From the finest UK comedy acts to award-winning musicals, Birmingham Hippodrome packs its winter programme with endless entertainment. Here’s STYLE’s pick of the must-watch productions.
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THE BEST OF THE WEST END …
Dick Whittington, Saturday December 17-Sunday January 29:
If panto’s your thing then it doesn’t get much bigger than this. Wet, Wet, Wet frontman Marti Pellow returns as The Ratman and is joined by Birmingham panto legend Matt Slack, TV celebrity Dr Ranj and actress, singer and TV star Suzanne Shaw in this action-packed adventure. It’s filled to the brim with special effects, laughter, music and dance, and the sets and costumes come straight from The London Palladium. For ticket information click HERE
SIX, Tuesday 20 – Sunday 25 June:
Forget divorced, beheaded, survived … this is more a case of divorced, beheaded, live! Who knew the six wives of Henry VIII could be so much fun, but that’s exactly what this 2022 Tony Award winner promises. Having reigned on Broadway and in the West End, sit back and enjoy Tudor Queens and Pop Princesses take to the mic to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. For tickets information click HERE
Titanic the Musical, Tuesday April 18-Saturday April 22:
The original Broadway production has notched up five Tony Awards and celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London premiere where it won sweeping critical acclaim across the board. It’s edge of the seat stuff, set in the final hours of April 14 1912 as RMS Titanic takes its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. Spoiler alert, turns out the “unsinkable ship” isn’t unsinkable after all. For ticket information click HERE
The Commitments, Monday April 24-Saturday April 29:
In the mood for a night of feelgood fun? This celebration of soul features Corrie star Nigel Pivaro and West End favourite Ian McIntosh, and includes more than 20 classics performed live on stage including Try A Little Tenderness, In The Midnight Hour, and Mustang Sally. Adapted from the novel by Booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the story of an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians will leave you smiling long after the curtain comes down. For ticket information click HERE
THE CLASSICS REIMAGINED…
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, Tuesday February 7-Saturday February 11:
The award-winning production celebrate ten years since its premiere at Sadlers Wells, when it became the fastest selling production in the company’s history. Audiences enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down. There’s an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky, sumptuous sets and costumes, and masterly storytelling in this dazzling gothic romance. For ticket information click HERE
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, Wednesday February 15-Sat February 25:
BRB revives Sir Peter Wright’s treasured production as it takes a glorious journey into the world’s best-loved ballet. The most romantic of tales follows the love story between Prince Siegfried and Odette, brought to life by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside the company’s spectacular dancers. For ticket information click HERE
My Fair Lady, Wednesday March 8-Sunday March 19:
Hot on the heels of its acclaimed West End run, Lerner & Loewe’s ravishing musical features the much-loved classics I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me to the Church on Time, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, On the Street Where You Live, The Rain in Spain, and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face. Expect lavish sets and costumes in this standout production, described as a “Rolls Royce of a revival”. For ticket information click HERE
FANCY A LAUGH …
I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, Saturday March 25:
The official stage tour of BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage with its sell-out show. It’s an evening of inspired nonsense and there’s some big names on the bill, including Jack Dee, Rory Bremner, Miles Jupp and Marcus Brigstocke, with musical accompaniment from Colin Sell. For ticket information click HERE
Dara O Briain. So…Where Were We? Friday March 31– Saturday April 1:
A masterclass in intelligent, no-frills stand-up from Ireland’s finest. The Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo frontman is back to delight fans with his mix of stories, one-liners and audience participation. If you’ve not seen him perform live before, you’re in for a treat. For ticket information click HERE
Tom Allen Completely, Thursday May 18-Friday May 19:
The dapper comic renowned for his signature acerbic wit and riotous storytelling is back for two nights only and tickets are already selling fast. Catch him as he shares his life updates and delves into the protocol of inviting friends with children for dinner. For ticket information click HERE
PLANNING AHEAD …
Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals, Saturday May 13-Sunday May 14:
A spectacular line-up of ten of the world’s best professional dancers in what promises to be an exhilarating show. Stunning choreography, OTT costumes and exceptional dance routines from the likes of Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu. What’s not to love! For ticket information click HERE
Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders, Tuesday May 23-Saturday May 27:
If you missed September’s world premiere of this stunning production then we have one thing to say to you … book your tickets now. Creator Stephen Knight worked with Rambert Dance Creative Director Benoit Swan Pouffer to bring Small Heath’s big-time criminals to the stage, and it’s back by popular demand. This captivating show blends athletic dance with stunning dramatisation, and there’s a live band as well as iconic Peaky tracks from Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, Anna Calvi and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. For ticket information click HERE
Disney’s The Lion King, Thursday July 6-Saturday September 16:
To say we’re excited is quite the understatement, theatre doesn’t get any more epic. With the majestic Serengeti as its backdrop, follow Simba’s journey to fulfil his destiny as King. Director Julie Taymor uses breath-taking theatrical magic to bring the animated tale to life in a production which has thrilled an incredible 110 million people around the world. For ticket information click HERE
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Tuesday October 10-Saturday October 14:
With a record-breaking three-year West End residency, a sell-out tour and an award-winning film under its belt, this smash-hit follows 16-year-old Jamie New as he hopes to break away from his life on a Sheffield council estate. For ticket information click HERE
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical, Tuesday October 17-Sunday November 5:
Escape into a world of pure imagination as Golden Ticket winner Charlie Bucket goes beyond the gates of the Wonka Chocolate Factory. The hit stage show combines countless songs from the original 1970s film with a host of new ones from the multi award-winning songwriters of Hairspray. It’s weird and wonderful but guaranteed to dazzle your senses. For ticket information click HERE
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