What’s On

Comedy play exploring gay relationships, promiscuity and AIDS crisis to run at Crescent Theatre in Birmingham
A bittersweet comedy about a group of gay men coming to terms with AIDS is coming to Birmingham in July. Written by the late Brummie playwright Kevin Elyot, the multi-award winning play is back on stage in a sensational new production at The Crescent theatre, but with a special twist.

Deaf Birmingham artist brings radical theatre performance exploring racism and ableism to city’s Rep theatre
A deaf performer from Birmingham is bringing his successful show exploring themes of ableism and racism to his home city this weekend. Starring talented Brummie actor, artist and comedian Rinkoo Barpaga, audiences will join him in his journey through adolescence as he challenges perceptions of the deaf community.

Birmingham Pride embraces greater inclusivity as migrant communities feel “safe and welcome”
Thousands of people descended on Birmingham city centre this Bank Holiday weekend to attend one of the country’s biggest LGBTQ+ festivals, with a special focus on providing sanctuary to individuals from marginalised communities. Officially launched in Centenary Square, the Birmingham Pride parade saw thousands of people march through the city showcasing Pride flags, brightly coloured…

100,000 people expected to descend on Birmingham city centre for Pride celebrations
Birmingham Pride organisers are expecting 100,000 people to line the city centre streets this weekend for the city’s rainbow parade, ahead of the three-day LGBTQ+ festival. Headlined by pop band the Sugababes, this year’s Pride festivities are set to go ahead on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May, marking over a quarter century of inclusive mardi-gras…

REVIEW: The Ocean at the End of the Lane – enchanting adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book
A magical stage adaptation of famed writer Neil Gaiman’s book The Ocean at the End of the Lane is now hypnotising audiences in Birmingham. The much lauded National Theatre touring production is currently running at The Alexandra Theatre.

Smoking hot Peaky Blinders dance show returns to Birmingham by popular demand
The legendary Peaky Blinders of Small Heath are back by popular demand at The Birmingham Hippodrome for a fiery dance show. Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is a smoking hot dance theatre show directed and choreographed by Rambert’s artistic director Benoit Swan…

Artist Michael Clarke hosts powerful exhibition in Digbeth exploring colonialism
Birmingham raised artist Michael Clarke has opened his first ever public exhibition which explores British colonialism and his African heritage. The Dambala art exhibition – free and open to all – is currently running at Digbeth Art Space in Gibb Street, within the Zellig building complex.

Queer variety market to pop-up at The Flapper this weekend
An LGBTQ+ friendly market showcasing at least 15 local traders will be popping up at The Flapper in Birmingham this weekend. Presented by independent creative trader Queerringz, the ‘Shop Queer’ pop-up market is taking place at the Brindley Place bar venue on Sunday (21 May).

Children’s author G.M. Linton to host Windrush storytelling event at Library of Birmingham
A West Midlands author who was inspired to write a children’s book based on her parent’s Windrush journey, is taking part in a special storytelling event aimed at families this weekend. Local writer G.M. Linton will be coming to the Library of Birmingham on Saturday 20 May for a free and inclusive event celebrating the 75th anniversary…

Celebrity DJ Fat Tony to share struggles with drug addiction at Birmingham book signing
A notorious disc jockey who is friends with Elton John and DJ’d at Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding is sharing his personal journey with addiction, rehab and recovery in Birmingham this month. DJ Fat Tony – real name Tony Marnach – and his co-author Michael Hennegan will be in conversation at Selfridges in Birmingham, as they celebrate the paperback…