Birmingham Theatres
Looking for a great night out? With world-class Birmingham theatres on Rotunda’s doorstep, here’s our pick of the best shows in 2023
Whether it’s having a good laugh at comedy fringe or watching the awe-inspiring talents of the world famous Birmingham Royal Ballet, we’re proud to be so well placed in a city with the likes of the Alex Theatre, the Hippodrome, the Rep and venues that truly embrace culture in all its forms.
Birmingham’s theatre scene and even one of the finest concert halls on the globe are all within easy walking distance of our chic apartments, each one promising an impressive programme of touring companies, famous faces and new talent.
THE HIPPODROME
The Grande Dame of Birmingham’s theatre scene, originally opening as the Tower of Varieties and Circus in 1899. Today, it welcomes UK premieres, West End Musicals and top comedy acts as well as being home to the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet.
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Welsh National Opera: The Magic Flute, May 3-5: The enchanting fairy tale gets a modern twist with vibrant sets and costumes accompanied by Mozart’s sublime music.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals 2023, May 13-14: An all-star line-up feature in this sequinned spectacular.
Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders, May 23-27: The stunning production created by Stephen Knight and Rambert’s Creative Director Benoit Swan Pouffer.
Disney’s The Lion King, July 6- September 16: Join Simba on his epic journey through the majestic Serengeti as he fulfils his destiny as King.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, October 10-14: A record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out tours and even an award-winning film … one not to miss.
THE BIRMINGHAM REP
Founded more than a century ago by Sir Barry Jackson, The Rep has made a name for itself for its pioneering productions. Standing proud over Centenary Square, there’s three stages (The House, The Door and The Studio) where artistic talent is nurtured through new writing, directing and casting programmes.
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Dragons & Mythical Beasts, May 31-June 2: Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical Olivier Award Nominated show for all the family.
Sinatra The Musical, September 23-October 28: The first show of its kind to explore Frank’s life and his enduring legacy.
THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE
Birmingham’s beloved Alex was built in 1901 and has since become home to first class entertainment. In 2018, the venue underwent an extensive refurbishment and reverted to its original name, The Alexandra. It’s renowned for staging first-rate musicals, drama and comedy.
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Heathers The Musical, May 16-20: The black comedy rock musical embarks on a new national tour following two smash hit West End seasons.
9 to 5 The Musical, June 13-17: The 1970s story of friendship and revenge is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.
Dirty Dancing Live, July 18-22: Returning to the city following a season at London’s Dominion Theatre. Expect heart-pounding music and some sensational dancing.
Pretty Woman The Musical, October 17-28: Make a date to see Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage, when this smash-hit musical visits Birmingham this autumn.
SYMPHONY HALL
Located in Birmingham’s Centenary Square as part of the ICC complex, it’s widely considered to be one of the finest concert halls in the world. Home to resident orchestra. The CBSO, its classical programme is complemented by rock, pop, folk, country and jazz music, and stand-up comedy. The renowned acoustics have attracted virtually every established musical figure on the world stage.
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Daniel O’Donnell, May 11: With a career spanning three decades and more than 15 million album sales, Donegal’s most famous son performs his favourite big band music.
The Music of Lord of The Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond, May 19: Experience epic and inspirational music brought to life by a full symphony orchestra and stunning choir.
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams, June 17: The London Concert Orchestra perform the best scores celebrating the two greatest film composers of all time in one fabulous programme.
Alfie Boe, October 14: Expect a powerhouse performance from one of the UK’s finest and most highly-acclaimed tenors.
THE CRESCENT
One of Birmingham’s oldest theatre companies, operating from a purpose built venue in Sheepcote Street, Brindleyplace. Run mostly by volunteers, it stages more than 15 productions a year in its 300-seat main house and 100-seat studio.
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Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine, April 29-May 6: An imaginative, playful musical celebrating the late Sondheim’s remarkable impact on musical theatre.
National Theatre Live: Othello, May 12: An extraordinary new production of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy, filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre.
Dinosaur Adventure Live, May 29: Journey to the Jurassic world and feel the excitement of meeting a T-Rex and hearing it roar.
Sister Act, July 14-16: The feel-good smash hit filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story. It’s a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship.
Lord of the Flies, July 20-22: Based on William Golding’s 1954 novel, with a mixed-gender cast using elements of physical theatre and drum and bass music.
THE OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE
Built in 1862 in the heart of Birmingham city centre, it was originally designed as a library for the St Philip’s church across the road. Today, the Grade II listed building is a stunning pub with its own modern theatre. This 80-seat black box studio boasts a mix of in-house productions, co-productions and visiting companies. If you love fringe theatre you will love the experience at the Old Joint Stock Theatre.
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Big Deal Comedy, May 11, June 15 and July 6: The regular comedy night brings together the best new and experienced comics on the circuit.
Kwame Asante: In Stitches, May 19: Fresh from his solo show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the A&E doctor and award-winning stand-up shares life inside and outside hospital.
THE OLD REP
Dedicated to training and nurturing emerging artists, the Old Rep, Station Street (a short walk from Staying Cool) presents a year-round programme of theatre, dance, comedy, musicals and creative workshops. As Britain’s first purpose-built repertory theatre, it opened in 1913 as the original home of the Birmingham Repertory Company led by Sir Barry Jackson.
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The Scummy Mummies Greatest Hits Tour, May 26: Ellie and Helen bring their most-loved songs, sketches and stand-up – all guaranteed to make you feel normal about your parenting skills.
G4 Live, June 9: The UK’s leading vocal quartet present a masterfully programmed set that includes classic hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, My Way and Nessun Dorma.
THE MAC
First opened in 1962 in Birmingham’s popular Cannon Hill Park, this pioneering arts complex has a mission to make art an important part of people’s lives. It welcomes more than a million visits every year with a busy programme of theatre, independent cinema, visual arts exhibitions and special events
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Grayson’s Art Club: The Exhibition, daily until June 25: More than 100 artworks selected by Sir Grayson Perry, including contributing celebrities Joe Lycett, Bill Bailey, Jo Brand and Dame Prue Leith.
Karl Blossfeldt – Art Forms in Nature, July 8-August 20: A Hayward Touring exhibition presents an opportunity to witness Blossfedt’s signature close-up images of plants and flora.