Stages magazine - issue 4

Spring/Summer 2018

issue four

s t a g e s ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Mad about Matilda

FESTIVAL FUN B-SIDE’s back and bigger than ever!

CENTRE STAGE All aboard the Taj Express

WHAT’S ON THE MENU Get cooking with our head chef

WE GET TO GRIPS WITH CRAIGE ELS’ TRUNCHFORMATION

WIN TICKETS TO SEE HIT SHOW

ART! SEE P22

@brumhippodrome

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE, POWERED BY YOU

Dates for your diary 2018 WED 9 & SUN 13 MAY

B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival

THU 10 MAY

Leading Ladies at The Band

THU 7 JUN

Festival of Champagne Tasting Dinner with Laurent-Perrier

SOLD OUT

THU 21 JUN

“Mixed Doubles” at Birmingham Classic with Birmingham Hippodrome

SOLD OUT

TUE 26 SAT 30 JUN

Champagne Summer Garden 50th anniversary celebration of Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé

THU 12 JUL

Leading Ladies at Matilda The Musical

SAT 14 & SUN 15 JUL

Summer in Southside Festival

THU 19 JUL

Gala Evening at Matilda The Musical

FRI 20 JUL

Fundraising Event at Matilda The Musical

TUE 11 SEP

Get Your Bollywood On! A gala night at Taj Express

THU 20 SEP

Street Food Comedy Night at Kevin Bridges

THU 11 OCT

Gala Evening at War Horse

FRI 12 OCT

Fundraising Event at War Horse

THU 25 OCT

Leading Ladies at War Horse

2019 THU 7 FEB

Gala Evening at Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

FRI 8 FEB

Fundraising Event at Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

THU 21 MAR

Gala Evening at Kinky Boots

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB Tickets & Information 0844 338 5000* Group Bookings 0844 338 7000* Administration 0844 338 5010* Events 0844 338 6500* *Calls cost 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

birminghamhippodrome.com Registered Charity Number 510842

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Welcome to the forth issue of

4/5 NEWS THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL & GRETEL

s t a g e s 6/7 A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF MATILDA

8/9

contents

FOOD & DRINK BROCCOLI & SPINACH SOUP

18-21 OFF STAGE FAIRY-TALE DINNERS

4/5

NEWS

6/7

BACKSTAGE

8/9

FOOD & DRINK

10/11

PLAY YOUR PART

As I write this we have just waved off our first ever in-house production from the Patrick Studio, The Twisted Tale of Hansel & Gretel.

Working with the incredibly talented Open Theatre Company and award-winning theatre company MBD, the show puts learning disabled performers at the centre of creating and performing for mainstream audiences. This is a very exciting step forward for Birmingham Hippodrome, and one of which we’re very proud.

We’re also very proud of the array of monster shows coming here over the next few months, find out more about actor Craige Els’ ‘Trunchformation’ for Matilda The Musical on p6 and find out what inspires director and producer of Bollywood hit Taj Express, Shruti Merchant, on p12.

And if that isn’t enough excitement for one issue, discover more about our fabulous Summer in Southside festival, this year themed around childhood (and definitely for big kids too!) on p4 or see if you can spot yourself at one of our show-stopping events in our regular Off Stage section p18-21.

Enjoy the issue and as always, please get in touch with feedback or ideas: press@birminghamhippodrome.com

Laura Smith Editor

Meet The Team Editor: Laura Smith

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CENTRE STAGE

Deputy Editor: Nichole Cooper

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HIPPODROME HEADLINER

Contributors: Fiona Allan, Kate Evans, Judith Greenburgh, Roz Laws, Rachael Magson, Rosie Milsom, Diane Parkes, Amy Stutz

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ON THE SCENE

18-21

OFFSTAGE

22

FIVE MINUTE CALL

Photography: Vivienne Bailey, Joe Bailey, Steve Eggleton, Kate Green, Simon Hadley, Manuel Harlan, Quintessence Entertainment Productions, Pamela Raith, SantaBanta.com, Jack Spicer Adams

With thanks to long-term supporters and print partners

Front cover: Matilda The Musical

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NEWS

THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL & GRETEL We worked with Open Theatre Company to present a pioneering new learning disabled co-production, which is now on a regional tour. This unique take on the popular children’s tale is our first in-house co-production, with artistic direction from award-winning theatre company MBD. The production brought together live music, physical theatre and innovative design to recreate the classic fairy-tale for a new generation of fans and premiered at our Patrick Studio before going on a regional tour.

The show was supported by a full workshop programme, delivered by BecauseWeCanCanCan members and involved over 900 children from local primary schools.

The Twisted Tale of Hansel & Gretel was generously supported by Arts Council England, Oakley Charitable Trust, Eveson Charitable Trust, David Solomons Charitable Trust, D’Oyly Carte Foundation, Sainsbury Trust and The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation.

REVISITING OUR CHILDHOOD This year, our two-day festival Summer in Southside, sponsored by Arts Council England, heads back to the carefree days of childhood with a programme full of FREE fun for kids of all ages (that’s grown-up kids too!).

On the weekend of 14/15 July, the streets around our theatre will be transformed into a summer playground with traditional funfair rides, retro games and a whole host of exciting and nostalgic performances to spark your imagination.

Stroll through the independent food stalls, have your face painted or have a go at a whole range of craft workshops and family activities in our theatre foyers and around Southside.

There will be theatrical delights for all, with plenty of exciting pop-up performances throughout the weekend.

Join us for one of the highlights of the festival: a new commission from

The Fabularium, who performed at Summer in Southside 2017 with their engaging show, Reynard the Fox. The Fabularium specialise in storytelling, puppetry and outdoor theatre, and this year they will be bringing Tilting at Windmills to Summer in Southside.

Grab a pal or three, round up your family, and step into our weekend of sunny silliness and childhood delights.

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LET’S MAKE GET READY FOR BIRMINGHAM #BSIDE18 A NATIONAL HOME FOR DANCE

streets and Birmingham Hippodrome, attracting a wide audience of Hip-Hop fans and novices alike from around the world.

The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) has awarded Birmingham Hippodrome £1.48 million of Local Growth Fund investment to construct and oversee the Dance Hub Birmingham development – expanding and enhancing the city’s ambition to become a national home for dance. The project will see a rooftop extension above Birmingham Royal Ballet’s studios and offices.

Stay up-to-date with activities and join the conversation on social media using #BSIDE18.

We are proud to present our free annual festival celebrating all things Hip-Hop from 9 – 13 May. Activities include a range of exhilarating outdoor performances, pop-up dance events, interactive talks and live graffiti art alongside an explosive programme of high-energy workshops.

Now in its third year, B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival will take place in the Southside

We partner with festival directors Break Mission, Juice Aleem, Mickael Riviére and GraffitiArtist.com to produce B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival. The event is supported by funding from Arts Council England, Southside BID and The Arcadian and sponsored by POSCA.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS We’re delighted to launch Creative Conversations, a series of thoughtprovoking lunch-time events designed to explore the role and impact of the creative industries on urban place-making, regeneration, education and employment.

In association with West Midlands Growth Company, the first Creative Conversations of 2018 takes place on Mon 11 Jun. BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain will be in conversation with Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The expansion project will also create 17 new jobs, five new apprenticeships and enable 100 more dance performances per year.

The development is supported by Arts Council England and is a collaboration between GBSLEP and five organisations, all with a regional, national and international outreach. They include our theatre and Dance Hub Birmingham, DanceXchange, One Dance UK and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

From this fast-paced lunchtime event, you’ll gain insight into this global cultural brand and how it drives UK interests and its economic impact on the West Midlands.

You will discover more about the social and educational function of the arts, probe into how the finances work and appreciate how the arts are relevant across age and ethnicity.

Join us for an invigorating lunch-hour of high-quality discourse, the chance to put your questions to our distinguished speakers and network with some of the best known-names in the city.

On future dates, Sathnam Sanghera, of The Times and writer of The Boy with the Topknot and Rosie Millard OBE, broadcaster and Chair of Hull City of Culture 2017 will be taking up the Creative Conversations baton talking to leading names representing academia, politics and inward investment.

Tickets are strictly limited. Your ticket includes a short welcome reception and a light two-course seated lunch with wine in Studio 5. Grab a handful of places or opt for a table for 10 guests. Book NOW and be part of the liveliest unch-time in the city.

To book your places call Charlie on 0121 689 3085 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com/creativeconversations Mishal Husain

For your diaries, Future Creative Conversations dates are: Mon 17 Sep - Sathnam Sanghera Jan 2019 (date tbc) - Rosie Millard 5

BACK STAGE

Behind the Scenes of

Matilda The Musical

They call it a Trunchformation, the art of turning a pleasant, mild-mannered man into one of the most terrifying villains in fiction – who also happens to be a woman.

Craige Els is now a master at it, having played the despicable headmistress Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical for three years in the West End. He’s now taking her hump, warts and savage tongue on a national tour, including Birmingham Hippodrome for 10 weeks from July 3.

By day, he likes nothing better than doing jigsaws with his Nan and watching The Chase. But after his Trunchformation, 6

Craige becomes one of Roald Dahl’s nastiest characters.

Miss Trunchbull hates children, who she calls ‘maggots’, and makes poor Matilda’s life a misery. She has always been cast as a man in the musical, which first began life in the Midlands in 2010 as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Christmas production in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Trunch then was Bertie Carvel,

who went on to play the cheating husband of Doctor Foster in the BBC1 drama. Craige – he gets his name from his Afrikaans father, though was brought up in Liverpool – is six feet four so makes a very intimidating woman, especially when he adds the fat suit. He towers over his cowering tiny co-stars.He explains: “I’ve got the Trunchformation down to half an hour now.

DID YOU KNOW? Since its 2010 premiere, Matilda The Musical has been seen by over 7.7 million people Matilda The Musical has won over 85 major awards (including 15 for Best Musical) The show has played 60+ cities across the UK, North America, Australia and New Zealand Matilda The Musical will have its official Asian premiere at the LG Arts Centre in Seoul, South Korea from September 2018 until February 2019 At 4ft 4in tall, Matilda Wormwood is the smallest leading lady in a musical

“When I first started, they took my measurements and made me new boobs, belly and a hump out of foam. “It’s cumbersome more than heavy. When I’ve got the fat suit on it is hard to move so I need a brilliant team of wardrobe and wig people to help me on with the costume.

“It gets sweaty because it’s a pretty physical role, but it is so much fun.

It really is the best role in the world.

“I get to be so horrific, sing incredible songs and work with little geniuses – we have four Matildas who rotate and they are all so good. “I make sure I high five and hug the kids backstage, after I have screamed at them for a couple of hours.

“You don’t get a lot of opportunities in your career to play parts so grotesque and colourful. You can really let rip with her, as she’s an ogress of gargantuan proportions. “She’s troubled and malevolent and has no redeeming features, although as an actor I have to find something to justify her behaviour, so I tell myself she had an awful childhood and is misunderstood.” At least audiences at the Hippodrome are safe from The Trunch. Craige used to enjoy popping up among cowering theatregoers during the performance, but that won’t happen in the touring version.

Craige is great in the role but when he first heard that Roald Dahl’s classic book was being turned into a musical by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly, he fancied a different character.

“I’m a huge Dahl fan, I devoured all the books as a child. I thought I’d like to audition for Matilda’s dad Mr Wormwood, as I’m quite weaselly – I look a bit like a Quentin Blake drawing! “Then I saw Bertie and realised what a great role

Trunchbull is, so I auditioned for that in the West End.” Also joining the tour from the West End show is Rebecca Thornhill as Mrs Wormwood, while Sebastien Torkia is a newcomer to the cast as her stage husband.

The Wormwoods “are not the best parents in the world”, says Rebecca in an understatement. Sebastien adds: “In a way they are worse than Trunchbull.

Everyone knows teachers who aren’t very nice, but to have parents who are so unloving of their own child is shocking.

“They don’t understand Matilda. She has all this talent but they think she should be watching the telly, not reading books.

“They are selfish, shallow and thick, and the sad thing is there are parents out there like the Wormwoods who neglect their children.

The production uses 8,320 balloons a year and 105 metres of balloon elastic There are 3,780 paper aeroplanes flown into the auditorium each year. Each one is a written school report Miss Honey and Matilda enjoy a cup of real hot tea on stage complete with milk and a biscuit at each performance during the song: ‘My House’ The production gets through over 100 tubs of chocolate spread each year All voice over commentary used in the production is voiced by the musical’s writer Dennis Kelly Matilda The Musical is officially the longest playing show at the Cambridge Theatre and is now in the Top 20 longest running musicals in West End history

“That’s why Matilda is different from most other Dahl books. There aren’t talking insects like in James and the Giant Peach, but you can sort of believe it being real. “It’s one of the reasons why it’s so popular, as everyone can relate to it.” “It is dark,” says Rebecca. “There’s a lot of humour in it and the Wormwoods are comical, but we have to be careful not to make them too warm and likeable. You have to go for the nasty.”

Like the Trunchformation, becoming the Wormwoods takes time to turn them into such garish, loud characters with brightly coloured costumes and huge wigs.

Matilda the Musical plays Birmingham Hippodrome from 3 Jul - 8 Sept.

Craige Els discusses his trunchformation into Miss Trunchbull

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FOOD & DRINK

WHAT’S HOT...

A BRILLIANT BROCCOLI AND SPINACH SOUP

Ingredients Serves 4 1 onion 500g Broccoli 100g of spinach 1000ml of vegetable stock 100ml of double cream 75g of butter Salt & Pepper to taste Method Begin by melting the butter in a medium heavy-bottomed pan over heat. Then carefully slice the onion into small pieces and add to the melted butter. Sweat this down for a few minutes and add a little salt to season.

You then need to remove the florets from the stalk of broccoli and chop them into very small pieces keeping the florets and stalks separate (Don’t throw anything away).

Then add the broccoli stalks to your butter and onion mix (holding the florets back) and cook until they start to soften. Once you have reached this stage, add your vegetable stock and bring to a rapid boil.

Now you can add the florets to the boiling stock and cook for no more than 3 minutes.

Once the florets are cooked remove them from the heat and stir in the washed spinach. Once you have all these ingredients together transfer them to a blender and blitz until nice and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and finish with a stylish splash of double cream.

To serve, add crusty bread with a healthy spread of butter!

A good deed with good food Did you know you can Dine and Donate in our Circle Restaurant? It’s a simple way of supporting our charitable activities when you visit us. A donation of just £1 per table raises over £5,000 every year! That’s enough to pay for our specially adapted Relaxed Performances – allowing audiences with complex disabilities to experience the magic of live performance.

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THANKS TO OUR A RESTAUR LL AN DINERS T & DONORS !

AA Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.

Our Circle Restaurant got a Wicked makeover In celebration of the multi-award winning production Wicked, our Head Chef Melissa Menns created a special green-themed menu with a feast of green ingredients.

Starters included asparagus with Parma ham, devilled whitebait with charred lime and a torn mozzarella salad with basil oil.

Star of the show was a special Elphaburger which featured a unique black sesame bun and avocado salsa. So the next time you visit the Hippodrome for one of our amazing shows, be sure to visit our Circle Restaurant and see what other special themed dishes we’re serving up!

Champagne Summer Garden, Tue 26-Sat 30 Jun As part of your visit to the performance of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet join us in our Champagne Summer Garden and celebrate the 50th anniversary of LaurentPerrier’s iconic Cuvée Rosé, the UK’s most-loved rosé champagne.

Launched in 1968 in a unique bottle shape inspired by those from the time of King Henry IV, Cuvée Rosé has a highly expressive bouquet. Its delicious red berry flavours have made it a benchmark for all rosé champagnes.

Included in the price of your Summer Garden ticket is a glass of sublime Cuvée Rosé, nibbles and a delicious summer fruits treat. Return to the garden for a further glass during the interval.

Turn your summer night at the theatre with family, friends or clients into a memorable, fizzy occasion. We look forward to welcoming you whether you are staying for the show or just starting your summer evening in town!

Tickets are limited and cost £25pp.

For more details take a look at birminghamhippodrome.com/circle or call 0844 338 5000*.

For more information and bookings, please contact Beth on 0121 689 3084 or bethanywhitehead@ birminghamhippodrome.com

0844 calls to us will cost you 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

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PLAY YOUR PART

LEGACY GIVING If you’re a fan of Birmingham Hippodrome have you ever considered making a personal and lasting gift to our theatre and its charitable work?

Since 1899, we have been the beating heart of Birmingham, bringing the joy of live performance to generations of people just like you.

If you’ve enjoyed attending the theatre with your family and want to pass on that magic to future generations, leaving us a gift in your Will can be a touching way to do so.

Any amount you leave to us can play a big part in the future of our theatre and our charitable work. With your support, you’ll help to power unforgettable performances for years to come.

Visit birrminghamhippodrome.com/ legacies to find out more.

For more information, call the Fundraising team on 0121 689 3067 or email fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com

A FOND FAREWELL TO LIZ LECK Birmingham Hippodrome Creative Learning Manager and UK Theatre Employee of the Year winner, Liz Leck has retired from our theatre after 13 years of loyal service.

Since joining us, Liz has worked tirelessly to develop and expand the work within our Artistic Team, championing learning and engagement and access opportunities both in schools and across the West Midlands community.

She spearhead our Relaxed Performance programme, developed our Hippodrome Education Network with key schools in deprived areas and our partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice. A true Hippodrome legend, farewell Liz!

JOIN OUR NEW MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY This summer we’re offering young people a unique opportunity to join our exciting new musical theatre school where they will get to work with our theatre professionals and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC).

In celebration of Matilda The Musical the school will devise a new musical from scratch, based on a Roald Dahl story. They will get to share their original performance with an invited audience in the Patrick Studio at the end of the week. This project is delivered in partnership with Birmingham City University.

When? 20 – 24 August.

Where? The Patrick Studio at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Who? Anyone aged 14-19 who has a passion for musical theatre and wants to gain experience working with industry professionals in a world-class theatre.

How? There are 20 places available, so book now to secure a space by calling Box Office on 0844 338 5000*.

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PLAY YOUR PART

Welcome on board!

GET THE

VIP TREATMENT Here at Birmingham Hippodrome, we’re known for running events with flair.

We guarantee an extra special evening alongside a world-class performance, as well as the chance to give back to local communities.

This year we are holding Fundraising events at two incredible upcoming shows where you can join fellow theatre goers for an experience to remember. A ticket to either event includes a drinks reception, three-course meal, top price show ticket, show programme and post-show soirée.

Do something different, experience something new, treat someone special – book today!

We’re pleased to announce a number of new and renewing corporate partnerships with Birmingham Hippodrome.

GOOD COMPANY CLUB EY ASSOCIATE PARTNERS BRI Wealth Management Barclays GVA Index Wealth Management Leonard Curtis PERFORMANCE PARTNERS PwC West Midlands Growth Company – Creative Conversations EVENT PARTNERS Asian Business Chamber of Commerce – Gala Evening at Taj Express Clayton Hotel Mahirs – Gala Evening at Taj Express SPONSORS Colmore BID – Chinese New Year St Philips – Street Food Comedy Event at Kevin Bridges Qdos Entertainment – Qdos Partners’ Lounge LEADING LADIES Catherine Junor Law Ltd

Matilda the Musical Fundraising Gala

War Horse Fundraising Gala

Fri 20 Jul

Fri 12 Oct

£140pp | £90 per child (14 & under)

£140pp

Enjoy this production from the RSC, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, alongside a tasty fun-filled menu.

Book your place at this very special dinner alongside an unforgettable theatrical experience from the National Theatre.

Already booked for the production on another date? You can swap your show tickets and upgrade to join us for just £75pp | £50 per child (14 & under)

To book your place at either event, please call the Fundraising Team on 0121 689 3068 or email fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com

To find out more about our corporate partnerships, email judithgreenburgh @birminghamhippodrome.com

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CENTRE STAGE

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Taj Express All Aboard the

>

We chat with director and producer Shruti Merchant as she prepares to bring her all singing, all dancing Bollywood hit to the Hippodrome.

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Shruti Merchant & sister Vaibhavi Merchant

Shruti Merchant

Audiences will be dancing out of Birmingham Hippodrome after they’ve watched the Bollywood musical Taj Express - promises its director and producer Shruti Merchant.

The musical, which features the songs of A R Rahman, composer of the Oscarwinning film Slumdog Millionaire, will be a kaleidoscope of colour, music and dance – all inspired by the megamovie industry of Bollywood.

Shruti worked with her sister Vaibhavi Merchant, one of India’s most prolific choreographers, to create the musical which follows up the success of their previous show The Merchants of Bollywood.

And while Shruti says Taj Express is inspired by the Mumbai-based movie studios, the sisters wanted to give it a new twist.

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“It’s not a typical boy meets girl story,” says Shruti. “I didn’t want that typical Bollywood story where the girl comes from Paris or London and she comes to India and she finds this really ruffian boy and he shows her the country and then they fall in love.

this song and you would have two days to do it and you would ask a question like ‘what’s the story?’ and they would say ‘you decide’. And you would say ‘and who is the character?’ and they would say ‘you decide’.”

“I wanted it to be more real, more contemporary, more Bollywood of today.

So we thought, ‘what if we follow the story of a young boy, Shankar, who idolises the great composer Mr A.R. Rahman?’ That is a great catalyst to get the story moving forwards.”

Shruti remains grateful that her sister Vaibhavi was her guiding light.

Vaibhavi and Shruti are at the heart of Bollywood - granddaughters of pioneering choreographer Shri B Hiralal, both sisters have carved out hugely successful careers choreographing songs in Bollywood films, between them working on hits like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Dhoom, as well as Dhoom 2 and Dhoom 3, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Bunty Aur Babli, Devdas and Aaja Nachle.

Taj Express takes audiences inside Bollywood as we see Shankar given the opportunity to create the music for a huge film production.

“A lot of Taj Express is based on our experiences with Bollywood,” says Shruti.

“When I first started as a choreographer I was very young and I assisted my sister and it was so crazy because they have such crazy work demands and all these last-minute calls.

“We would get this call and it would be that you need to fly to Punjab and choreograph

“She is a very hard taskmaster and she’s also very brilliant at what she does,” says Shruti. “I was very lucky that I started training with her and I spent seven years working with my sister in Bollywood and now we are still working together.”

And she believes Bollywood has captured the imagination outside India because it successfully blends emotion with entertainment.

“Bollywood is so popular because of the way we capture human emotion – emotions related to love, to family, to the drama of life. That is something that connects people whatever their country.

“I was at the Peacock Theatre four days before my wedding and to be honest I was not as nervous for my wedding as I was for that opening night.”

“Its music and dance has also played a huge role in getting Bollywood so famous across the world. And then it’s the story.

Bollywood hits Indian cinema, known as Bollywood, is the Indian film industry, based in the city of Mumbai The term is a blend of Mumbai’s former name Bombay and Hollywood Bollywood produces around 1,000 films every year – almost double the output of Hollywood Indian cinema is the world's largest film industry with an annual output of 1,986 feature films as of 2017 The Wrestlers, shot in 1899, was the first motion picture shot in India. However, the first wholly Indian-produced film was Raja Harishchandra, which was released in 1913

Films like Bend It Like Beckham and Slumdog Millionaire show you what it’s really like and they are so endearing.

They connect to everyone.”

The sisters know A R Rahman personally so wanted to focus their musical around his hits.

“Using his music and our original music and music by other famous Indian composers means the show sounds great,” says Shruti. “And if the music sounds great then we know we have a good show as music is the first thing which touches the audience.”

First staged in Mumbai in 2011, Taj Express has since been performed in a host of countries and came to London’s Peacock Theatre in 2017.

“I was at the Peacock Theatre four days before my wedding and to be honest I was not as nervous for my wedding as I was for that opening night,” recalls Shruti.

“It is a big thing for a theatre company to bring their show to London. It was nerve-racking but we were 75 per cent sold out before the opening night in London and in the last week there we had entirely sold-out shows.”

“I guess that shows that we got something right – the audiences love what we are presenting.”

“I would love to see the Birmingham audiences come and see Taj Express and have a great time,” Shruti says. “We are very excited to be bringing this show to Birmingham and it will mean a lot to us for people to come and have a great time with us.”

“I know for a fact they will want to dance their way out of the theatre. I have not seen a performance of this show yet where people haven’t wanted to get up and dance.

“It’s a kind of a release to watch Taj Express. They are there with their friends, their families, their husbands, and when they have seen the show they leave extremely happy. They have a ball of a time – it’s entertainment.”

Kaho Naa…Pyar Hai won a total of 92 awards, the highest number for any Bollywood film in History Released in 1937, Kisan Kanya, a film about the plight of poor farmers, was the first Indian film in colour Fatima Begum became Indian cinema’s first female director in 1926 with Bulbul-e-Paristan The 2003 Indian war drama LOC: Kargil is one of the longest films in the world and is four hours and 25 minutes long The film Lagaan by Aamir Khan has the most number of British actors playing a significant role in the entire history of Bollywood cinema

Shruti is also hoping to find time to do a bit of sight-seeing during the Hippodrome dates in September.

“I was in Birmingham with The Merchants of Bollywood about eight years ago.

I remember it was freezing so the only thing we did was go to the theatre and back again. But I was a young kid then, in my twenties, and I went to Alton Towers.

I remember taking the entire cast with me and going for an adventure day.

“This time we are there for a week so I would like to go again to Alton Towers and hopefully we can take the cast and have a good day.”

As the producer, Shruti was keen to bring the show to Birmingham, where she also visited with The Merchants of Bollywood in 2010.

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“I love that the revenue from all our work is ploughed back into the work of Hippodrome Projects”

HIPPODROME HEADLINER Charles Pette is the Business Development Executive at Birmingham Hippodrome. As our out-and-about go-to networker and event wizard, Charlie works with Head of Business Development Judith Greenburgh bringing amazing, large-scale events to life – from our Leading Ladies network to Theatre Takeovers!

How long have you worked here?

Four years now, and the time has flown.

Describe your job First up is managing our popular corporate membership scheme, liaising with our project partners and helping deliver sponsorship packages at the theatre.

I’m often out and about meeting clients from all business sectors to discuss how Birmingham Hippodrome can help them achieve their objectives.

We’re lucky to have some fantastic event spaces at Birmingham Hippodrome so the other half of my role is creating and delivering events of every kind and at any scale. Alongside private hires I help to deliver a range of Special Events such as our Leading Ladies professional women’s network, our ever-popular show related Gala dinners and newer initiatives such as Street Food Comedy nights.

Describe a typical working day?

I think the only typical part of my day is my morning walk (or sometimes Uber...) to work from the Jewellery Quarter! Every day is truly varied. A busy week can include co-ordinating a Theatre Takeover conference in our main auditorium for 1000 delegates, meet-ups with our business contacts and sponsors, encouraging

corporate volunteers to participate in our community projects. Equally, delivering a Gala dinner for 180 guests or buying Simon Cowell and the judges from Britain’s Got Talent fish fingers and cheese singles (yes really!) Does that sum it up?

What’s your favourite part of the job?

It’s definitely getting to meet so many people. Whether working on a business partnership or a specific event I enjoy building relationships and delivering a fantastic final result for clients.

It’s also great to work within the Arts surrounded by creative colleagues. `I love that the revenue from all the work is ploughed back into the work of Hippodrome Projects and I love getting to see the charitable work that the Hippodrome delivers engaging more people in experiences of art and culture.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

I’m so proud of the progression I’ve made within the company. Since 2014 when I joined as an Event Coordinator my role has grown, developed and changed. I’m proud of the hard work and commitment I’ve put in and thrilled the company has recognised my efforts, giving me the opportunity to grow.

FUN FACT! Charlie is a qualified ski instructor and is often found off-piste, steep slopes and après bars of the Alps.

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The company has been incredibly supportive in other aspects of my professional development; encouraging me to attend international conferences and supporting me in becoming a committee member for the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) Awards. It’s fantastic to be part of an awards ceremony that celebrates the city’s diverse talent pool as well as championing the successes of cultural business collaborations in the region.

What show are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

On the main stage it’s a toss-up between Sir Mathew Bourne’s Swan Lake and Kinky Boots, quite the music mix from Tchaikovsky to Cyndi Lauper...

The work we’re showcasing in the Patrick Studio is so exciting. Upcoming collaborations with Birmingham festivals Flatpack and Shout along with Rosie Kay’s MK Ultra are all on my ticket wish-list, really different to our main stage productions, but just as exciting!

Off-stage I love taking my nieces and nephews to our free Summer in Southside festival, I’ll be there again this year with the tribe… trying to keep them in tow!

ON THE SCENE Fiona Allan, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Birmingham Hippodrome, looks forward to our new season highlights.

Not surprisingly, it has been non-stop, as ever, since the last issue. My January summer holiday back in my hometown of Sydney seems aeons ago now. But even returning to Birmingham’s wintery weather was a pleasure, as we have started the New Year with some exciting news to share around our artistic team.

Joining Graham Callister, who for three years now has been leading on our festivals (and is currently seconded to the Commonwealth Games handover ceremony) is Chris Sudworth, who will be looking after programming for the Patrick Studio, and our own producing projects.

I’ve known Chris ever since he was running the Corby Cube, then more recently the Old Rep here in Brum.

It’s a pleasure to have him on board.

Joining us part-time from Birmingham REP is Steve Ball, who is looking at how both theatres’ education and learning work can be better aligned. His ideas are already gaining traction here, with a joint post being developed now with DanceXchange, and Welsh National Opera basing one of their education team here in our building. The more joined-up we all are, the better the offer to schools, young people and ‘learners’ of all ages across the region.

Working on our first co-production in the Patrick Studio has also been very exciting. The Twisted Tale of Hansel & Gretel is a co-production between Open Theatre Company, MBD and the Hippodrome. For some years now we have worked with Open Theatre Company and BecauseWeCanCanCan to support emerging performers with learning disabilities, some of whom appeared in this production. I’m

particularly proud that our first co-production in our Patrick Studio demonstrated our very real commitment to access and inclusion for all.

Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to be leading on the construction of this extension to our campus, working with local partners and sector initiative Dance Hub Birmingham to provide more facilities and jobs locally for dancers, and more opportunities for everyone to enjoy dance across the region and beyond (see p5 for more information). Comprising of an additional dance studio and office space for One Dance UK, the national dance agency relocating from London to

Birmingham, building work should be complete in the first half of 2019. Whilst Arts Council England funding was secured last year, we are very grateful to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) for recently confirming the remainder of the funding required for the build.

Until next time!

This is thrilling news for Birmingham, home to the largest cluster of dance companies and performers outside London.

“The more joined-up we all are, the better the offer to schools, young people and ‘learners’ of all ages across the region”

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OFF STAGE Kung Hei Fat Choy! Record numbers enjoy our Chinese New Year celebrations Birmingham Hippodrome co-produced the jam-packed Chinese New Year festival with the Chinese Festival Committee with an incredible 30,000 people enjoying Sunday’s festival activities.

More than 3,000 people also passed through our doors to enjoy a range of free activities in celebration of the Year of the Dog. This included celebrations at Birmingham Cathedral and traditional dance performances on Colmore Row, sponsored by Colmore BID, Posca calligraphy workshops, craft workshops, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire performances in our Patrick Studio and a special up-close look at a selection of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s costumes.

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Magical Sir Matthew Bourne Week We were thrilled to welcome over 250 guests for three fundraising events alongside Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, raising over £10,000 for our Hippodrome Projects dance programmes.

From two Gala Dinners to a Leading Ladies event featuring Sir Matthew Bourne himself, audiences dug deep to support our fundraising aspirations. With their support, we will be able to welcome 5,000 local young people to get involved in dance programmes at Birmingham Hippodrome this year. Supporters in our corporate community were also generous during this week, with Tilney sponsoring our 9th Curtain Raiser project, and The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Bar designing a special cocktail for the week, Angel of the Blitz.

Tilney Group with Curtain Raiser participants

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OFF STAGE The Art of Leadership We were very proud that our Chief Executive and Artistic Director Fiona Allan co-hosted a one day conference with Midlands Arts Council England (ACE) Area Director Peter Knott for the Chairs and Chief Executives of the ACE 2018-2022 National Portfolio.

“Everyone was deeply impressed by the way your team managed the arrival, provisioning and care of nearly a thousand delegates and the smooth technical production of the event on stage�

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England.

Nearly 1,000 delegates convened in the main auditorium to hear Arts Council Chair, Sir Nicholas Serota in conversation with Rosie Millard OBE and energised addresses from keynote speakers June Sarpong MBE and Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE. The day explored five themes of innovation and enterprise, governance, civic engagement and social relevance, diversity and leadership. The day ended with a performance from poet Kate Fox who captured the atmosphere and summarised the themes of the theatre takeover conference in a poem which was greeted with laughter and warm applause.

For more information about Theatre Takeovers and how you can create the ultimate wow-factor event in our auditorium and on our main stage, please contact Judith on 0121 689 3082 or visit birminghamhippodrome.com/ theatretakeovers

Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE 20

June Sarpong MBE

Rosie Millard OBE & Sir Nicholas Serota

Naughty but nice!

A perfectly REVOLTING afternoon was had by all as Birmingham Hippodrome threw open its doors for the official launch of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning smash-hit Matilda The Musical.

After tucking into one of our delicious themed cupcakes on arrival, guests were treated to a live Q & A with UK touring cast members Craige Els (Miss Trunchbull) Rebecca Thornhill and Sebastian Torkia – a.k.a Mr and Mrs Wormwood - and RSC Executive Director Catherine Mallyon who treated audiences to a fascinating insight into life on tour, the show’s incredible journey from Stratford to Broadway and just what it takes for Craige to complete his epic ‘Trunchformation’ into the menacing headmistress we all love to hate! Bringing the afternoon’s festivities to a suitably thrilling climax was rising star of the West End, Savannah Read, who blew audiences away with her awe-inspiring rendition of the hit number ‘Naughty’. If you missed out this time around, then get booking now… or go to the chokey!

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COMPETITION!

fiveminute call

DID YOU SPOT? We recently surprised Birmingham shoppers with an exclusive rendition of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ performed in full costume by leading lady Madalena Alberto from the balcony of Birmingham City Council House.

TICKETS AND DINNER FOR TWO To celebrate the arrival of the Olivier Award-winning comedy ART in May, we’re offering you the chance to win two tickets to see one of the most successful plays ever and dinner in our Circle Restaurant.

We orchestrate loads of stunts around the city centre.

If you spot our next one tag us in your pictures using @Brumhippodrome. Keep your eyes peeled…

The smash-hit Matilda the Musical embarks on its first ever UK tour and arrives in Birmingham this summer.

Test your knowledge on the story about the extraordinary little girl with a sharp mind, vivid imagination and big dreams.

1) What year did the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre?

A) 2012 B) 2004 C) 2010

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2) What is the first-name of Matilda’s menacing headmistress Miss Trunchbull?

A) Anne B) Agatha C) Amy 3) As well as being addicted to the TV, Matilda’s father Mr Wormwood is a sleazy car salesman. When he makes the ‘deal of a lifetime’ what group of people did he sell dodgy cars to?

A) FBI B) The Italian Mafia C) The Russian Mafia 4) When Mrs Wormwood finds out she’s pregnant, what event is she most gutted about having to miss?

A) Caribbean cruise B) Amateur Salsa and Ballroom Dancing Championships C) Labor Day 5) What does Miss Trunchbull call the place where she locks the naughty children?

A) The hell hole B) The coffin C) The Chokey

Answers:1) 2010 • 2) Agatha • 3) The Russian Mafia • 4) Amateur Salsa and Ballroom Dancing Championships • 5) The Chokey

QUIZ

To enter answer the question:

Matilda the musical

Which BAFTA award-winning actor and star of the 2018 UK Tour of ART appeared alongside Hollywood icon Joan Collins in the Hippodrome’s 2010/11 pantomime, Dick Whittington in the role of the dastardly King Rat? A) Nigel Havers B) Denis Lawson C) Stephen Tompkinson Simply email your answer to press@birminghamhippodrome.com by 14 June 2018.

Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

And finally a big round of applause to...

Hippodrome Circle Patrons from £3,000+ The Dickens Foundation • Mark Hopton Maureen & Roy Kirby • Chris & Jane Loughran Simon & Kath Winner

Headline Act Patrons

Leading Role Patrons

from £1,400

Mark & Liz Abrol • Christine Baylis • Mrs Jayne Cadbury • Jim & Birdie Ceaser • John & Heather Clemson Sara & Tim Fowler • Averil Green • Andy & Rebecca Hammond • Steve & Laura Kearney Debbie & Mark Lilburne • Michael & Cerys Luckman • Jeremy & Harjinder Millington Tony & Julie Phillips • Steve & Suzie Whittern • Neil & Polly Wilson • Phillip Wright Anthony & Daisy Gt Wyrley • David & Janine Young

Matthew & Jennie Hammond • Dr & Mrs Harrison Marc & Michelle Messer • Emma & Peter Neads Mr & Mrs J Quinn • Janette Rutter Mark & Amanda Smith • Paul Twose

from £700

Supporting Cast Patrons from £250 Fiona Allan • Christine Bachelor • Simon Bashford • Janice Bennett • Beverley & Wade Bostock • Bridget Blow • Simon & Amanda Boardman-Weston • Richard Burke Paul Callas & Andrew Kilgour • Andrew & Sarah Connors • Adrian Cox • John & Diana Crabtree • Eileen Doyle • Patricia Edwards • Patricia & Ronald Etchells • Nicola Fleet-Milne Mark Forty • Neil & Jackie Frettsome • David & Beryl Glanfield • Roger & Jennifer Gould • Jill & Jeremy Griffin • Martin & Roni Guest • Claire & Mark Hales • Pauline Hancock & Simon Derby • Ivan Heard Dorothy Hobson • Justine & Paul Irish • Nicholas Horton • David Jackson • John Jeremy & Pamela Buckley • Rodney & Alyson Kettel • Martin & Joanne King • Andy Le Marr Maureen Levermore Lynne Myers • Nathalie Neill • Ralph & Linden Osborn • Win Palmer & Lola Ralph • Mrs Jill Parker • John & Jill Queenan • Claire Ralley • Dr & Mrs Reynolds • David & Jane Richardson • Emma Rowley Don & Diane Scriven • Mary Shaw • Wendy Smith & Family • Dr N & Mrs C Speak • Christine Spittle • Gwen Stephens • Glynis Troth • Mrs Ann Wailing & Mrs Vanessa Ottley Richard & Maggie Waller • Ray Way • Jane Woolrich

1899 Club Frederick Anderson • Wendy Barnard • Maureen Booth • James Clews • Kirsty Davies • Mr & Mrs P Davies • Alaine Fendek • Colette Jones • Rob Macpherson • Rachael Magson • Rosie Milsom John & Teresa Purser • Roger Rivett • Mrs G Tompsett • Ann Tonks • Mr J Weston

Major Gifts Peter Tod • Mrs A Cole • Mrs T Justham • Joseph Devlin • Mr J. Weston • Anonymous 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 William A Cadbury Trust • Children and the Arts • George Henry Collins Trust • Baron Davenport’s Charity • The Dumbreck Charity • Edward & Dorothy Charitable Trust • Esmée Fairbairn Foundation The Eveson Charitable Trust • The George Fentham Trust • Marc Fitch Fund • The Grimmitt Trust • Groundswork UK • The John Feeney Charitable Trust • The Joseph Hopkins Charity Limoges Charitable Trust • The Mackintosh Foundation • The Norton Foundation • Oakley Charitable Trust • The Patrick Trust • Penny Trust • Sir Robert Gooch Charitable Trust • Rosie’s Helping Hands The Rowlands Trust • Henry James Sayer Charity • The Saintbury Trust • David Soloman’s Charitable Trust • Stella Symons Charitable Trust • Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust • Edwin John Thompson Memorial Fund • Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust • GJW Turner Trust • The WED Charitable Trust • Alan Woodfield Trust • Xoserve Foundation • The Grantham Yorke Trust

Development Partners

Performance Partners

Associate Partners

An elite group recognising the importance of cultural life in the city.

Good Company Club

Influential names proud to demonstrate their CSR credentials.

Like-minded business people who enjoy first class networking.

Benussi & Co The Edgbaston EY GM Treble Ltd Lorica Insurance Brokers Professional Polishing Services Ltd Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care Squire Patton Boggs

Hippodrome Projects Partners Assisted Performances

Print Partner

B-Side 2018

Welcome to our World, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and St Bernadette’s Primary School

Curtain Raiser 2018 Young Carers

Chinese New Year 2018

Chinese New Year & Summer in Southside 2018 Relaxed Performance

One of a Kind

Event Partners

Leading Ladies AVA Events Styling • Vivienne Bailey Photography • Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership • Barques PR • Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust • Catherine Junor Law Ltd • Consulting Rooms Birmingham • Cure Leukaemia • FBC Manby Bowdler Freeths LLP •Holiday Inn • HSBC • Komatsu Mining Corp. • Leonard Curtis Business Solutions • Messam & Rider Ltd • Joanne Malin MPW Steakhouse Bar & Grill • Northwood Solihull • Park Regis Birmingham • Wills & Legal Services

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