New Birmingham Hippodrome shows for 2012

Birmingham Hippodrome is looking ahead to one of its busiest 12 months ever with the announcement of a host of productions now on sale, a multitude of world-class musicals, the very best in full-scale opera and ballet, plus big star names and top comedy favourites.

New productions on sale include the Birmingham debut of Cape Town Opera with the Gershwin's acclaimed Porgy and Bess, in the 75th anniversary of the composer's death; the hilarious West End production of Sister Act co-produced by Whoopi Goldberg; the return of one of Ireland's best stand-ups Dara O Briain, the hilarious comedian Kevin Bridges who makes his first visit to the Hippodrome, the much loved musical Blood Brothers; and the new 2012/13 pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates!

Further 2012 highlights include a final date for Calendar Girls (which has played to audiences of nearly 40,000 people in Birmingham since January 2010); the 20th anniversary tour of Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!; Cameron Mackintosh's outstanding new production of the Lionel Bart classic, Oliver! with Neil Morrissey and Brian Conley sharing the starring role of Fagin.

There will also be a breath-taking half-term family treat with the cast of Stomp; the brand new musical I Dreamed a Dream featuring a special live performance by Susan Boyle; the world premiere of Faster, Higher, Stronger a brand new one-act ballet by Birmingham Royal Ballet's Artistic Director David Bintley; and not forgetting a sizzling summer of Dirty Dancing, described by The Observer as "the biggest live theatre sensation of all time".

The biennial International Dance Festival Birmingham, founded in 2008 and co-produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and DanceXchange, brings a spectacular range of international dance companies and performers to venues and outdoor sites across the region.

Hippodrome performances include Royal Ballet Flanders with William Forsythe's Artifact; the Birmingham debut of Danza Contemporanea de Cuba; ballet superstar Sylvia Guillem; and the return of the critically-acclaimed Breakin' Convention hip hop show.

Full festival listings can be found at www.idfb.co.uk including performances at Town Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, mac, the Crescent Theatre and outdoor city spaces.

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive, said: "It's definitely full steam ahead here at Birmingham Hippodrome as we look forward to a packed 2012. Whilst presenting a whole range of main stage performances plus a world premiere by Birmingham Royal Ballet, we are also very excited once again to welcome International Dance Festival Birmingham, in partnership with DanceXchange. Our third Festival will officially open with the first ever visit by Royal Ballet Flanders.

"In 2012 we'll also be very focussed on our Stage Appeal. We need to raise over £1 million towards the cost of replacing our 30 year-old stage, now requiring urgent repair. We're offering a huge thanks to all those who have donated so far, as we've nearly reached the halfway point with support from individual patrons, from grant-making charitable trusts and from generous corporate friends. If all theatre-goers contribute a little extra when enjoying shows here in 2012, we can all ensure together that the Hippodrome stage is rejuvenated for future audiences to enjoy the best shows in the world."

For more details got to www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call the box office on 0844 338 5000. Call charges vary from 5p per minute and there is a 5% transaction charge on all ticket purchases.

New show details:

DARA O BRIAIN – Craic Dealer – Live 2012

Friday 27 & Saturday 28 April - Perf time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £21

After enjoying two acclaimed sell-out visits to Birmingham Hippodrome, DARA O BRIAIN returns to the theatre for just two nights only. One of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers in Britain today, in addition to his publishing success, Dara is one of the most recognisable faces of British TV, hosting 'Mock The Week', 'The Apprentice – You're Fired', 'Stargazing Live' and co-starring in 'Three Men in a Boat'.

SYLVIE GUILLEM and RUSSELL MALIPHANT

PUSH: Push/Solo/Shift/Two - Part of International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012 - Friday 11 & Saturday 12 May

Tickets: £18.50 - £38.50 - Perf times: 7.30pm

Birmingham Hippodrome is especially delighted to announce that following the sell-out success of her two London seasons, the legendary Sylvie Guillem, joined onstage by Russell Maliphant, will perform at the theatre for the very first time. Widely regarded as the world's greatest ballerina, Sylvie Guillem performs with Russell Maliphant who has developed a unique approach to choreography, encompassing his vast experience of ballet and contemporary dance as well as capoeira, t'ai chi and yoga.

The mixed programme features Push, a duet combining the abilities of this extraordinary partnership, set to an original score by Andy Cowton; Solo, performed by Guillem to the music of Carlos Montoya; Shift, Maliphant's signature solo; and the powerful and driving solo, Two performed by Guillem. This is a rare opportunity to see these great dance performers in Birmingham for the first time as part of International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012.

CAPE TOWN OPERA

THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS

Wednesday 6 - Saturday 9 June

Perf time: Eves 7.30pm; Sat mat 2pm - Tickets: £15 - £60

In 2009, the internationally renowned Cape Town Opera's first UK performances of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess were met with universal public and critical acclaim. Known globally for its exceptionally gifted young singers, this esteemed company now visits Birmingham Hippodrome for the first time. Relocated to the depression-ravaged townships of Soweto, Cape Town Opera have made this production of Porgy and Bess their very own.

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess has emerged as one of the great icons of American music theatre, known around the world as the people's opera. Written in 1935 by George and Ira Gershwin with Edwin DuBose Heyward, and originally portraying the 1920's life of America's deep south, this compelling work contains some of the most stirring and ever-lasting songs including Summertime, I Got Plenty Of Nuttin, It Ain't Necessarily So, and I Loves You Porgy.

This tour of Porgy and Bess takes place in the 75th anniversary year of George Gershwin's death, which occurred at the tragically early age of just 38.

SISTER ACT - A Divine Musical Comedy

Tuesday 9 – Saturday 20 October

Perf times: Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm; Wed mats 2pm; Sat mats 2.30pm - Tickets: £19.50-£42.50

Produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment (Hairspray, Chicago, Wicked) the smash hit musical Sister Act comes to Birmingham for two weeks only. Based on the movie of the same name, this fabulous, family-friendly, feel-good show is packed with songs inspired by Motown, funk, soul and disco and has been enjoyed by over one million people in the West End!

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun she quickly makes the wrong impression on the strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the choir into the most glorious musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her newfound friends and the gang that's chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Monday 22 October – Saturday 3 November

Perf times: Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm; Wed mats 2pm; Sat mats 2.30pm - Tickets: £16 - £36

Willy Russell's legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins, separated at birth, who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

Blood Brothers has become a regular visitor to the theatre with sell-out performances and standing ovations. Featuring a superb score including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It's Not True, Blood Brothers recently celebrated its 23rd phenomenal year in London.

KEVIN BRIDGES - The Story Continues

Sunday 11 November 8pm - Tickets: £21

Kevin Bridges returns to the road in the Autumn of 2012 with a brand new show called the 'The Story Continues' which follows up the huge success of his sell-out UK & Ireland tour of 2010.

Having made his debut on BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow in 2009 he has now gone onto host the Bafta nominated Live At The Apollo and Channel 4's Stand-Up For The Week. His new six-part BBC 1 series - Kevin Bridges What's The Story will be transmitted in February, 2012.

PANTOMIME: ROBINSON CRUSOE AND THE CARRIBEAN PIRATES

Saturday 15 December 2012 – Sunday 27 January 2013 - Prices & Times vary – enquire when booking

Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to announce that the 2012/13 pantomime will be the sea-faring tale, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates. Brought to the theatre once again by Qdos Pantomimes it promises to be a swashbuckling, magical adventure for all the family. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on 8 December 2011 and casting will be announced in early 2012.

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