Birmingham Hippodrome has announced the director and cast for the highly anticipated new musical, The Jingleclaw, which is set to entertain young audiences this festive season.

Written by Robyn Grant and Tim Gilvin, The Jingleclaw tells the story of Astrid, a young girl with a big heart and even bigger ideas. In a cosy village nestled in the snowy mountains, the Shnootnoot Winter Festival is fast approaching. Astrid is busy practising to play with her school band. Everyone wants her to keep in time, but Astrid just wants to march to the beat of her own drum. Meanwhile, deep in the Winterwood, The Jingleclaw awakes, a mischievous monster who can’t STAND festive cheer and music.

Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to have appointed talented director Anthony Lau to direct The Jingleclaw, which is the first in a series of musicals for children produced by Birmingham Hippodrome – through the UK’s first in-house new musical theatre department - under their My First Musical banner.

The cast is a stellar lineup of talented performers who are set to bring the The Jingleclaw to life.

Alexia McIntosh will portray Jingleclaw, the endearing and mischievous creature at the heart of the story. Olivier nominated and What’s On Stage winner, Alexia is back at Birmingham Hippodrome representing her West Midlands roots after a fantastic 4 year West End run playing and originating the role of ‘Cleves in the worldwide smash hit SIX the Musical. 

Isabella Gervais will take on the role of little Astrid, bringing their exceptional vocal talents and charismatic stage presence to this fun character. All the way from North Carolina, Isabella previously trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Musical Theatre and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts high school division for Opera.

Mpilo May will play Dad, whose love and support for Astrid are unwavering. Their theatre credits include Soldier On (Sheffield City Hall), Shakespeare in Love (Fugard Theatre), West Side Story (Artscape Theatre/Fugard Theatre) and more.

Miiya Alexandra joins the cast as Jacob, Astrid's loyal friend. Miiya trained at Arts Educational Schools London and The Royal College of Music. Theatre credits include Ensemble/Understudied and played Anna Leonowens and Lady Thiang in The King and I (London Palladium Theatre, UK/International tour) and more.

Alex Cardall will portray Hans. Alex is an actor and drummer originally from Solihull in the West Midlands. Most recently they played the role of Nicholas Beckett in the UK Tour of Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw. Training: Arts Ed & National Youth Music Theatre. Alex won the Stephen Sondheim Society Performer of the Year award in 2018.

Sue Appleby will bring the delightful character of Mrs. Whimsy to life. Sue trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama and The University of Birmingham.

The Jingleclaw will run in Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome from 12 December to 4 January 2025 and promises to be a raucously fun experience for the whole family. Tickets can be booked at birminghamhippodrome.com