Birmingham is jam-packed with theatrical venues, from the huge stages of The Hippodrome and The Alexandra, to smaller venues like the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and the Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre. Whether you’re looking for serious theatre, pantomime fun or amateur drama, there will be something for everyone at one of Birmingham’s arts institutions. Here’s a run down of some of the best productions running in the second city this month.
Hamilton
Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 25th June – Saturday 31st August 2024
Okay, final one from the Hippodrome, we promise. Arriving at the end of the month is a powerhouse of musical theatre like you’ve never seen it before. A multi award-winning cultural phenomenon, Hamilton is touring the UK for the first time ever in 2023-4, and will run for an epic ten week season at the Birmingham Hippodrome until the end of August.
Another historical piece, Hamilton tells the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who quickly became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, helping to shape the very foundations of modern day America.
The much-loved score features influences from hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, with book, music and lyrics all created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Directed by Thomas Kail, the production is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, with history rooted deep in its core.
The production has eleven Tony Awards under its belt, including Best Musical, seven Olivier Awards, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. This musical means BUSINESS.
If you want your children to tell the story of tonight, don’t wait to pick up your tickets, many of which have already sold. To catch Hamilton in all its glory, book your seats here.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Royal Shakespeare Company, Wednesday 5th June – Saturday 7th September 2024
Slightly further afield, one train ride out of Birmingham to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor finds a new lease of life in this fresh new production of his suburban comedy.
When no-good schemer Sir John Falstaff arrives amidst the lawns and picket fences of Windsor, he begins to work his charms to seduce two well-to-do married women. It seems like the perfect scam – surely one of them will fall for his charms. But in this tight-knit neighbourhood, he has failed to account for the fact that wives talk, and Mistress Page and Mistress Ford fancy playing some tricks of their own.
Jam packed full of lies, jealousy, and dirty laundry, The Merry Wives of Windsor is a cacophony of laughter and mischief. What goes on at Number 22 is everybody’s business, and it could be yours – tickets are available to purchase now, via the RSC’s website, here.
Director Blanche McIntyre’s uplifting production promises to be a piece where women get the last laugh, and is set to have a long run over the entirety of the summer at the RSC. Don’t be deceived by the long list of performances, however – the RSC has a strong reputation for selling out its shows, and to grab the best seats in the house you’ll have to act quickly.
Dracula Revamped
The Crescent Theatre, Friday 2nd August – Saturday 3rd August 2024
Now for something totally different. After nine thousand long years of ripping out the throats of unsuspecting human virgins, Dracula is feeling ready for a change. Beginning to battle his urges, with a rag tag bunch of queer monsters ready to lend him a helping hand, the infamous Count Dracula will navigate a whole new reality.
Described as theatre company Pride and Joy’s ‘most ambitious production yet’, this showstopper piece is a spooky musical spectacular, which promises to leave you gasping. The West Midlands theatre company are committed to providing opportunities in the arts to all, and have a high proportion of LGBTQ people and allies involved in their fantastic productions. This particular show looks like a great way to sink your teeth into Midlands queer theatre, and to support their fantastic cause.
You’ve not got long to catch this one, as it both begins and ends this week with two evening showings in the Crescent Theatre’s Ron Barber Studio. Tickets are available here while they last, but you’ll have to act fast to grab them!
The Sound of Music – Stage Experience
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Thursday 15th August – Saturday 17th August 2024
First up from the Alex is the exciting return of Stage Experience. For the nineteenth production from the pioneering summer youth project, the theatre’s young people will be putting on one of the world’s most treasured musicals: ‘The Sound of Music’.
Austria. The year is 1938, and overly-keen but under-performing nun Maria finds herself sent away from her abbey, and thrown into the lives of the von Trapp family. Serving as a governess to seven mischievous children, Maria soon finds that the duties of her position extend far beyond anything she could have expected.
Contending with the dogmatic and distant Captain von Trapp, Maria’s spirit brings music, laughter and joy to a house that had fallen silent. Finding love loitering around the corner, Maria begins to settle into her new life, but all is not as it seems. A perilous and life-altering decision awaits the von Trapp family, and their lives will undoubtedly be altered forever.
Telling the true story of a world-famous family, this heart-warming and uplifting musical was the final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein, and features a trove of cherished songs from ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ to ‘Do-Re-Mi’ and ‘The Sound of Music’.
Expect to see the stars of the West Midlands’ future sing their hearts out as the beloved story is brough to life once more. Tickets are already running low for the three-day run at the Alex, so to pick up yours, head to the website, here.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 20th August – Saturday 24th August 2024
This is a big night out. Big. Huge. From the classic 1990 rom-com to the smash-hit musical, say ‘’Pretty Woman’ and images of glamour and romance, in a rather unconventional form, spring to mind.
Once upon a time in the late ‘80s, Vivian met Edward, and was propelled into a life she never exoected. Be prepared to be swept away amidst this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages, and get to know familiar characters in a whole new way.
Thid production took London’s West End by storm, and is now embarking on a tour of the UK and Ireland, much to the delight of fans.
Love Island winner Amber Davies stars as Vivian after success in ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ and ‘Bring It On: The Musical’, and Oliver Savile delights as Edward, with a whole host of musical and TV appearances under his belt. The wonderful Ore Oduba plays Happy Man/Mr Thomas, and Natalie Paris of SVN ‘Six the Musical’ fame plays Kit.
The show runs for less than a week at the Alexandra, with evening and matinee performances available. To book your tickets, head over to the theatre’s website, here.
First Date: A Comedy Musical
The Old Joint Stock Pub, Birmingham, Wednesday 7th August – Sunday 25th August 2024
If you’re thinking that these dates seem like a long run for the Old Joint Stock, you’d be right. This extended showing is an absolute treat, as the UK premiere of an award winning, hilarious, Broadway musical.
New to the blind date scene, Aaron isn’t prepared when he is set up with serial-dater Casey. A casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilariously high-stakes dinner. Watch as the date unfolds in real time, and the couple begin to realise that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening.
In a delightful turn, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own, when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes, and over-protective parents, singing and dancing them through ice-breakers, appetizers and huge conversational faux-pas.
Can this couple turn an absolute dating disaster into something special, before the check arrives?
In the intimate and classic setting of the Old Joint Stock pub, one of Birmingham’s quirkiest and most intimate theatre settings, this is one you won’t want to miss. Where else will you get the chance to tuck into a tasty pie, then head to the stage, pint in hand? A great chance to support Birmingham’s indie theatres, tickets for this show are available on the pub’s website, here.
There is plenty to keep you entertained this month in Birmingham, and if these don’t sound like your cup of tea, fear not! We’ll update this list every month, to bring the best of Brummie theatre to your fingertips.
