Express & Star

Birmingham Hippodrome bring flower power to city for Beatles-inspired show - in pictures

Inspired by The Beatles’ ground-breaking 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Mark Morris Dance Group’s Pepperland arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome this month.

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Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography

In anticipation of the production’s arrival, this week an authentic 1960’s Volkswagen Campervan arrived outside the landmark Birmingham Council House in the city centre.

Passers-by were also treated to a dose of flower power as Lonely Hearts Club Band members handed out bunches of flowers to spread to love.

Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography
Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography

Those that spotted the branded vehicle during its visit to the city are encouraged to tweet their photos of the campervan using the hashtag #PepperlandVan for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the critically acclaimed production.

Presented by co-commissioner Dance Consortium, Pepperland is choreographer Mark Morris’ unique tribute to the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic LP.

Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography

Hailed as the first-ever ‘art rock’ album and widely regarded as the best rock and roll album of all time, it spent 27 weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart and 15 weeks at number one in the USA.

It won four Grammy Awards in 1968, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive the honour.

Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography

Pepperland features an original score by composer Ethan Iverson, inspired by some of the album’s most enduring hits, including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, With a Little Help From My Friends, A Day in the Life, When I’m Sixty-Four, Within You Without You and Penny Lane.

Launch pictures of Pepperland in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography

Pepperland comes to Birmingham Hippodrome from March 26 to 27.

To book tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000.