Birmingham Hippodrome has released details of several new unforgettable shows, festivals and free events taking place across its stages and surrounding streets, heading into 2018.
The newly announced Spring season offers audiences a fantastic choice of world-class entertainment including the biggest names in West End musicals, cutting-edge contemporary dance, a treasure trove of family favourites, world-class ballet and opera and a high-flying pantomime adventure for the whole family.
Newly announced productions include spectacular Bollywood musical Taj Express, Tim Firth and Gary Barlow’s sell-out comedy Calendar Girls, leading contemporary dance company Ballet British Columbia and the return of Matt Slack in the magical pantomime spectacular, Peter Pan. Speaking about the season, Fiona Allen, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome said:
“In 2018, we’re bringing you many timeless tales, old and new. From Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, to Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella and Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, as our year-end pantomime.
"Many of the stories you’ll see on our stage this year feature strong female characters; from Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked, to Puccini’s tragic Tosca, to everyone’s favourite schoolgirl, Matilda. We also have stories of real women who had huge impact on the world around them - Carole King’s story unfolds in a return week of Beautiful, and Evita, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical which immortalised Eva Peron.
"We are also very excited to stage some exciting new musicals, including The Band, featuring music by Take That; a new adaptation of the classic 1980s film An Officer and a Gentleman; and Titanic, a musical based on stories of real people on board the fated ship as the final hours unfold. For those seeking some humour, The Play That Goes Wrong will tickle your funny bone.
“We're also putting plans in place for a complete renovation of our bars and foyers, enabling much more daytime programming of free and low cost activity for children and families. You’ll start to see some of this work happening during the new year. Given 2019 is the 120th Anniversary of the Hippodrome, we’re launching our 1899 Club, seeking £10-a-month donors to help preserve our historic auditorium, ensure everyone is welcome, and to enable new stories to be told for future generations.”
LISTEN: CHECK OUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST FOR MUSIC FROM SOME OF THE SHOWS ARRIVING AT THE HIPPODROME IN 2018.
