There are some fantastic shows you can enjoy in theatres in and around Birmingham this Christmas - here’s what’s on
It’s coming up to Christmas and in addition to all the other seasonal stuff it means it’s time for a bumper crop of live theatre shows in and around Birmingham.
There’s a huge variety of productions on offer this year, from pantomimes to plays and musicals with something of a Christmas flavour - along with shows that are just timeless favourites.
From Birmingham to Wolverhampton and Solihull to Stratford, there’s sure to be something to please - and what better time to enjoy a family trip to the theatre than over the festive holiday period.
The two big pantomimes this year are Jack & the Beanstalk at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Snow White at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
Other highlights include a West End production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe coming to Birmingham Rep and The Little Box of Secrets at the RSC in Stratford.
From Birmingham to Wolverhampton and Solihull to Stratford, there’s sure to be something to please - and what better time to enjoy a family trip to the theatre than over the festive holiday period.
5. The Bodyguard, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
The Bodyguard is a stage musical which has now been around for more than ten years and is based on the 1992 film of the same name which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
It features songs recorded by Whitney Houston including One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Greatest Love of All and her version of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You.
This production stars multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams (Australian Idol, Young Divas) as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer.
The story tells how former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
Note - Emily Williams will perform the role of Rachel Marron at all evening performances only.
From December 4 until December 30.
6. The Nutcracker, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in Birmingham without this seasonal favourite, which is being staged at Birmingham Hippodrome before the annual pantomime.
Sunday Times
At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Clara tiptoes downstairs and is swept away on an unforgettable magical journey…
At her parents’ lavish Christmas party, Clara is given a mysterious nutcracker doll. Once all the guests have left, she sneaks downstairs to find her present and comes face-to-face with the fearsome King Rat, ready to do battle with the Nutcracker and his band of toy soldiers. As soon as King Rat is vanquished, Clara is whisked away on a magical adventure with the Nutcracker, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanting kingdom where she is transformed into the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Tchaikovsky’s score, performed live by the 60-strong Royal Ballet Sinfonia, provides the soundtrack to this festive classic.
The blurb for the production says: “This sumptuous and timeless production boasts daring swordfights, falling snow, magic, and a 30-foot Christmas tree. Whether you’re yearning for a hint of nostalgia or looking to start a whole new tradition for your family and friends, start your festive season with a little theatrical sparkle.
From November 17 until December 9.
7. Peter Pan The Musical, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
This musical adventure follows the Darling children, Wendy, John, and little Michael as they embark on a voyage to Neverland with Peter Pan. Here they encounter a host of surprises from fantastical fairies and a carnivorous crocodile to a pack of pugnacious pirates led by the infamous Captain Hook.
The blurb for the show says: “Watch as Wendy and her brothers navigate the skies, flying over oceans to the enchanting world of eternal youth. Indulge in nostalgia as you join Peter Pan and his band of mischievous Lost Boys on a journey that will whisk you away and remind you of what it is to be a child again.
“This swashbuckling production promises to be packed with captivating costumes, spectacular songs, creative choreography, and fantastic flying sequences. Peter Pan The Musical will be an unforgettable theatrical extravaganza making it an unmissable family treat this festive season.”
From December 5 until December 31.
8. Jack & the Beanstalk, The Artrix, Bromsgrove
Solihull’s annual pantomime has had to be moved from The Core Theatre in Solihull town centre due to structural issues at the building.
It has been moved to The Artrix in Bromsgrove.
The blurb for the show says: “Fee, fi, fo, fum - guess what, folks, you’re in for some fun.
“Dame Trott and her family have been selling ice cream at the annual fair for as long as anyone can remember. But when the ginormous giant puts the rent up, the family are forced to sell their beloved cow Pat for just a handful of beans…
“Can Jack get his head out of the clouds for long enough to save the day? Will this huge adventure take them to new heights? Can Dame Trott stop life at the funfair from being so unfair?
“The award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment are back with the biggest panto of them all, full of marvellous mooo-sic, cow-ntless costumes and an udderly ridiculous Dame, plus giant sized jokes.”
From December 15 until January 7.
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