Stages Magazine - Issue 8 - Autumn 2019

s t a g e s Autumn 2019

issue eight

HIPP HIPP HOORAY! The golden age of circus

WIN

TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER A MEAL AND AN OVERNIGHT STAY

returns to the Hippodrome

SEE P9

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BEHIND THE SCENES:

NEWS:

INTERVIEW:

Of our first community production

Panto cast announced

Panto star Matt Slack reveals his dressing room essentials

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE, POWERED BY YOU

We’re so much more than just a theatre Make our award-winning venue the number one destination for your event. Alongside our magnificent auditorium, spacious foyers and 200 seat studio, we also have several contemporary and versatile spaces.

We regularly host: —

Private parties and hospitality

—

Meetings, conferences and workshops

—

Awards & Graduation ceremonies

So if you have something to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues; or you need a space to do business – we can deliver your event with expert in-house technical support, award-winning hospitality and theatrical flair.

To create your own show-stopping event email events@birminghamhippodrome.com or call Charlie on 0121 689 3085.

s t a g e s I’ve recently been travelling in the USA, firstly joining 2000 colleagues from cultural organisations around the world for the annual Tessitura*congress, this year in Chicago, then a few days in New York.

My first visit to Chicago and what a city! I was especially impressed by the effort put into public realm and thought a lot of the ideas would work well here in Birmingham - especially once Hippodrome Square has been completed.

NEWS

6/7

BEHIND THE SCENES

8

TRY SOMETHING NEW

9

AN INTRODUCTION TO

10/11

PLAY YOUR PART

12-15

THE INTERVAL INTERVIEW

16

THEN & NOW

17

IN THE DRESSING ROOM

18-21

A SEASON IN PICTURES

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WHAT’S NEW

Next to New York, where I took in a couple of Broadway shows and was shown around some organisations I’ve admired from afar. I was impressed by the David Rubinstein Atrium at the Lincoln Center - both their commitment to allowing free daytime use as well as programming free performances in a really inclusive way - it gave me a lot of ideas for Birmingham Hippodrome’s planned front of house capital redevelopment.

So too did my visit to The Shed, NYC’s newest cultural venue, recently opened in Hudson Yards. There we discussed the joys, and the challenges, of commissioning and programming brand new work, something the Hippodrome is increasingly doing more of with our Associates.

As you read through stages magazine you will find a wealth of ideas and information that has been sourced for you from far and wide. We may be your local cultural centre, but we are global thinkers - as befits an increasingly globally significant city and region.

CONTENTS

Welcome to

4/5

12-15 CIRCUS 1903 THE INTERVAL INTERVIEW

4 NEWS OUR 120 CELEBRATIONS

Enjoy!

Fiona Allan Artistic Director & Chief Executive *It’s our customer relationship management system - and so much more.

10/11

18-21

PLAY YOUR PART NEW MUSICAL YOUTH COMPANY

A SEASON IN PICTURES STAR-STUDDED GALA

Meet The Team Editor in Chief: Emma Hogan Editor: Nichole Cooper, Laura Smith

With thanks to long-term supporters and print partners

Contributors: Fiona Allan, Steffi Earle, Judith Greenburgh, Sophie Lewis, Gurpreet Madan, Diane Parkes, Matt Slack, Brian Smith Photography: Jack Spicer Adams, Joe Bailey, Vivienne Bailey, Simon Hadley, Pamela Raith, Amy Stutz

Front cover: Circus 1903

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

@brumhippodrome

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NEWSNEWSNEWS

120TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS We’ve been celebrating our special birthday in style, and in July we celebrated the launch of our new book, Hippodrome 120

by David Roberts.

120 YEARS OF

The book, which features a special foreword by Sir Matthew Bourne, delves into the fascinating history of Birmingham Hippodrome, told in 120 short tales. If you love our theatre as much as we do, Hippodrome 120 is a must-have coffee table addition.

A birthday isn’t complete without cake, and at Summer in Southside we had a special birthday celebration under Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon.

Our celebrations will continue throughout the autumn! Look out for some special events during National Heritage Week in September; the unveiling of our 120 sculpture commission and a very special open day in October where we will be celebrating circus style.

WHO’S TAKING CENTRE STAGE AT THE HIPPODROME Birmingham Hippodrome has appointed two new Directors, Chilina Madon and Laura Smith to drive forward the theatre’s award-winning Marketing, Sales, Communications and Fundraising Teams. Chilina Madon takes the reins as Director of Marketing and Sales and Laura Smith takes up the role of Director of External Relations.

Commenting on the newly promoted appointments, Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan said: “It is wonderful to welcome both Chilina and Laura into their new roles which recognise their commitment to Birmingham Hippodrome as well as the skills and experience they bring as we celebrate the past 120 years and look to the future.”

We have also welcomed two new Trustees - Andrew Connors and Suzie Norton who bring with them over 45-years of combined experience from the cultural, creative and commercial sectors.

Welcoming the new Trustees, Glenn Howells, Chair of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing both Andrew and Suzie into the Hippodrome Team and their experience will be invaluable as we move forward with our ambitious future plans in helping to make Birmingham an international cultural destination.”

GROWTH OF OUR HEN NETWORK MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL Announcing the fairest panto cast of them all!

In June we were proud to announce the all-star line-up for this year’s must-see pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which runs from Saturday 21 December 2019 - Sunday 2 February 2020.

This season’s spectacular production will feature Lesley Joseph as the Wicked Queen, Matt Slack as Muddles, Joe McElderry as The Spirit in the Mirror, Faye Brookes as Snow White, Flawless as The Wicked Queen’s Men, Doreen Tipton as The Lady in Waiting and Andrew Ryan as Nurse Nelly.

Hippodrome Education Network (HEN) have announced the number of schools involved in our transformational learning scheme will increase from 18 schools to 32 schools for 2019/20.

Head of Learning and Participation Zaylie-Dawn Wilson commented:

“I’m thrilled we will be working with so many new schools over the next year. We bring creativity into the curriculum, connect learning outcomes to exciting opportunities at the Hippodrome, and provide young people with the chance to experience and connect with theatre”

To book tickets to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/snow-white

For more information or to join our growing HEN Network, please visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com/HEN

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BEHINDTHESCENES

WEST SIDE STORY As a centre piece of our 120th birthday celebrations, we are presenting our very first home-grown youth production for our main stage. A company of 40 talented performers from across the Midlands will take to the stage at the end of August in a production of the iconic musical West Side Story. We spoke to our Artistic Producer Kerry Andrews on her experience of bringing this special production to life.

“It’s long been an ambition for Birmingham Hippodrome to produce a high quality community production performed by young people from across the West Midlands that celebrates the diversity of the city and region” explains Kerry.

West Side Story is one of the greatest musicals of our time, and is as relevant today as it was when it was conceived, with our production really exploring the themes of love and unity.

With 2019 being our 120th year, it was the perfect time to create this exciting new production as a key moment as part of our celebrations” After posting an open call to find young people age 14-25 years old from across the West Midlands a whopping 1,200 young people applied. So how do you begin to cast a final company of 40 performers from such a huge pool of talent? “We spent around 100 hours in our rehearsal room auditioning young people and providing them all with a workshop audition where they could also take away some new skills. It was a real challenge choosing the final

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40, as there is so much talent in the region” explains Kerry.

On the final performers cast in the production Kerry adds;“there is some phenomenal talent in the show, it’s definitely an opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow. In fact, Kamilla Fernandes who is playing Maria has just been awarded the Andrew Lloyd Webber Scholarship and will begin training at Arts Ed in London in autumn.”

One of the real joys of producing a production from start to finish for Kerry has been seeing the performers build relationships and have the time to develop their characters.

“We’ve had some fantastic moments with the company before full rehearsals even started.

Back in April we spent four days together simply getting to know each other, and we held a workshop on costumes for the performers to get familiar with their character. It was really exciting, especially as our Costume Designer Rachel Baynton has created some stunning costumes.

“A real highlight was watching the cast perform an extract of the show at our 120 Gala and receive a standing ovation; that was a really special moment” Looking ahead, we do plan to produce another community production so keep your eyes peeled for news! We’re also launching a Musical Theatre Young Company this September that will work on a brand new musical from Perfect Pitch, who are the leading developers of new musicals in the UK and recently developed the fantastic production Six. For now though, the team are busy in rehearsals ahead of opening night, and Kerry can’t wait for audiences to see our first home grown community production; “I can’t think of a better summer treat than to see one of the greatest musicals of our time performed by an exceptional cast”.

West Side Story runs from Thursday 29 - Saturday 31 August.

“West Side Story is as relevant today as it was when it was conceived”

“There is some phenomenal talent in the show” 7

TRYSOMETHINGNEW A TWIST ON A HEARTY WINTER WARMER FROM OUR RESTAURANT…

CLASSIC COTTAGE PIE WITH A SHOW-STOPPING TWIST

Brian Smith, Sous Chef at Birmingham Hippodrome

Method

Brian Smith, Sous Chef at our award-winning Circle Restaurant shares his recipe for this family favourite with a modern touch.

Ingredients 1kg beef shoulder 500ml red wine 150g carrot 150g onion 4 cloves of garlic 4 ribs of celery 6 sprigs of thyme 6 sprigs of rosemary 2 bay leaves 700g Desiree potatoes 300ml double cream 75g butter 3 egg yolks

To book your table visit, birminghamhippodrome.com/food

• Sear the beef and place into a deep oven dish with the vegetables, red wine and herbs and cover with water.

Braise in the oven for 3 hours • Remove the beef and reduce the liquid • Dice the carrot, onion and celery • When the liquid is reduced pour half over the beef and diced veg mix together.

Reserve the other half for sauce • Dice the potato, and in well salted water bring to the boil and reduce heat to a rolling bubble. When cooked, drain off and allow to steam for 10 minutes. Mash the potato adding butter and cream. Mix well and beat in egg yolks • Ensure the beef is hot, and pipe on the mash and colour under the grill

• Fry on a medium heat scored side first, when coloured turn

Mushroom 6 king oyster mushrooms 150g beef fat

• Dice the shallots, garlic, tomatoes and half the raspberries and mix in a bowl and allow to sit for one hour • Puree the mix in a blender and heat in a pan to serve

• Cut the mushroom in half and score the cut side

Cabbage 1 savoy cabbage 100g carrot 100g onion 1tsp chopped thyme • Finely slice cabbage, dice the carrot and onion • Blanch the cabbage in salted water, drain and squeeze out • Fry the onion and carrot in the beef fat left from the mushroom, add thyme and then cabbage and black pepper Raspberry 1 punnet raspberries 3 large tomatoes 100g shallots 2 cloves of garlic 50g sugar 60g sherry vinegar

WINTER WARMERS AT OUR COFFEE BAR Have you discovered our Coffee Bar yet? Situated on our Front Circle Foyer through our front doors, it’s an ideal space to catch up with friends or have a coffee whilst you work using our free Wifi, plus this season we have a host of tempting speciality drinks including:

Black Forest Hot Chocolate Gingerbread Latte Billionaires Hot Chocolate Toffee Nut Latte

ANINTRODUCTIONTO...

How would you describe the story of The Nutcracker to someone who has never seen it?

THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal Ballet’s stunning production of The Nutcracker has been part of the city’s Christmas tradition since 1990.

We spoke with Principle Dancer Brandon Lawrence about the festive ballet and what to expect if you’re coming to see it for the first time this season.

How would you suggest someone approaches watching ballet for the first time?

A young girl called Clara sneaks As there are no words spoken downstairs on Christmas Eve during a ballet you could read up to play with her new nutcracker on the story beforehand so that doll and is swept up in a fantastic can follow the narrative. However, journey filled with toy soldiers, there’s a no reason why you wicked rats, a sugar plum fairy can’t come along without any and, of course, her handsome knowledge of the piece at all prince, all set against and sit back, relax and enjoy Tchaikovsky’s famous score. the beautiful dance which is specially choreographed to It’s such a great festive ballet, tell the story! ................................................ with gigantic sets and lavish costumes. With 60 dancers What are some of and a full orchestra it really does the traditions and make the perfect Christmas treat for the entire family. rituals around ballet ................................................

Why do you think The Nutcracker has remained so popular and an annual tradition for so many people?

that audiences may not be aware of?

In the theatre to wish someone ‘Good Luck’ is considered to be bad luck so in the ballet world we use a variety of alternatives including ‘Toi, Toi, Toi’ and ‘Chukkas’!

I think audiences enjoy The Nutcracker for the same reason I do - it’s a true Christmas classic with a timeless score.

It has all the festive things you might expect, including the iconic divertissements (a short dance which displays a dancer’s technical skill), which pull the Company together.

COMPETITION!

PICTURED: BRANDON LAWRENCE AS THE PRINCE IN THE NUTCRACKER. PHOTO: BILL COOPER.

DINNER & TICKETS! We want to give you the chance to try something new by entering our competition.You could win dinner in our award-winning Circle Restaurant, two tickets to see Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn. To enter answer the question:

What date does The Nutcracker start at Birmingham Hippodrome?

A. 22 Nov B. 22 Dec C. 22 Jan Simply email your answer to competitions@birminghamhippodrome.com by 15 October 2019.

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PLAYYOURPART

HSBC UK CONTINUE TO SUPPORT RELAXED PERFORMANCES WITH £20,000 DONATION We’re delighted to announce HSBC UK are supporting this years’ Relaxed Performance programme again with an amazing £20,000 donation. Their generous donation will also help us provide access equipment, to help us reach even more people who may find a trip to the theatre challenging.

Members of the HSBC UK team have also volunteered at our Relaxed Performances, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in July. Our volunteers are vital in helping audiences have a fantastic experience.

“It was a wonderful experience to watch so many people of different ages enjoy such an amazing production. It was a privilege to be able to help and support the staff and audience” - Sandeep Gill If you are interested in volunteering with Birmingham Hippodrome please visit our website for more information.

10% DISCOUNT ON SUPPORTING CAST MEMBERSHIP With fantastic benefits including advance show information, priority booking, invitations to special events and exclusive use of the theatre’s facilities, our Patrons play an important role in supporting the theatre.

We spoke to Emma Rowley, to see what she loves about being a Birmingham Hippodrome Supporting Cast Patron: “I love visiting Birmingham Hippodrome because of the variety of shows, accessible location, lovely staff and wonderful food - especially the afternoon tea. As a patron, I attended a Hippodrome Projects reception and heard about the amazing work the theatre does with schools and young people and made my decision to support this amazing initiative as a Patron.

Realising that Birmingham Hippodrome is a charity and that I too can support the younger generation experience the joy of live performance, build their confidence all whilst enjoying the splendid membership benefits, reinforced my decision to be a Patron”.

As part of our 120th anniversary, there is a 10% for a limited time only on all supporting cast membership, to find out more, email Fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com and number will be 0121 689 3068.

NEW MUSICAL THEATRE YOUNG COMPANY Thanks to the overwhelming response to our first community musical West Side Story and the wealth of talent from across the city, Birmingham Hippodrome will audition for a new Musical Theatre Young Company (age 16-24) that will work intensively to premiere new young musicals in the UK. Auditions will take place on Wednesday 25th September at Birmingham Hippodrome.

NAME A SEAT In July we welcomed Catherine Hughes and Mira Simiki to unveil their new seat plaques in our auditorium.

Did you know, by naming a seat in our much loved theatre, you’ll be supporting our transformational work with Hippodrome Projects?

Naming a seat couldn’t be easier and is a truly unique way to mark a special occasion, what story will your seat tell?

Name a seat for just £250 – Personalise your plaque with an inscription of up to 10 words – The seat will be yours for at least 10 years – You can visit your seat plaque for a photo opportunity and receive a

commemorative certificate

Catherine Hughes

Mira Simiki

WELCOME on board!

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

PERFORMANCE PARTNER

SPONSORS

Lloyds

Birmingham Conference and Events Centre

GOOD COMPANY CLUB Squire Patton Boggs Higgs & Sons Professional Polishing Services Ltd

LEADING LADIES The Oyster Club FBC Manby Bowdler Irwin Mitchell Southside BID The Wilderness

EVENT PARTNERS Accolade Laurent-Perrier Molson Coors Schweppes

PROJECT PARTNERS Darwin Escapes

PRIZE PARTNER Selfridges

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS CATEGORY Shakespeare Martinea

For more information visit our website or email participation@birminghamhippodrome.com.

To find out more about our corporate partnerships, email judithgreenburgh@birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0121 689 3082.

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THEINTERVALINTERVIEW

OH, WHAT A CIRCUS! BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME WELCOMES THE BIG TOP THIS AUTUMN WHEN THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN. The international phenomenon Circus 1903 brings a host of amazing acts, daredevil feats, high wire stunts and life-size animal puppets as it takes audiences back to the golden age of the travelling show.

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The extravaganza, which comes to Birmingham for the first time, is a perfect centrepiece for the Hippodrome’s 120th birthday celebrations because the theatre was launched as a circus venue back in 1899.

Circus 1903 Associate Director Richard Peakman, who grew up in Kinver and knows the Hippodrome well, is delighted the production will take centre stage during this anniversary year.

“It would have felt special to bring this show to the Hippodrome last year or next year but actually this year is extra-special because of the Hippodrome’s birthday,” he says. “It’s amazing that we are bringing a golden age circus show to the Hippodrome which is celebrating its own anniversary.

“It’s like we’re recreating history with the sights, the sounds and the spectacle that launched the Hippodrome all those years ago and bringing them back. Now we’re paying homage to that

golden age with our show in 2019. As a local lad, to bring a show which has toured the world back to the Hippodrome at this very special time makes me feel very honoured and very lucky.”

Richard became part of the creative team behind Circus 1903 at its very beginning, working with director Neil Dorward who he had first known when they were students together at the Italia Conti Academy in London. The two had built up successful careers in theatre

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“My career is predominantly in London these days but my heart is definitely still in the West Midlands.” before collaborating on a circus show in China.

Then Neil had the idea for Circus 1903 and the team had a clear vision for the show.

“We were really keen to transport audiences back to the golden age of circus when the circus was the biggest attraction of its time,” Richard explains. “There was no TV, no cinema, no theatres, no sports games – circus was a combination of all those elements. We wanted to capture that bygone era.

“So we deliberately shied away from anything which would be too futuristic. We wanted to take it back to basics and for our audience to have an appreciation for these amazing circus acts. There are no gimmicks, no special

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effects, no filter – what you are seeing is the trapeze artist balancing on that high wire or the juggler spinning those clubs. You are watching a lifetime of dedication packed into an act of a few minutes.

“And we wanted to ensure it was lavish. Money was so tight in the 1900s and yet circus, costumes and sets were so extravagant and flamboyant - we really wanted to capture that with exquisite costume design and sumptuous sets.”

Recreating that age of the big top meant looking for a new way of incorporating animal performers.

“We wanted to feature something which was so synonymous with turn-of-the-century circus but obviously these days we wouldn’t use real elephants,” says Richard.

“It was the brainchild of our creative producer Simon Painter to incorporate puppetry to bring animals back to the circus. Simon had seen War Horse, which is on everyone’s radar for just how breath-taking the puppets are, and he said we should have the best. And so they created two elephants for us – a mother and baby.”

When it came to choosing the acts, the team again wanted to ensure they were authentic to that early age of the circus.

“We did a lot of research,” says Richard.

“I bought this humongous hardback book which documented circus from its early origins right up to now. We were really keen, where possible, to have acts whose very early origins were present in the circus circuit at the turn of the century.

“We have a booker who literally trawled the world and came back with a collection of the weird and the wonderful. We had lots of films submitted by performers and we went through those looking for the most breath-taking acts.”

Some of those acrobats, trapeze and high wire artists, contortionists, jugglers and a largerthan-life ringmaster have remained with the show since it was premiered in 2016 but the team are also always on the look-out for new talent. This UK tour sees the addition of the Brazilian Wheel of Death in which performers balance way above the heads of the audience on a fast-paced double wheel.

“We are a period piece but we also need to evolve within those parameters to ensure we are fresh, exciting and current and have something new to offer audiences,” explains Richard.

The show’s name pays homage to the age of the historic Barnum and Bailey circus company which launched the extravaganza known as The Greatest Show on Earth. This is the same P T Barnum brought to life by Hugh Jackman in the cinema blockbuster The Greatest Showman. Although Circus 1903 predates Jackman’s film, Richard says the movie’s popularity has helped re-ignite interest in the golden age of circus.

such as Fame and Oh! What a Night – but this is the first time he’ll have been in Birmingham as part of the creative team.

“I absolutely loved the film and, having worked so closely with our production, I was curious to see what they would do with it,” says Richard.

“I think it has pulled up the curtain on a piece of history and it’s definitely sparked people’s imagination so they want to see that kind of show for themselves. I think people have seen the film and thought ‘that looks wonderful and amazing and breath-taking’ – and it is!”

“My family will all be out in force to see the show and I’m also so excited because I’ll have the opportunity to bring my nieces Evie, who is five, and Sophie, who is two. It’s the first time they will have seen a circus and I can’t wait to see their faces.”

Richard’s career has seen him performing, choreographing, creating and directing a host of shows across the world and also in the West Midlands. Working for Qdos Pantomimes, he choreographed Cinderella with Julian Clary at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in 2014 and he has been on stage at the Hippodrome in shows

“I hope that people go away with the biggest smiles on their faces having been thoroughly entertained and mind-boggled with what they’ve just seen. There’s something in it for everyone because of the plethora of acts – there’s humour but also spectacle. We set out to entertain people – just as circus did back in the day.”

“I am so excited to be bringing Circus 1903 to the Hippodrome,” he says. “It’s such a beautiful theatre and I’ve always loved having the opportunity to come back home. My career is predominantly in London these days but my heart is definitely still in the West Midlands.

And Richard is confident that his nieces won’t be the only ones amazed at what they see.

Circus 1903 runs from Friday 25 October to Saturday 2 November 15

THEN&NOW

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY 22 DECEMBER 1999

Then...

On Wednesday 22 December 1999, Birmingham Hippodrome held the opening night of the Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

At the time of the production, the Hippodrome had been staging an annual pantomime for over 40 years and this one proved to be as spectacular as ever with over 200 costumes and “breath-taking special effects”.

The big star of the show and making her panto debut as The Wicked Queen was Lily Savage who appeared alongside Kriss Akabusi, Kenny Baker and Lizzie Wiggins.

This was the first time the theatre had staged a pantomime version of The Brothers Grimm fairy-tale, although it was not the first time the story had been portrayed here.

Previous versions included a number of ice shows in the 1960s and 1970s, which were heavily influenced by the 1937 Walt Disney film.

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The 1999/2000 pantomime only ran for a total of 42 performances, much shorter than the usual run. This was due to the Hippodrome closing for major redevelopment, which lasted for nearly two years and saw the whole of the foyers demolished and rebuilt to the design we see today. This year’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Lesley Joseph, Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes and Matt Slack will open almost exactly 20 years to the day of the If you want to delve into our rich history visit first production on Saturday 21 December 2019. birminghamhippodromeheritage.com

IN MY DRESSING ROOM WITH

Now...

MATT SLACK

Matt Slack will be returning to Birmingham Hippodrome for another spectacular Panto - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Before he hits our stage in December we had a chat with him about his dressing room must-haves and pre-show rituals.

Hi Matt! Can you tell us a bit more about your character Muddles and what we can expect from this year’s Panto?

Muddles is a comedic character, a bit like others I’ve played at the Hippodrome. All my characters are similar but I like to give them all a slightly different dynamic. I try and switch it up as much as I can and still give the audiences what they like.

We have a fantastic cast this year and we all work really well together which is incredibly important. We have all the elements that will make for an amazing show, including Flawless (a street dance troupe, who competed on Britain’s Got Talent) who bring great variety.

I’m really excited about this one!

How much time do you usually spend in your dressing room each week?

My dressing room becomes like a second home.

I have an apartment to stay in while I’m in

Birmingham, but during the run I hardly spend any time there. It’s a demanding job so it’s important to have a place you can go and switch off. My dressing room is my space to have a little peace and quiet.

Talk us through some of the items you usually have in your dressing room…

I usually sleep in between shows so I have a bed in my dressing room. I’m approaching 50 and don’t have as much energy as I used to!

I have a humidifier which helps with my vocal cords and I have a medical bag, which includes everything from deep heat to ginger and lemon.

I also like to put my ‘Best Wishes’ cards up to make it feel a little more homely.

If you were only allowed to have one item in your dressing room, what would it be?

A large gin and tonic! No, but seriously the one item I would need is my nebulisers - it’s like a steamer that hydrates vocal cords.

What’s the one thing you wish you could have with you in your dressing room that you don’t have?

A hot tub… that would be really nice.

Do you have any dressing room rituals?

I always stretch before I go on stage and do a vocal warm-up. As you get older the aches and pains start to set in so I have to make sure I’m taking care of myself. I get my body warmed up and then focus on what I have to do.

Thanks for speaking with us!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be at Birmingham Hippodrome from Saturday 21 December 2019 to Sunday 2 February 2020.

To book tickets, visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson 17

ASEASONINPICTURES

B-SIDE Bringing Hip-Hop to Brum Birmingham Hippodrome and festival directors produced a jam-packed Hip-Hop festival which was enjoyed by over 14,000 visitors to the city centre, attracting international dance competitors and artists to Birmingham with a range of events taking place in and around Southside, Digbeth and the Bullring & Grand Central.

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Then, Now, Always:Spectacular gala celebrates 120 years of Birmingham Hippodrome Guests from Birmingham and across the region celebrated 120 years of Birmingham Hippodrome in style at a sparkling flagship Gala event in June.

Hosted by Hippodrome panto favourite Matt Slack and sponsored by Birmingham Conference and Events Centre and supported by LaurentPerrier, the special anniversary evening reflected on the rich heritage of the theatre, showcased its brilliant talent and revealed ambitious plans for the venue’s future.

Everyone’s welcome.

To find out more about our special events visit our website our call Charlie on 0121 689 3085 19

ASEASONINPICTURES Summer in Southside’s lunar landscape One giant leap for Birmingham Hippodrome as a record 37,000 people attended our space themed family festival.

The festival expanded across new sites covering Birmingham Hippodrome, the Arcadian and Bullring shopping centre, transforming them into a lunar landscape, with a host of performances and activities from local and international artists, exploring the wonder and spectacle of outer space.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2019/20 2019 THU 12 & FRI 13 SEP, 5.30PM Gala Evenings at Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet THU 17 OCT, 6PM Wine, Dine & Live! – Wine tasting supper THU 14 NOV, 6PM Street Food & Laughs at Ben Elton Live

The Color Purple takes centre stage

FRI 15 NOV, 6PM Street Food & Laughs at Tim Minchin’s Back SOLD OUT

Our first co-production with Curve Leicester opened to five-star reviews at our theatre.

Concluding with a full standing ovation, the evening welcomed people from across the city to experience this extraordinary new production on our main stage.

THU 21 NOV, 6.30PM Champagne Tasting Dinner with Laurent-Perrier

2020 THU 6 FEB, 6.30PM Street Food and Laughs at Rob Beckett’s Wallop

THU 13 FEB, 6PM Leading Ladies at Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes FRI 14 FEB, 5.30PM Cafe Valentine at Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes THU 16 APR, 6PM Street Food and Sass at Priscilla Queen of the Desert THU 23 APR, 5.30PM Let’s Rock! A Gala Night at We Will Rock You THU 14 MAY, 6PM Leading Ladies at Mamma Mia! THU 23 & FRI 24 JULY, 7PM ‘Six it up’ at our Six The Musical party nights WED 9 SEP, 5.30PM Gala Evening at Phantom of the Opera THU 17 SEP, 6PM Leading Ladies at Sister Act the Musical

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WHAT’SNEW

THIS SEASON GALA EVENINGS AT MATTHEW BOURNE’S ROMEO + JULIET

SOME LIKE IT HIP-HOP FRI 18 - SAT 19 OCT

With a nod to Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, ZooNation’s smash-hit sensation Some Like It Hip-Hop tells a comical tale of love, mistaken identity, crossdressing and revolution.

THU 12 - FRI 13 SEP

Join us for an evening of first-class hospitality and world-class entertainment at this passionate and contemporary re-imaging of Shakespeare’s classic love story. The perfect opportunity to entertain valued clients, treat a team, network with other professionals or simply enjoy a special evening with friends.

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK: PEOPLE POWER;THEN, NOW, ALWAYS SAT 14 - SAT 21 SEP

Celebrate the rich heritage of Birmingham Hippodrome with a series of exclusive talks, tours, coffee mornings and a quiz. We will also be launching a new pop up exhibition and an installation celebrating the performers who have taken to our stage over the last 120 years.

ACOSTA DANZA

NEW VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITIONS

MON 11 - TUE 12 NOV

SAT 14 SEP

International ballet superstar Carlos Acosta brings his critically acclaimed Cuban company to Birmingham Hippodrome with a programme of new and existing works.

Acosta himself makes a guest appearance in the iconic Rooster. The company also perform new works by visionary Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg.

Our new visual art programme continues in September with specially commissioned heritage and contemporary art exhibitions that explore the hidden histories of Birmingham Hippodrome. Highlights include ‘Pre-Windrush to the Present Day: A History of Black Performance on Stage at Birmingham Hippodrome’ with Blackstory Partnership, as well as an exhibition about the Hippodrome’s relationship with both the Gay Village and Nightingale Club. See our website for the full programme.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE WED 8 - SAT 11 APR 2020

Our latest co-production with The Lowry is a spectacular new dance-theatre show from triple Olivier Award nominee Kate Price, to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Awardwinning artist Sting. With a mix of exhilarating dance styles and an uplifting story of humanity and hope, this is a date for your diary you won’t want to miss.

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To see what else is new this season, visit our website birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson

And finally a big round of applause to...

Major Gifts Mrs A Cole • Racheal & Adrian Jessop • Mrs T Justham • Mr & Mrs Mosedale • Mark & Amanda Smith • Peter Tod • Mr J. Weston • Anonymous Donors

Hippodrome Circle Patrons from £3,000+ Mark Hopton • Maureen & Roy Kirby Chris & Jane Loughran • Mrs & Mrs Mosedale Mark & Amanda Smith • Simon & Kath Winner

Headline Act Patrons

Leading Role Patrons

from £1,400

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

The Dickens Foundation • Matthew & Jennie Hammond Dr & Mrs George Harrison • Marc & Michelle Messer Emma & Peter Neads • Mr & Mrs J Quinn Janette Rutter • Paul Twose

from £700

Supporting Cast Patrons from £250 Mark, Liz & Holly Abrol • Fiona Allan • Christine Bachelor • Simon Bashford • Bridget Blow • Simon & Amanda Boardman-Weston • Beverley & Wade Bostock • Richard Burke • Andrew & Sarah Connors Teresa Cook • Adrian Cox • John & Diana Crabtree • Marcus & Linda Daly • Eileen Doyle • Anna & Nick East • Patricia Edwards • Patricia & Ronald Etchells • Nicola Fleet-Milne • Mark Forty • Katie Fraser Neil & Jackie Frettsome • David & Beryl Glanfield • Jill & Jeremy Griffin • Martin & Roni Guest • Claire & Mark Hales • Pauline Hancock & Simon Derby • Joseph Hassett • Ivan Heard • Dorothy Hobson Brian & Diana Hughes • Justine & Paul Irish • David Jackson • Victoria J T Jenkins & George Constance • John Jeremy & Pamela Buckley • Rodney & Alyson Kettel • Martin & Joanne King • Andy Le Marr Martin Levermore & Michele Taylor • Maureen Levermore • Lynne Myers • Ralph & Linden Osborn • Win Palmer & Lola Ralph • Mrs Jill Parker • John & Sandra Phenix • John & Jill Queenan Dr & Mrs Reynolds • David & Jane Richardson • Emma Rowley • Don & Diane Scriven • Mary Shaw • Sukhvinder Singh • Wendy Smith & Family • Dr N & Mrs C Speak • Christine Spittle • Gwen Stephens Glynis Troth • Mrs Ann Wailing & Mrs Vanessa Ottley • Richard & Maggie Waller

1899 Club Frederick Anderson • Wendy Barnard • Maureen Booth • James Clews • Kirsty Davies • Mr & Mrs P Davies • Colette Jones • Rob Macpherson • Rachael Magson • Rosie Milsom • Jackie Newport John & Teresa Purser • Roger Rivett • Alistair M Smith • Ann Tonks • Mr J Weston • Adam T Wilkinson

Trusts & Grants Alan Woodfield Trust • Arts Connect WM • Baron Davenport’s Charity • The Bernard Piggott Trust • Birmingham Bodenham Trust • Bishop of Birmingham Charitable Trust • Children and the Arts David Solomans Charitable Trust • The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust • The Dumbreck Charity • Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust • Esmée Fairbairn Foundation • The Eveson Charitable Trust The George Fentham Trust • George Henry Collins Trust • GJW Turner Trust • The Grimmitt Trust • Groundworks UK • Heritage Lottery • HSBC Community Fund • The John Feeney Charitable Trust The Mackintosh Foundation • The Norton Foundation • Oakley Charitable Trust • The Patrick Trust • Property for Kids • Quayle Trust • Sir Robert Gooch Charitable Trust Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust • The Saintbury Trust • The Thousandth Man – Richard Burns Charitable Trust • The Uncle Bill Trust • The W E Dunn Trust • William A Cadbury Trust

A Specialist Paralegal Law Firm

Development Partners

Performance Partners

Associate Partners

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

Influential names proud to demonstrate their CSR credentials.

Good Company Club Like-minded business people who enjoy first class networking.

The Edgbaston EY GM Treble Ltd Lambert Smith Hampton Lorica Insurance Brokers Professional Polishing Services Ltd Squire Patton Boggs

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

Curtain Raiser 2019

Chinese New Year 2019 Assisted Performances

Relaxed Performance

Summer in Southside

Print Partner

Event Partners

Leading Ladies AVA Events Styling • Barques • Benussi & Co • Biddle & Webb • Vivienne Bailey Photography • Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust • Consulting Rooms Birmingham • Cure Leukaemia • FBC Manby Bowdler • Fleet Milne Property • Freeths LLP • Holiday InnHSBC • Irwin Mitchell • Leonard Curtis Business Solutions • Messam & Rider Ltd • Joanne Malin • Northwood Solihull • The Oyster Club • Smith Cooper • Southside BID Park Regis Birmingham • The Travel Genius • The Wilderness • Wills & Legal Services

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