Dance
REVIEW: Descent – a dark metaphysical journey towards light
Midland Actors Theatre and Purbanat Theatre premiered a philosophical new work in the Jewellery Quarter which explored humanity’s descent into the dark abyss after an apocalyptic war wipes out most of the human race. ‘Descent’ is a stark and daring new drama which takes the audience on a unique theatrical journey from the darkness of…
Hip-hop dance artists announced for Gallery37 ‘Roaming Dance’ festival commission
A team of Hip-Hop dance artists have been announced for a new ‘Roaming Dance’ commission for Birmingham International Dance Festival 2021. In partnership with DanceXchange and Punch Records, north Birmingham community arts hub Saathi House have commissioned the talented Joseph Toonga, Emma Houston and Bellatrix to deliver two projects for ‘Roaming Dance’, one of six large-scale…
Tier 3 lockdown brings changes to Christmas ballet show in Brum
The Birmingham Royal Ballet has vowed to bring the annual Christmas ballet spectacular – ‘The Nutcracker’ – by looking at other ways to bring the show to audiences during the Tier 3 lockdown in Birmingham. The REP theatre and Birmingham Royal Ballet are looking at other alternatives to bringing the exciting family show to the…
Artists wanted in North Birmingham for creative community projects
Community organisations in north-east Birmingham have put a call out for local artists to create art installations to engage and empower local residents. Gallery37 North – an initiative working on creative projects in and around Aston, Witton, Birchfield, Perry Barr, Erdington, Lozells and Newtown – is looking to recruit artists from Birmingham for seven new…
Simmer Down to host online gig celebrating BME contribution during coronavirus pandemic
A special online musical event has been planned by the team behind the Simmer Down Festival, as a tribute to BME communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Dubbed ‘Simmer Lock-down Lounge’, the event will be live streamed across YouTube and Facebook for people to enjoy on Sunday (September 20).
Award-winning choreographer Rosie Kay returns to Birmingham stage for world premiere
Birmingham-based award-winning choreographer Rosie Kay is returning to the stage in Autumn to perform the premiere of her new solo work as part of a special triple bill. Titled ‘Absolute Solo II’, the performance will take place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and will be one of the venue’s first shows on stage after re-opening its doors…
Star-studded line-up dazzles as Birmingham kick-starts Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
Fan-favourites from popular BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing sashayed their way on to the dance floor in Birmingham today, to kick off the eagerly-anticipated live tour. Stars of the recent series including finalists and reigning champions are bringing the magic of the television format to a live audience as they launch the extravaganza at Arena Birmingham…
Coventry to host UK’s first-ever pan-African cultural festival
The UK’s first annual African cultural festival is set to be held in the West Midlands this summer. Described as a “jamboree of all things Africa”, Ubuntu Pride will celebrate a fusion of African culture through traditional music, arts, dance and food.
Who are Punch Records?
Punch Records is one of the UK’s leading music and arts agencies, based in Birmingham with a national reach. Committed to working with Black music, arts and culture, the agency’s mission is achieved through four central ‘pillars’: Creating, Touring, Programming and Educating by way of award-winning tours, festivals, international projects and innovative development programmes for young…
REVIEW: La Traviata – Midland Opera serves up drama and passion
Midland Opera‘s dramatic and emotionally charged production of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata‘ is a roller-coaster of intense drama. Midland Opera have a reputation for taking century old operas and transforming them for a modern audience. Previous productions such as Bellini’s ‘Norma‘ and Bizet’s ‘Carmen‘ proved to be both exciting and compelling, and the productions threw new…