. “Gifted artistic director Robert Battle is surrounded by fantastic talent… the stars are aligned for a meteor shower of dancers to set the stage aloft. Do not miss this season. It’s a WOW!” The Huffington Post

Robert Battle Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director

“Unbelievable. Go see Ailey. It’s change-yourlife good” NBC’s Today Show

“An international powerhouse known for explosive and appealing modern dance” The Atlanta Journal Constitution

“Some of the most bravura dancers on the planet” Chicago Sun Times

“The crowd starts cheering before the curtain goes up” The New York Times

FREE Post-show Q&A Fri 23 Sep Access

Families

First Night

Friends

Groups

CREATIVE

Play your part with Hippodrome CREATIVE

Relaxed Performance (2016)

Birmingham Hippodrome Patrons (2016)

Heritage Open Day (2015)

Midlight (2015)

Open Art Surgery (2016)

Looking to make a difference? Make a donation, become a Friend or Patron, or simply volunteer. We are also seeking Trusts and Foundations who will help bring our vision to life. Are you a business who shares our ambition and creative vision? Let’s discuss how we can invest together in the cultural life of the city at any scale. – Sponsorship – Project Partnerships – Business Development – Staff Participation & Volunteering – In-Kind Support.

Chinese New Year (2016) Minimum Monument (2014)

Hippodrome Heritage Project

Find out more at birminghamhippodrome. com/GiveandJoin 22

Curtain Raiser (2016)

Summer in Southside (2015)

Birmingham Weekender (2015) Maudits Sonnants at Birmingham Weekender (2015)

Schools Workshop (2015)

Get Involved! Relaxed Performance (2016)

Whether you would like to work with us as a partner, participate in our range of themed workshops, volunteer for our outdoor events or just know more about Hippodrome CREATIVE and our future projects, then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you! Email us creative@birmingham hippodrome.com

Find out more at birmingham hippodrome.com/ creative or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 2,241 Reasons to Remember (2015)

Open Day

Part of Summer in Southside Sun 24 July, 11am - 5pm FREE event with activities for all the family. Take part in FREE activities and talks, get to see behind the scenes, meet characters from the theatre’s past, explore our new interactive touch tables and join in with a theatrical treasure hunt and quiz!

Do you have any Birmingham Hippodrome memories or memorabilia? Contact our Heritage team on archive@birminghamhippodrome.com

Oakley Charitable Trust • Aurelius Charitable Trust Alan Woodfield Charitable Trust 24

As Summer in Southside (p17) brings the seaside right to the Hippodrome’s door we explore the story of Birmingham Hippodrome in our open day, from the early variety days inspired by Blackpool, to the big stars and massive productions that have graced our stage over the last century. birminghamhippodrome.com/heritage

Donate to Hippodrome Heritage today You can donate online or call us on 0844 338 5000* to help preserve our past – your support is vital. Share your love of Birmingham Hippodrome with the audience of tomorrow. birminghamhippodrome.com/heritagedonations *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Development Trust, Registered Charity No. 511567

1 Oct — 8 Oct Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

£16 - £54 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

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Photo: Zena Holloway

The Tempest Immerse yourself in a magical world. David Bintley’s new ballet conjures Prospero’s magical isle from Shakespeare’s late masterpiece into a spellbinding new work of ballet theatre. At once enchanting and elemental The Tempest is a powerful story of a man determined to right past wrongs by all means in his power. This creative collaboration with acclaimed composer

Sally Beamish, and designer Rae Smith (The Prince of the Pagodas, War Horse) intertwines themes of love, loyalty, and loss, punctuated by a comic duo, more than one dastardly conspiracy and a spectacular danced masque featuring gods and spirits. The Tempest promises to be the dance event of 2016 - an unforgettable experience.

Music Sally Beamish Choreography David Bintley Designs Rae Smith Supported (2016) by The Patrick Trust, David & Sandra Burbidge, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s New Work Syndicate and Director’s Appeal

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE FROM THU 19 MAY

FREE Pre-Show Talk Fri 6.30pm

Access

Audience Open Day Sat 8 12.30-2.30pm (for matinee ticket holders)

Audio Described Sat 2.30pm

Touch Tour Sat 10.30am

Class on Stage Sat 8 11.15am Tickets £10 (FREE to BRB Friends)

Families Photo: Bill Cooper Groups

10 Oct — 22 Oct Mon – Sat 7.30pm Wed 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £18 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Photos: Previous Cast

Blood Brothers 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 fateful consequences.

that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

“Dazzling” Sunday Telegraph

“Terrific” Sunday Express

“A triumphant evening... unmissable and unbeatable” The Spectator

“Gritty, gripping, superb” Mail on Sunday

“Brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring approval” Daily Mail

Access

Audio Described Sat 22 Oct 2.30pm

Signed Tue 18 Oct 7.30pm

First Night

Captioned Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm

Friends

Groups

24 Oct — 29 Oct Mon – Sat 7.30pm Wed 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £14 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Million Dollar Quartet “The show that left me all shook up!” Daily Mail

Following its success in the West End, Las Vegas and on Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet is coming to Birmingham! This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4 1956, these four stars gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Million Dollar Quartet, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of Fire,

Access

First Night

Friends

Groups

Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Who Do You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more. Don’t miss your chance to discover the true story of one unforgettable night that made rock ‘n’ roll history!

1 Nov — 5 Nov Tue – Sat 7.30pm Wed 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £12 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Photo: Nika Kramer

Vamos Cuba! From the creators of the smash-hit dance sensation Havana Rakatan comes Vamos Cuba!, the spectacular new show from acclaimed Cuban choreographer Nilda Guerra. The show is set in the crazy chaos of Havana airport, where families are parted, lovers reunited, and time flies when you’re having fun. In a place of new beginnings and old romances, where reality calls and dreams take flight, experience the joys and vibrancy of Cuban life with all the passion and humour that embodies the Cuban spirit.

Vamos Cuba! is an exuberant mix of traditional and modern dance styles including salsa, rumba, cha-cha-cha and reggaeton, with a live band led by Julito Padron, a DJ and a cast of the hottest dancers Cuba has to offer. A Sadler’s Wells production. Co-produced with Blancon Productions, Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg and Birmingham Hippodrome.

“Rip-roaring entertainment... Expectations were fulfilled to the point of a full-throated standing ovation” Time Out

“The hottest, the coolest, the sexiest dancers in town... irresistible” Sunday Express

“A brilliant band and the dancers’ energy is infectious” The Guardian Reviews from Havana Rakatan

Access

Families

First Night

Friends

Groups

Welsh National Opera - Shakespeare 400

8 Nov

Tue 7pm

From £16.50

9 Nov

Wed 7.15pm

From £16.50

The Merchant of Venice

Macbeth

Shylock is a proud and defiant man. But when he demands a severe debt to be repaid he becomes a victim of his own intransigence and, most seriously, the prejudice of others.

Verdi described Shakespeares play as ‘one of mankind’s greatest creations’ and his adaptation is fittingly brooding and ferocious. Oliver Mears’ gripping modern day production brings this thrilling opera urgently to life.

André Tchaikowsky

Composed by a Jewish man who had endured life in the Warsaw ghetto, The Merchant of Venice is a powerful and serious attack on prejudice but also contains moments of tender beauty.

Verdi

wno.org.uk/macbeth Sung in Italian with surtitles in English.

wno.org.uk/venice Sung in English with surtitles in English.

Conductor Lionel Friend Director Keith Warner Designer Ashley Martin-Davis Lighting Designer Davy Cunningham Movement Director Michael Barry Associate Director Amy Lane

Conductor Andriy Yurkevych Director Oliver Mears Set & Costume Designer Annemarie Woods Lighting Designer Kevin Treacy Choreographer Anna Morrissey Video Designer Duncan Mclean

Shakespeare’s plays are some of the greatest in the English language and have inspired composers to create great operas and musicals. Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

FREE Pre-Show Talk Tue 6pm

Access

Groups

Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

FREE Pre-Show Talk Wed 6.15pm Access

Groups

10 Nov — 12 Nov Thu – Sat 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm

From £16.50 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Cole Porter’s

Kiss Me, Kate Another Op’nin’, Another Show… 1940s Baltimore. And it’s op’nin’ night of a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. Rehearsals are over, costumes donned and there’s a 10 minute curtain call. What you’re about to witness is a whole lot more than Shakespeare’s comic love story… Leading lady and superstar Lilli Vanessi is the ex-wife of the show’s charming leading man, Fred Graham. Fred has a fondness for flirtatious fresh-face, Lois Lane. Meanwhile, Lois’ boyfriend Bill is getting himself into debt (under Fred’s name) which leads to hairy encounters with a pair of foolhardy gangsters.

The stories unfold on and off-stage, comically intertwined in Cole Porter’s classic musical. Full of wit, dance, show business and hit songs including Another Op’nin’, Another Show, Brush Up Your Shakespeare and Always True to You in My Fashion, Kiss Me, Kate will leave any Tom, Dick or Harry grinning from ear to ear. wno.org.uk/kissmekate Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack Critical Edition by David Charles Abell and Seann Alderking A co-production with Opera North

This autumn WNO commemorates the 400 anniversary of the death of the bard with three very different nights at the theatre.

Access

Audio Described Fri 7.30pm

Groups

13 Nov

Sun 8pm

£25

Age Guidance 15+

EVENTS

Sean Lock - Keep It Light Every three years the comedian Sean Lock writes and tours a new stand-up show. Well he’s only gone and done it again!

AN EVENT TO REMEMBER Enjoy an evening of style and indulgence as a stand-alone event or combined with some of the finest performing arts and most spectacular shows. – Networking evenings – Themed events & launches – Client entertainment – Fundraising dinners

– Off-site hospitality – Private dining – Champagne receptions – Informal buffets

What’s he like? Come and see what he’s blithering on about this time. “He just lets the brilliance of his material dominate the room” The Guardian

“Lock at his best is gloriously intelligent, deliciously unlikely and hilariously funny” The Times

BE CREATIVE, TRY SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT! Birmingham Hippodrome boasts some of the most spacious, versatile and inspiring facilities and meeting rooms at the very heart of the UK’s most creative city. Contact our dedicated Events Team 0844 338 6500 Calls cost 4.5p per min. plus your phone company’s access charge.

events@birminghamhippodrome.com birminghamhippodrome.com/events 32

Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Access

14 Nov — 19 Nov Mon – Sat 7.30pm Wed 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £16 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

The Full Monty A British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, took the world by storm! Based on his smash-hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production stars Gary Lucy, Joe Absolom, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Chris Fountain, Kai Owen and a cast of fourteen. Not only has the play been getting standing ovations every night, but it was also voted best touring production by the UK THEATRE AWARDS.

Featuring great songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones so why not drop absolutely everything and book today!

“Chuffing brilliant” Daily Mail

“Terrific” Sunday Times

“Uproariously entertaining – every inch a whopping hit” Daily Telegraph

“Chuffing champion” Mail on Sunday

V best oted prod touring u by thction UK T e HEA T AWA RDSRE Access

First Night

Friends

Groups

25 Nov — 13 Dec Tue – Sat 7.30pm Tue, Wed 7 & Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm Sun 1pm

£19 - £66 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Photo: Bill Cooper

The Nutcracker “A ballet in a million and an annual sell-out” Birmingham Post

“Ballet doesn’t come much more Christmassy” The Observer

“Sumptuous, richly detailed and breathtaking” The Stage

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s evergreen production of The Nutcracker has been part of the City’s Christmas tradition for over 25 years. Join young Clara as she is swept away into a enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and a Sugar Plum Fairy. Her magical Christmas tree and her handsome prince with his army of toy soldiers are an unforgettable delight. In this most festive ballet, gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra combine to make the perfect Christmas treat for the entire family. This world-famous production by Sir Peter Wright, with exquisite designs by John Macfarlane, is acclaimed as one of the best.

FREE Pre-Show Talk Fri 2 Dec 6.30pm & Fri 9 Dec 6.30pm

Sir Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmon Production Peter Wright Designs John F. Macfarlane Lighting David A. Finn

Access

FREE Audience Open Day Sat 26 Nov 12.30-2.30pm (for matinee ticket holders)

Audio Described Sat 26 Nov 2.30pm

Class on Stage Sat 26 Nov 11.15 am Tickets £10 (FREE to BRB Friends)

Touch Tour Sat 26 Nov 10.30am Families Photo: Bill Cooper

Groups

19 Dec — 29 Jan Performances vary: 1pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 5.15pm, 7.15pm

From £15 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

Dick Whittington Following a record-breaking season with Aladdin, seen by nearly 120,000 theatregoers, the home of Birmingham pantomime this year presents the rags-to-riches adventure story of Dick Whittington.

Pantomime is loud for a small pair of ears, Spectacular sights can sometimes cause tears! If bringing a little one, please be aware One or two scenes are intended to scare. The odd naughty joke for grown-up laughter Ensures that we all finish Happily Ever After.

Comedy takes centre stage once again as Matt Slack triumphantly returns for his fourth Hippodrome pantomime. Expect plenty of laughs, outrageous costumes, special effects and unmissable entertainment for all the family.

Further star casting to be announced.

Birmingham Mail

Birmingham Post

“Slick, sparkly and spectacular” The Times

“This is how panto is done”

Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest panto producer, and staged by the same team behind the Hippodrome’s recent smash-hit pantomimes, this is a Christmas treat you won’t want to miss.

Access

The Stage

Birmingham Mail Reviews from Aladdin 2015/16

Audio Described Wed 18 Jan 2pm & Sat 21 Jan 2.30pm

Captioned Sun 8 Jan 1pm & Wed 11 Jan 7.15pm Relaxed Performance Thu 26 Jan 12 noon

Signed Sun 15 Jan 1pm & 5.15pm Families

Friends

Groups, see p42

7 Feb — 11 Feb Tue – Sat 7.30pm Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £19.50 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1.

The Red Shoes WORLD PREMIERE “Britain’s most successful choreographer will blow your mind with his sheer imagination, wit and brio” The Times

“Bourne is a masterly storyteller” New York Times

“The great showman of British dance with an instinctive understanding of what audiences want” Daily Telegraph

A beloved fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has seduced audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a battleground between the two men who inspire her passion. Matthew Bourne’s magical new adaptation of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film reunites the team who brought you New Adventures’ world-wide hit, Sleeping Beauty, with sumptuous designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound). This world premiere is set to a new score arranged by Terry Davies using the mesmerising music of golden-age

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First Night

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Groups

Hollywood composer, Bernard Herrmann (most famous for his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles and Martin Scorsese), whose work ranges from the witty and playfully robust to the achingly romantic and bittersweet. An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences; The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.

7 Mar — 29 Apr Mon – Sat 7.30pm Thu 2pm Sat 2.30pm

From £25 Prices and discounts subject to change, 5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person), postage from £1. Please note that Billy Elliot the Musical contains some strong language.

Billy Elliot Billy Elliot the Musical, one of the most beloved shows on stage today, comes to Birmingham Hippodrome for the first time following eleven extraordinary years in London’s West End. Set in a small mining town in the north east of England, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community.

Featuring a timeless score by Elton John, sensational dance and a powerful story that has captivated millions around the world, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.

“Electrifying” Mail On Sunday

“Pure Magic” Sunday Express

“Funny, touching and shamelessly enjoyable” The Independent

“The greatest British musical ever” Daily Telegraph

Access

Audio Described Sat 22 Apr 2.30pm

Signed Tue 18 Apr 7.30pm

Friends

Groups

Captioned Thu 20 Apr 7.30pm

A Specialist Paralegal Law Firm

CREATIVE

Play your part: become a Patron today You’ll receive fantastic benefits and exclusive access to the theatre you love. From as little as £25 a month, your contribution will directly fund the delivery of our Hippodrome CREATIVE outreach and access programmes.

Patron Pat Etchells meeting Marti Pellow at a recent Pantomime event

Protect your family’s future and support the theatre FREE Will Writing you love Serv

ice in return for a Hippo drome CREATIVE donation!

Minimum Monument (2014) a Hippodrome CREATIVE project

Levels & Benefits Hippodrome Circle: Exclusive benefits from £3,000+ per year Headline Act: Get behind the scenes from £1,400 – £2,999 per year Leading Role: Lead the show from £700 – £1,300 per year Supporting Cast: Take to the stage from £250 – £699 per year

Receive professional legal advice in your own home from Wills & Legal Services with this completely FREE Will Writing Service (usually £75+). In return for your free Will, you will be asked to make a suggested donation of £40 or more to Hippodrome CREATIVE.

To find out more or join today call us on 0121 689 3068 or email development@birminghamhippodrome.com

Book your appointment by calling Wills & Legal Services on 01885 490380 quoting ‘Birmingham Hippodrome Charity Will’

birminghamhippodrome.com/giveandjoin

birminghamhippodrome.com/freewills Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Development Trust: Charity No 511567

Thank you! Thank you to all our individual donors, Trusts, Foundations and Public Funders. Without you, Hippodrome CREATIVE would not be possible. CREATIVE

Hippodrome Circle Patrons from £3,000+ Mark Hopton • Maureen & Roy Kirby • Chris Loughran

Headline Act Patrons from £1,400 Teresa A Cook • Joseph Devlin • The Dickens Foundation • Dr & Mrs Harrison • Emma & Peter Neads • Janette Rutter Simon & Kath Winner

Leading Role Patrons from £700 Christine Baylis • Jim & Birdie Ceaser • John & Heather Clemson • Roger & Jennifer Cox • Sara & Tim Fowler • Averil Green Claire & Mark Hales • Andy & Rebecca Hammond • Mr William Jones • Steve & Laura Kearney • Debbie & Mark Lilburne Michael & Cerys Luckman • Jeremy & Harjinder Millington • Tony & Julie Phillips • Mark & Amanda Smith • Paul Twose Stephen & Suzanne Whittern • David & Janine Young

Supporting Cast Patrons from £250 John & Jill Andrews • Christine Bachelor • Sheila Ballantyne-Smith • Simon Bashford • Bridget Blow Simon & Amanda Boardman-Weston • Richard Burke • Andrew & Sarah Connors • Adrian Cox • John & Diana Crabtree Eileen Doyle • Patricia Edwards • Patricia & Ronald Etchells • Nicola Fleet-Milne • Mark Forty • Neil & Jackie Frettsome Roger & Jennifer Gould • Jill & Jeremy Griffin • Martin & Roni Guest • Mrs S Hashmi • Ivan Heard • Dorothy Hobson John Jeremy • Pamela Buckley • Rodney & Alyson Kettel • Martin & Joanne King • Andy Le Marr • Lynne Myers • Nathalie Neill Ralph & Linden Osborn • Win Palmer & Lola Ralph • Mrs Jill Parker • John & Jill Queenan • Claire Ralley • Dr & Mrs Reynolds Don & Diane Scriven • Mary Shaw • Mr George F Sidaway • Rebecca Simkiss & Richard Guy • Dr N & Mrs C Speak Christine Spittle • Gwen Stephens • Glynis Troth • Gillian Tune • Richard & Maggie Waller • Ray & Marilyn Way Neil & Polly Wilson • Jane Woolrich

We acknowledge the generous support of Peter Tod and other anonymous individual donors.

Trusts & Foundations Aurelius Charitable Trust • Birmingham Bodenham Trust • Birmingham Common Good Trust Bishop of Birmingham Charitable Trust • The Thousandth Man – Richard Burns Charitable Trust Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust • George Cadbury Fund • William A Cadbury Trust • The Chatwin Trust Children and the Arts • George Henry Collins Trust • Baron Davenport’s Charity • The Dumbreck Charity The Eveson Charitable Trust • The George Fentham Trust • Marc Fitch Fund • The Foyle Foundation J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust • The Grimmitt Trust • The Joseph Hopkins Charity • Limoges Charitable Trust The Mackintosh Foundation • The Monument Trust • The Norton Foundation • Oakley Charitable Trust • The Patrick Trust Penny Trust • Bernard Piggott Charitable Trust • The Rowlands Trust • Henry James Sayer Charity The Saintbury Trust • Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust • Edwin John Thompson Memorial Fund • Douglas Turner Trust GJW Turner Trust • The WED Charitable Trust • Garfield Weston Foundation • The Wolfson Foundation • Alan Woodfield Trust The Grantham Yorke Trust

Corporate curtain call Isn’ you t it time the were o gue stlis n t?

Mixing business with show business

Your business in the spotlight

A distinctive network with 100+ participating cross-sector companies for professional women. “One of the best networking events out there” Cure Leukaemia

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Curtain Raiser” Miles Robinson, Head of Birmingham Office, Tilney Bestinvest

Members include: Audley Retirement Barques PR Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust Breaking the Silence (btsuk) Ltd Calthorpe Estates CRB Consulting Rooms Cure Leukaemia Digital Media & Videogames Consultant

Elaine Elkington & Associates Ltd FLR Group Holiday Inn HSBC Hygenie Ltd Mailbox Midlands Today Presenter MPW Steakhouse Bar & Grill

birminghamhippodrome.com/leadingladies Sponsored by

In association with

Curtain Raiser sponsor Miles Robinson and the Tilney Bestinvest team join Hippodrome CREATIVE project participants on stage.

We welcome investment from corporate partners who share our vision to achieve our ambitious aims for Hippodrome CREATIVE. As well as opportunities for talented young people, our partners help us to make important education, access and free outdoor arts projects possible for disadvantaged young people and other vulnerable community groups living and learning in deprived wards in the city. Can your business also play a part? Contact Judith Greenburgh on 0121 689 3082 or judithgreenburgh@birminghamhippodrome.com to find out how your business can get involved.

Thank you to our generous business supporters Development Partners

Performance Partners

Associate Partners

Good Company Club Benussi & Co • Clarendon Care Limited • The Edgbaston • Foscos Hayes Hurdley Ltd • Lorica Insurance Brokers Professional Polishing Services Ltd • Schofield and Associates • Squire Patton Boggs • Shaylor Group • Staying Cool

Hippodrome CREATIVE Partners One of a kind

Welcome to our World, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Hippodrome Heritage

Young Carers

Print Partner

Assisted Performances

Relaxed Performance

Summer in Southside

Curtain Raiser 2016

Project Partners

Commercial Partners Babcock Training Ltd • Cast Alum Ltd • Christie & Co • Cross Country Trains • Burnaid • Birmingham City Council Environment Agency • Hoare Lea & Partners • Las Iguanas • Mills & Reeve • Spice Birmingham • University of Birmingham UK Sport • Worshipful Company of Tax Advisors

We’re looking forward to welcoming you…

It’s easy to find us Main entrance address Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB. We also have a public entrance on Thorp St. We are easy to find and have great connections to public transport and nearby car parks. The Arcadian Car Park (Bromsgrove St, B5 6NU) opposite our main entrance has disabled parking with access to street level. Check networkwestmidlands.com for details on public transport routes, or call Traveline on 0871 200 2233. Both New Street and Moor Street train stations are very close and well signposted. Many bus routes pass very nearby, and we are well-served by taxi ranks. Please note Temporary re-routing of traffic means that there is no access to Hill Street or Smallbrook Queensway via Ladywell Walk and Hurst Street. Please leave plenty of time for your journey, especially if travelling to us from the north or west. For more information, see birminghamhippodrome.com/yourvisit

How to book You can book or reserve tickets, become a Friend, reserve a restaurant table, make a donation or just ask us a question. • Tickets and information 0844 338 5000 (calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge). • 10am – 8pm (performance days), 10am – 6pm (non-performance days). • We are closed most Sundays, with a reduced counter service when there is a performance. Choose your own seats online (to a maximum of nine tickets per performance): • birminghamhippodrome.com Organise a group booking. • 0844 338 7000 (calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge). • Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm NB: For staff training, from time to time we may change our opening hours, and occasionally we monitor calls. Payment • We accept most major credit and debit cards. After payment, we’ll post tickets to your registered card address. • We also take cheques payable to ‘Birmingham Hippodrome’. • Unfortunately we don’t accept SOLT Theatre Tokens, but you can buy and redeem our own Birmingham Hippodrome Gift Vouchers. A note on charges • We’re an unsubsidised charity, so if you pay by card, cheque or redeem our Gift Vouchers, we add a 5% transaction charge. This covers administration costs and enables us to continue offering a dedicated booking service. • We won’t add this charge if you pay with cash in person for non-group bookings. • As a benefit of membership, we also waive the transaction charge for Birmingham Hippodrome Friends tickets when a Friends discount applies. • Most discounted groups and schools prices quoted already include a transaction charge. • Charges vary with other agents selling on our behalf. Our official agents are Ticketmaster and The Ticket Factory, with other agencies taking allocations of tickets from time to time. • For purchases eight days or more before a performance, we’ll add a postage charge from £1. • We have several 0844 telephone numbers. Calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

Ticket prices • All ticket prices listed in this brochure and elsewhere are subject to change at any time. • In response to demand, we may adapt prices, seating areas and discounting. We may also limit availability of concession rate and discounted tickets. • Check online at birminghamhippodrome.com or call us on 0844 338 5000 for the most up to date prices. Concessions & discounts These are generally offered on the top three price bands for selected performances, subject to availability. Sometimes we may restrict or limit allocations to specific seating areas and these may be withdrawn at any time. Please bring valid ID. We can only apply one discount per ticket. Our range includes: • Patrons aged 18 & under, and 60+ • Full-time students • Memberships: Friends, Patrons and First Night • Claimants, Passport To Leisure • Groups of 8+ or 10+ upwards • Schools and Youth Groups • Patrons with access or disability requirements • Occasional early booking discounts Donations When booking tickets, please consider making a small donation to support Hippodrome CREATIVE. This helps us continue expanding our community projects, access initiatives, and education work. Donations may be eligible for Gift Aid at no extra cost to you. Conditions of sale Full terms and conditions are available at birminghamhippodrome.com or you can call us on 0844 338 5000 and just ask one of our friendly team. Children We want our productions to be enjoyed by everyone. And, as much as we love young children, they can sometimes be noisy or disruptive; they can also get bored or easily upset by special effects, and nobody wants that. Unless otherwise stated, we do not admit children under 3 to our regular performances. We advise 5+ for performances such as ballet, and other age guidance is occasionally offered (check when booking). Everyone admitted to the theatre needs to be in possession of a ticket, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult at all times so we know they are safe. Access • Assisted Performances: for dates of audio-described, captioned or signed performances, please see pages 44 & 45. Concessions vary. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 for further details. • Visually-impaired: Guide dogs are very welcome in the theatre and can be looked after by staff during performances. Should you require a seat close to entrances, please ask when booking. Please let us know when booking if you need any help. • Deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing: if you’d like a receiver, just ask at our cloakroom. Signed performances, with seats close to the signer, are arranged regularly. • Impaired mobility: Automatic doors and lifts are available for wheelchair users and we have wheelchair positions both in our main auditorium and Patrick Centre studio. We have accessible unisex and ambulant disabled toilets on all levels, plus low-level counter service. Circle Restaurant is also fully accessible. Enjoy your next visit!

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, changes may occur.

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

R 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 C

N 2 3

Please take your seats

Circle

C 11 12 13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

35 36 37 38 39 40 C

48 49

M 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 L 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 K 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

H 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

G 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

F 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

UPPER BOXES

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

UPPER BOXES

3 seats

C 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

3 seats

B 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

3 seats

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

LOWER BOXES

LOWER BOXES 3 seats

4 seats

3 seats

All boxes offer some restricted viewing

3 seats

4 seats

3 seats

Stalls

V 2 3 4 5 6 V U 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 T 1 U 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 T 1 S 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 S R 1 1 2 2 3 3 R Q 1 3 1 2 2 3 Q P 1 2 2 3 3 P 2 0 3 3

7 8 9 10 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10

4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9

11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 12

10 10 11 11 12 12 10 10 11 11 12 12 10 10 11 11 12 12

10 10 11 11 12 12 0 3 N 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 N 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 M 4 5 6 7 8 M 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 L 5 L K 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 K 6 7 8 J 8

9 10 11 12 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 9

14 15 14 14 15 15 16 14 14 15 15 16 16 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 14 15 15 16 14 16 17 17

20 21 22 23 20 21 23 22 23 21 22 24 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 21 23 22 23 22 24 24 25

24 25 26 27 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29

28 29 30 28 29 30 29 30 31 32 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 29 30 31 33 32 34 30 31 32 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34

18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29

30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34

LOUNGE BB LOUNGE BB

36 37 38 39 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39

40 41 42 43 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43

36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41

44 45 46 47 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47

36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

14 15 16 17 18 19 14 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 14 15 15 16 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 14

36 37 38 39 40 41 36 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36 37 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 36

E 14 14 D C 1 2 3 D 4 14 5 C B 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 B A 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 A 1 2 3

20 21 22 23 24 25 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 20

17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 17

15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 15 15 19 20 6 16 7 17 8 18 9 10 11 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11 5 9 10 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 4 9

26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 26

23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 23

21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 21 21 13 22 23 12 14 24 15 25 16 26 17 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 11 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 10

32 33 34 32 33 33 34 34 32 32 33 33 34 34 32

32 33 33 34 34 32 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 29

27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 27 27 29 30 31 23 32 18 28 19 20 21 22 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 17 19 20 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 16

48 48

48 48 48 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

J H 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 14 15 15 16 16 14 H 9 10 11 12 G 14 14 15 15 16 16 G 14 15 15 16 16 F 14 F 14 14 15 15 16 16 E PLEASE NOTE Rows A, B, C, and D PLEASE NOTE are not Rows A,used B, C,for and D Opera Ballet are notand used for performances Opera and Ballet performances

16 17 18 19 16 19 17 17 18 18 19 20 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 17 19 20 18 18 19 20 21

Circle overhead (Row N backwards)

LOUNGE AA LOUNGE AA

42 43 44 45 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 42 42 43 43 44 44 45 42

42 43 44 42 36 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 42 36 36 37 38 39 40 41

33 34 34 33 33 25 34 26 27 28 29 24 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 22

Transfer seats Transfer seats Companion seats Companion seats

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Stage Please note: This diagram is a guide and not an accurate representation of seating positions. Stalls Rows A – D are not used for Opera and Ballet performances. Other variations may apply due to technical reasons. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, changes may occur.

Our Trustees Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Limited Registered Charity No. 510842

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Development Trust Registered Charity No. 511567

Trustees: John Crabtree OBE (Chair) • Rod Dungate • Martin Guest • Andy Hogarth • Glenn Howells • Michael Laverty • Prof. David Roberts • Gary Rowe • Mark Smith • Ann Tonks • Cllr. Anne Underwood • Rt. Rev. David A Urquhart • Special Adviser: Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt

Trustees: Martin Guest (Chair) • Simon Boardman-Weston • Stephen Clarke • John Crabtree OBE • John Driver • Nicola Fleet-Milne • Andrew Hammond • Matthew Hansell • Mahnaz Hashmi • Martin King • Michael Luckman • Joanne Malin • Ruth Pipkin • Claire Ralley 43

Performance diary

Aug

May Tue 3 Nederlands Dans Theater 2 8pm Wed 4 Nederlands Dans Theater 2 8pm Thu 5 Carlos Acosta 7.30pm Fri 6 Carlos Acosta 7.30pm Sat 7 Carlos Acosta 7.30pm Tue 10 Cloud Gate Dance Theatre 7.30pm Wed 11 Cloud Gate Dance Theatre 7.30pm Tue 17 Dance: Sampled 8pm Wed 18 Dance: Sampled 8pm Fri 20 Ballet BC 7.30pm Sat 21 Ballet BC 7.30pm Tue 24 The Sound of Music 7.30pm Wed 25 The Sound of Music 2pm | 7.30pm Thu 26 The Sound of Music 2pm | 7.30pm Fri 27 The Sound of Music

7.30pm

Sat 28 The Sound of Music Mon 30 Cats Tue 31 Cats

2.30pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 10 10

Jun Wed 1 Cats Thu 2 Cats

2pm | 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm

10 10 10 10

Fri 3 Cats 7.30pm Sat 4 Cats 2.30pm | 7.30pm Thu 9 WNO Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci 7.15pm Fri 10 WNO In Parenthesis 7.15pm Sat 11 WNO Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci 7.15pm Thu 16 BRB Taming of The Shrew 7.30pm Fri 17 BRB Taming of The Shrew 2pm | 7.30pm Sat 18 BRB Taming of The Shrew 2.30pm | 7.30pm Wed 22 BRB Shakespeare Triple Bill 7.30pm Thu 23 BRB Shakespeare Triple Bill 2pm | 7.30pm Fri 24 BRB Shakespeare Triple Bill 7.30pm Sat 25 BRB Shakespeare Triple Bill 2.30pm | 7.30pm Tue 28 Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Wed 29 Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Thu 30 Mamma Mia! 2pm | 7.30pm

11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 14

Jul Fri 1 Sat 2 Mon 4 Tue 5

Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia!

Wed 6 Mamma Mia! Thu 7 Mamma Mia! Fri 8 Mamma Mia! Sat 9 Mamma Mia! Mon 11 Mamma Mia! Tue 12 Mamma Mia! Wed 13 Mamma Mia! Thu 14 Mamma Mia! Fri 15 Mamma Mia! Sat 16 Mamma Mia! Mon 18 Mamma Mia! Tue 19 Mamma Mia! Wed 20 Mamma Mia! Thu 21 Mamma Mia! Fri 22 Mamma Mia! Sat 23 Mamma Mia! Mon 25 Mamma Mia! Tue 26 Mamma Mia! Wed 27 Mamma Mia! Thu 28 Mamma Mia! Fri29 Mamma Mia! Sat 30 Mamma Mia!

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Mon 1 Mamma Mia! Tue 2 Mamma Mia! Wed 3 Mamma Mia! Thu 4 Mamma Mia! Fri 5 Mamma Mia! Sat 6 Mamma Mia! Mon 8 Mamma Mia! Tue 9 Mamma Mia! Wed 10 Mamma Mia! Thu 11 Mamma Mia! Fri 12 Mamma Mia! Sat 13 Mamma Mia! Mon 15 Mamma Mia! Tue 16 Mamma Mia! Wed 17 Mamma Mia! Thu 18 Mamma Mia!

Fri 19 Mamma Mia! Sat 20 Mamma Mia! Mon 22 Mamma Mia! Tue 23 Mamma Mia! Wed 24 Mamma Mia! Thu 25 Mamma Mia! Fri 26 Mamma Mia! Sat 27 Mamma Mia! Mon 29 Mamma Mia! Tue 30 Mamma Mia! Wed 31 Mamma Mia!

7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Sep Thu 1 Mamma Mia! Fri 2 Mamma Mia! Sat 3 Mamma Mia! Wed 7 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Thu 8 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Fri 9 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sat 10 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sun 11 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Tue 13 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Wed 14 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Thu 15 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Fri 16 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sat 17 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sun 18 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Tue 20 Mandela Trilogy Wed 21 Mandela Trilogy Fri 23 Alvin Ailey Sat 24 Alvin Ailey

7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm 1pm | 5pm 7.30pm

14 14 14 18 18 18 18 18

18 18 2pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 18 7.30pm 18 2.30pm | 7.30pm 18 1pm 18 7.30pm 20 7.30pm 20 7.30pm 21 2.30pm | 7.30pm 21

Oct Sat 1

BRB The Tempest

7.30pm

Tue 4

BRB The Tempest

7.30pm

Wed 5 BRB The Tempest

7.30pm

Thu 6 BRB The Tempest

2pm | 7.30pm

Fri 7

BRB The Tempest

7.30pm

Sat 8

BRB The Tempest

2.30pm | 7.30pm

25 25 25

Mon 10 Blood Brothers

7.30pm

Tue 11 Blood Brothers

7.30pm

Wed 12 Blood Brothers

2pm | 7.30pm

Thu 13 Blood Brothers

7.30pm

Fri 14

7.30pm

Sat 15 Blood Brothers

2.30pm | 7.30pm

Mon 17 Blood Brothers

7.30pm

Tue 18 Blood Brothers

7.30pm

Blood Brothers

Wed 19 Blood Brothers

2pm | 7.30pm

Thu 20 Blood Brothers Fri 21 Blood Brothers

7.30pm 7.30pm

Sat 22 Blood Brothers

2.30pm | 7.30pm

26 26 26 26 26 26

7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm

28 28 28 28 28 28

Nov Tue 1 Vamos Cuba! 7.30pm Wed 2 Vamos Cuba! 2pm | 7.30pm Thu 3 Vamos Cuba! 7.30pm Fri 4 Vamos Cuba! 7.30pm Sat 5 Vamos Cuba! 2.30pm | 7.30pm Tue 8 WNO The Merchant of Venice 7pm Wed 9 WNO Macbeth 7.15pm Thu 10 Kiss Me, Kate 7.30pm Fri 11 Kiss Me, Kate 7.30pm Sat 12 Kiss Me, Kate 2.30pm | 7.30pm Sun 13 Sean Lock 8pm Mon 14 The Full Monty 7.30pm Tue 15 The Full Monty 7.30pm Wed 16 The Full Monty 2pm | 7.30pm Thu 17 The Full Monty 7.30pm Fri 18 The Full Monty 7.30pm Sat 19 The Full Monty 2.30pm | 7.30pm Fri 25 BRB The Nutcracker 7.30pm Sat 26 BRB The Nutcracker 2.30pm | 7.30pm Sun 27 BRB The Nutcracker 1pm Tue 29 BRB The Nutcracker 2pm | 7.30pm Wed 30 BRB The Nutcracker 7.30pm

29 29 29 29 29 30 30 31 31 31 32 33 33 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 34

Dec Thu 1 BRB The Nutcracker Fri 2 BRB The Nutcracker Sat 3 BRB The Nutcracker Sun 4 BRB The Nutcracker Tue 6 BRB The Nutcracker Wed 7 BRB The Nutcracker Thu 8 BRB The Nutcracker Fri 9 BRB The Nutcracker Sat 10 BRB The Nutcracker Sun 11 BRB The Nutcracker Tue 13 BRB The Nutcracker

19 Dec – 29 Jan

Feb Tue 7 Wed 8 Thu 9 Fri 10 Sat 11

The Red Shoes The Red Shoes The Red Shoes The Red Shoes The Red Shoes

7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm | 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.30pm | 7.30pm

36 36 36 36 36

7 Mar – 29 Apr

Audio Described Sat 28 May The Sound of Music 2.30pm Sat 4 Jun Cats 2.30pm Sat 11 Jun WNO Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci 7.15pm Tue 19 Jul Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Thu 1 Sep Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Sun 11 Sep Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 1pm Wed 21 Sep Mandela Trilogy 7.30pm Sat 8 Oct BRB The Tempest 2.30pm Sat 22 Oct Blood Brothers 2.30pm Fri 11 Nov Kiss Me, Kate 7.30pm Sat 26 Nov BRB The Nutcracker 2.30pm Wed 18 Jan Dick Whittington 2pm Sat 21 Jan Dick Whittington 2.30pm Sat 22 Apr Billy Elliot 2.30pm Captioned Performance Thu 26 May The Sound of Music 7.30pm Thu 2 Jun Cats 7.30pm Tue 5 Jul Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Thu 18 Aug Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Tue 13 Sep Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 7.30pm Thu 20 Oct Blood Brothers 7.30pm Sun 8 Jan Dick Whittington 1pm Wed 11 Jan Dick Whittington 7.15pm Thu 20 Apr Billy Elliot 7.30pm Signed Performance Wed 25 May The Sound of Music 7.30pm Wed 1 Jun Cats 7.30pm Tue 12 Jul Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Thu 25 Aug Mamma Mia! 7.30pm Wed 14 Sep Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 7.30pm Tue 18 Oct Blood Brothers 7.30pm Sun 15 Jan Dick Whittington 1pm & 5.15pm Tue 18 Apr Billy Elliot 7.30pm Talk Tue 3 May Nederlands Dans Theater 2 Post-show Fri 6 May Carlos Acosta 5.45pm Thu 9 Jun WNO Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci 5.45pm Fri 10 Jun WNO In Parenthesis 5.45pm Sat 11 Jun WNO Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci 5.45pm Fri 17 Jun BRB Taming of The Shrew Pre-eve show Fri 24 Jun BRB Shakespeare Triple Bill Pre-eve show Sat 24 Sep Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Post-show Fri 7 Oct BRB The Tempest Pre-eve show Tue 8 Nov WNO The Merchant of Venice 6pm Wed 9 Nov WNO Macbeth 6.15pm Fri 2 Dec BRB The Nutcracker Pre-eve show Sat 3 Dec BRB The Nutcracker Pre-eve show

Ticket sales Tickets & Information 0844 3380844 5000338 | birminghamhippodrome.com 5000 | birminghamhippodrome.com

Mon 24 Million Dollar Quartet Tue 25 Million Dollar Quartet Wed 26 Million Dollar Quartet Thu 27 Million Dollar Quartet Fri 28 Million Dollar Quartet Sat 29 Million Dollar Quartet