Stomp hits the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome

Get your brooms and dustbins lids at the ready, as Stomp is hitting the Birmingham stage.

A half-term treat is in store for theatre visitors to Birmingham with a production of the musical Stomp.

The performance has become a global phenomenon and will run from today until Saturday, February 18.

Birmingham Hippodrome spokeswoman Mandy Rose said: "Stomp, the British theatrical sensation that has become a truly global phenomenon, is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome.

"With brand new routines, new choreography and new music Stomp is now fresher, faster and funnier than ever.

"If you have never experienced Stomp then this is your chance to see why this breathtaking show thrills audiences around the world.

"With its unique combination of theatre, dance, comedy and percussion, eight performers use boots, bins, brooms and everything including the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosively feel-good rhythm."

The show has won rave reviews from critics across the world with the Sunday Telegraph describing it as "Pure stage magic, you'll be dancing in your seats" and The Independent calling it "Exhilarating, entrancing, terrific".

The Boston Herald has also raved about the show and said: "If you haven't seen Stomp, go! If you have seen it, take someone who hasn't and share the pleasure".

Stomp has been running for eight years in London and is a multi-award-winning show that combines the universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance.

Eight performers use everything from Zippo lighters, plastic bags and bin lids to the kitchen sink to hammer out an explosive feel good rhythm.

A spokesman for Stomp said the production had proved popular because it was a movement of bodies, objects, sounds and even abstract ideas.

The spokesman said: "There's no speech, no dialogue, not even a plot. Stomp makes music from the mundane. This unique, award-winning show, which has thrilled audiences all over the world, combines elements of theatre, dance, comedy and percussion to turn the clutter of urban life into the source of infectious rhythm and wonder."

For Stomp tickets visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Meanwhile, a production of Parade will run at at Wolverhampton's Arena Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday.

Venue spokeswoman Jess Veltman said: "Impulse Productions will present this Tony Award-winning musical. It is the tragic true story of Jewish factory worker Leo Frank, who is accused of murdering a young girl, and the trial he is put under by the people of Atlanta."

Parade was first produced on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in 1998 and starred Brent Carver as Leo Frank and Carolee Carmello as Lucille Frank. The musical was brought to London in 2008 and won a series of nominations for Laurence Olivier Awards, featuring in seven categories but failing to win the top prize.

Tickets for Parade are available at www.arena.wlv.ac.uk.

Andy Richardson