Arts
‘I will win a Creative Arts Devolution Deal to put West Midlands arts centre stage,’ pledges Andy Street
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street wants to raise the curtain on a new era for culture in the region, by agreeing a groundbreaking Creative Arts Devolution Deal with the government. The metropolitan mayor – who prides himself on securing “tens of millions of pounds for the arts” – has said taking control of the region’s cultural funding could…
South Asian ‘Kathak’ dance performances exploring abuse and migration to be staged in Birmingham
A special performance amplifying Kathak, a south Asian classical dance, will be performed at the city’s Birmingham Hippodrome next month. Amina Khayyam Dance Company (AKDC) is returning to the venue’s Patrick Studio on 28 and 29 February with ‘ONE | BIRD’, a double-bill of high intensity Kathak.
Steps announce ‘Here & Now’ musical to open at Birmingham’s Alexandra theatre
UK pop band Steps have announced the world premiere of Here & Now, a brand-new musical using their iconic tracks. Accompanied with an original book by Shaun Kitchener, the musical will open at The Alexandra theatre in Birmingham for a limited engagement from 9 – 24 November 2024.
Record attendance figures announced for Jack and the Beanstalk panto at Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome has announced record attendance figures for this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, with 120,000 people having seen the show during its six-week run in the city. The figures make Jack and the Beanstalk the theatre’s best attended pantomime in over 20 years.
Brum music foundation launches free workshops for wannabe rock stars
A Birmingham music foundation is launching free workshops for wannabe rock stars, to provide amateur musicians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in a rock concert. Misfits Music Foundation is inviting music enthusiasts to join them in the Brum Rocks project, and participants don’t need any prior musical experience.
Paul Murphy announced as new Music Director for Birmingham Royal Ballet
The Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced Paul Murphy as its new Music Director and Principal Conductor. The appointment of Murphy was announced today as the Company’s new Music Director and Principal Conductor leading the company’s orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. He will assume the role on 1 July 2024, following Koen Kessels stepping down as…
Sohm Kapila added to Midlands cast line-up of new musical Bhangra Nation
International actress Sohm Kapila is joining the Midlands cast of Bhangra Nation, a new musical being staged in Birmingham. As rehearsals are underway for the UK premiere of new musical Bhangra Nation – presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Mara Isaacs, Tom Kirdahy and Peggy Koenig – movie star Kapila has been added to the…
IN PICTURES: Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome has begun its six-week run of this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Featuring sets and costumes from The London Palladium, and bundle-loads of laughter, the UK’s biggest regional panto features a cast including Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond, Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack celebrating his 10th year; and star of stage and screen Samantha Womack.
Birmingham Hippodrome opens applications for 2024 Young Advocates programme
Birmingham Hippodrome are recruiting people aged 14 – 22 for their 2024 Young Advocates programme. Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Advocates is a group of young people that, whilst on their own journey of learning and development, shape and influence the Hippodrome’s work with and for young people.
Art installation celebrating “hope, prayer and community spirit” comes to Birmingham Festival 23
A special art installation allowing members of the public to share their thoughts and strengthen community spirit will be unveiled during the free 10-day Birmingham Festival 23. Nomad: A Tent for Refection installation will take place on Thursday 3rd August from 11am-4pm at the Exchange Building in Centenary Square.