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Five stars for Goldilocks at Telford's ICC
Posted on Fri 20 Dec
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Start them young!
Posted on Fri 20 Dec
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The Cuban Touch
Posted on Wed 18 Dec
There’s never a dull month when it comes to theatre in the Midlands. Check out our selection of shows coming to venues across the region during the next few weeks...
DICK WHITTINGTON
Join the theatre for a whirlwind, globe-trotting adventure, that will see Dick, and his ever trusty cat, battling the evil plans of rotten rotter the Royal Rat. Can he vanquish the varmint and become Lord Mayor of a medium sized town in the Midlands? Possibly.
But one thing’s for sure, with the help of beautiful brainbox Alice Fitzwarren, legendary ship’s cook Dame Fanny Haddock and all their fabulous friends, Dick is definitely in good hands.
Walsall Arena, until Sunday 22 December
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Devised by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in collaboration with Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez, The Book Of Mormon follows the fortunes of a mismatched pair of Mormon boys. The two young men find themselves entrusted with the not-inconsiderable task of preaching the faith to the people of a remote Ugandan village - a place where war, famine, poverty, female genital mutilation, child molestation and HIV/Aids are of far more concern than religion...
Featuring songs Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, I Am Africa, Baptize Me, All American Prophet and Tomorrow Is A Latter Day, the show has proved a massive hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
“It’s specifically a Mormon thing that when you’re 18 you get paired with someone who’s your sudden ‘best friend’ and sent somewhere crazy in the world,” Trey explains. “So this show is really two kids coming out of high school, basically going out into the world and thinking they’ve kind of got it and they know it all. And then getting their asses handed to them. And I think everyone around the world can relate to that a little bit.”
The Alexandra, Birmingham, until Saturday 28 December
FINDING SANTA
An interactive production for young audiences performed by the highly acclaimed Little Angel Theatre, Finding Santa presents a heartwarming Choose Your Own Adventure story that answers the age-old question of how letters get to Father Christmas at the North Pole - and what happens when things don’t go quite according to plan!
Midlands Arts Centre (mac), Birmingham, until Sunday 29 December
THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
Another Tall Stories adaptation of a picture book by award-winning collaborators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Smeds And The Smoos tells the intergalactic tale of a young Smed and a young Smoo who fall hopelessly in love. Problem is... the red-coloured Smeds and the blue-coloured Smoos never mix, causing Romeo & Juliet-style complications for the star-crossed lovers... Created for children aged three-plus, this theatrical presentation of Donaldson & Scheffler’s delightful space romance comes complete with a powerful but gently conveyed message about difference and tolerance.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sunday 29 December
FATHER CHRISTMAS
Raymond Briggs is best known for his story about a little boy who makes friends with a snowman - but talented theatre company Pins And Needles (in collaboration with Lyric Hammersmith Theatre) are this month promoting one of the author’s other, equally charming festive tales...
Suitable for children younger than six years of age, Father Christmas features songs, live music, playful puppetry, secret doors, hidden hatches and plenty of trademark Briggs humour. Expect your youngsters to be suitably impressed.
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sunday 29 December
DICK WHITTINGTON
Elite Pantomimes present a brand new staging of the festive family favourite. Join Dick and his faithful Cat as they seek fame and fortune in London town while trying to defeat the evil King Rat and his gang of revolting rodents. A pur-fect rags to riches story, Dick Whittington features an hilarious script, spectacular scenery and colourful costumes - as well as music, fun and a sprinkle of panto magic.
Artrix, Bromsgrove, until Sunday 29 December
THE WIZARD OF OZ
This classic story from the pen of L Frank Baum has been delighting children for over a century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy Gale and her unexpected trip over the rainbow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she meets a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion, heads off on a journey along the yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West...
If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a wonderful wizard...
The BOA Group is the company behind the show. The Wizard Of Oz is their ninth Christmas production at the Old Rep Theatre.
The Wizard Of Oz, The Old Rep, Birmingham, until Tuesday 31 December
ROBIN HOOD
Sherwood Forest’s merry men will be making sure the Sheriff of Nottingham has a crushingly calamitous Christmas at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall this month.
Presented by TaleGate Theatre, the show is being publicised as ‘a traditional pantomime including songs, slapstick and silliness - plus the most dangerous archery competition you ever did see!’
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, until Tuesday 31 December
DICK WHITTINGTON
The story of a young man who heads for London in search of fame and fortune is one of the most popular of all pantomimes, not least because of the top adventures in which the happy-go-lucky Dick finds himself involved.
This Belgrade Theatre version of the terrific tale, coming complete with ‘breathtaking sets, lavish costumes’ and a typically fun-filled script by Iain Lauchlan, is the fastest-selling panto in the venue’s history, so best bag yourself a seat or several as soon as possible.
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Saturday 4 January
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY
Mark Gatiss’ retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes complete with ‘spinetingling’ special effects, a raft of positive reviews - and comedian Rufus Hound.
“The role they offered me in the show - Jacob Marley - was the role Mark himself had played when it was first staged,” says Rufus. “So the idea of being in something written by Mark Gatiss, playing a part which Mark had ostensibly written for himself, was too good an opportunity to miss.”
Rufus is joined in the show by Matthew Cottle as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Rep, Birmingham, until Sunday 5 January
CHRISTMAS PRESENT & CORRECT
The much-loved New Old Friends make a welcome return with a brand-new Christmas farce - not to mention a solemn promise that all their usual motifs (witty wordplay, theatrical set-pieces and small-cast, multiple-role mayhem) will be present and correct.
Lichfield Garrick until Sunday 5 January
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
When a young woman is captured by a hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in his mysterious palace.
The Beast, too, is trapped - seemingly forever - inside the grotesquery of his physical appearance, the consequence of a spell cast upon him by an evil witch. Only Beauty’s ability to look beyond his ugliness and see the person within can save him...
So that’s the storyline - but what about the panto element? Well, there’s plenty of that in evidence in this fun family production, which brings together Gladiator’s Giant with Six star Jarnéia Richard-Noel and panto favourites Tam Ryan and Ian Adams.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, until Sunday 5 January
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Forced to sell his lovely pet cow for some worthless beans, join Jack as he battles to outwit the great big giant, land riches beyond his wildest dreams and win the hand of his true love.
Get ready for great jokes, bad jokes, terrible jokes and lots of laughs, music, dancing and magic beans (maybe they aren’t worthless after all!).
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, until Sunday 5 January
ALADDIN
A perfect story for an evening of family entertainment finds street youth Aladdin trying against all odds to win the hand of the beautiful princess - and being helped in his endeavours by the mystical genie of the lamp. Flying carpets at the ready, everyone...
Swan Theatre, Worcester, until Sunday 5 January
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
In common with Theatre Severn’s pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty (see elsewhere on this page), the Garrick’s Jack And The Beanstalk has been written by Paul Hendy and is produced by Evolution.
And also in common with Theatre Severn, the Garrick has a ‘Dame of longstanding’ taking centre-stage in its show... Sam Rabone has spent many a festive season in a nice frock or several at the venue, and this year returns to star as Dame Trott.
Ben Thornton is back too, with the cast also including Gill Jordan - better known as ‘lazy cow’ Doreen Tipton - who will be taking on the role of Fairy Sugarsnap.
Lichfield Garrick, until Sunday 12 January
THE SNOWFLAKE
Birmingham Rep here teams up with Polka Theatre and Little Angel Theatre for a stage adaptation of Benji Davies’ enchanting and timeless wintertime tale. Presented in the venue’s Door studio, the show tells the story of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie - all longing for their own special place in the world...
The Rep, Birmingham, until Sunday 12 January
SLEEPING BEAUTY
If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the Theatre Severn panto experience, you’ll be delighted to know that this year’s offering is following the usual recipe for success.
What does that mean in practice? Well, to put some meat on the bone, it means Telford-born Paul Hendy is writing it, Evolution is producing it, and Brad Fitt is starring in it...
Actually, Brad’s taking the directorial reins as well, and not for the first time either, having helmed the Theatre Severn pantomime both last year and in 2022.
“There are pantos out there that go a bit near the knuckle - but I don’t think ours does, really,” says Brad. “I would never tell a joke that was offensive or rude. Sometimes you can use a double entendre - but then that’s in your mind, that’s not me. You have to blame yourself!”
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, until Sunday 12 January
THE RED SHOES
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale about a pair of enchanted shoes that take their wearer to places she doesn’t want to go, The Red Shoes has here been adapted by Nancy Harris and brought into the 21st century.
The production is helmed by Kimberley Rampersad, making her Royal Shakespeare Company debut, and carries an age recommendation of seven-plus, with parental discretion advised for children younger than 12.
Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sunday 19 January
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
There’s plenty of swashbuckling fun to be had at the New Vic Theatre this festive season, courtesy of an imaginative stage version of Alexandre Dumas’ classic adventure novel The Three Musketeers.
The story has been adapted by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, who reveals that the show was chosen after the theatre had engaged with prospective audience members: “Christmas is a time of year when our local families and schools look forward to the treat of a theatre outing together, and so we asked them what they would like to see this year. The answer came back loud and clear. Theatre-in-the-round loves action, so their choice of an all-action adventure is perfect for the New Vic’s unique space.”
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, until Saturday 25 January
SANTA'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER
A family show that’s particularly suitable for children between the ages of two and seven, Santa’s Christmas Cracker features the adventures of Dotty the Elf and Pompom the Penguin, much-loved festive songs including Jingle Bells, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Twelve Days Of Christmas, and the chance for youngsters to say a big hello to the man himself.
Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 December; Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Tuesday 10 December; Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Friday 13 December
DEAR SANTA LIVE
Presented with the intention of giving children aged two to seven both a fun introduction to theatre and a memorable yuletide treat, Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Christmas’ backfiring attempts to sort out the most fantastic of festive gifts for a girl named Sarah. With the assistance of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on the perfect prezzie...
Stourbridge Town Hall, Sunday 8 December; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 21 December; Dudley Town Hall, Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 December
THE OWL WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS
With toe-tapping songs and captivating puppetry to recommend it - not to mention plenty of audience participation - this heartwarming yuletide yarn focuses on a family’s festive-season attempts to help a little owl find her way back home to the forest. The show is followed by a meet & greet with the cast.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wednesday 11 - Tuesday 24 December
DICK WHITTINGTON
Stoke-on-Trent favourite Jonathan Wilkes, who this year will celebrate 20 years since his first Regent Theatre panto, will lead the cast as Dick Whittington! Jonny will be reunited with Christian Patterson who will make a triumphant return to play Sarah the Cook and Kai Owen who will star as King Rat.
Join hero Dick Whittington (and his trusty cat!) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Can he outwit the evil rodent King Rat and free the city from his team of revolting rodents? Will true love prevail? Find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure!
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Friday 13 December - Sunday 5 January
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Making his panto debut as the handsome Prince is X-Factor winner and I'm A Celebrity Star, Myles Stephenson, joined by Bad Girls star Nicole Faraday as the wickedly wonderful Carabosse.
Back by popular demand is impressionist extraordinaire and Redditch favourite, Andrew Fleming, alongside Redditch's favourite tap-dancing Panto Dame Simon Howe for hilarity and mischief galore. And last, but by no means least, Redditch local Abbie Chambers appears in her panto debut as Sleeping Beauty!
Palace Theatre, Redditch, Monday 9 December - Sunday 5 January
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Of all Charles Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the eerie visions of redemption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of his long-deceased partner Jacob Marley and three seasonal ghosts - all combine to give the tale a real olde worlde charm...
This Crime And Comedy Theatre Company version of the story is being presented as a live-on-stage radio play and stars one-time Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves and former Doctor Who Colin Baker (pictured).
And speaking of ex-Doctors, Tom Baker makes a ‘specially recorded appearance’ as Jacob Marley.
Stourbridge Town Hall, Tuesday 10 December; Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Thursday 12 December
THE FATHER CHRISTMAS SHOW
Songs, magic and festive cheer are here thoughtfully combined in a show that sees Father Christmas deciding to give his beloved wife a well-earned rest. But with a to-do list as long as his arm, the big fella and his elves need some extra help in preparing for Christmas - which is where the younger members of the audience may well come in handy...
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wednesday 11 - Sunday 15 December
THE JINGLECLAW
Set in a cosy village in the snowy mountains, Birmingham Hippodrome’s brand-new musical, The Jingleclaw, tells the story of a young musician named Astrid and the mischievous forest creature of the title.
Created with three- to seven-year-olds in mind, the show stars Birmingham’s very own Alexia McIntosh (SIX The Musical) in the title role and is directed by Anthony Lau.
“Nurturing the next generation of theatre makers and goers is so important,” says Anthony. “And it’s brilliant that Birmingham Hippodrome recognise this and see the value in investing in great work made especially for them. With The Jingleclaw, we’re setting out to make a new musical for the whole family, and we can’t wait to share the magic of that musical with them! With bats. And a power ballad. And a naughty, cuddly monster who can’t stand festive cheer.”
Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Friday 13 December - Saturday 4 January
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK
Fairytale In New York visits the Midlands with an enviable reputation in tow.
The high-energy production (described by its publicity as ‘the ultimate feelgood Irish-inspired Christmas show’) features a cast of singers, musicians & dancers performing a selection of much-loved yuletide songs - from chart-toppers such as White Christmas to traditional carols like Silent Night.
Throw in some of ‘the greatest Irish singalong songs of all time’ and you’ve got the kind of production that should well and truly put you in the Christmas spirit.
Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunday 15 December
A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Fancy a spinetinglingly gruesome Victorian horror story or several for Christmas? If so, then be sure to get along to this festive fear-fest, to hear about the man whose Christmas Morning gift to his daughter was a knife across her throat, and the young girl who burnt herself to death looking up the chimney for Father Christmas.
The show is presented by crime historian Adam Wood.
Albany Theatre, Coventry, Sunday 15 December
THE BROTHERS GRIMM: TEH NIGHT BEFORE, THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
“Two brothers are on a quest to collect all the words in the world,” explain the Buxton-based Babbling Vagabonds in talking about their new festive-season show. “But a swirling snow storm stops them in their tracks. As they desperately try to work out how to get home in time for Christmas, the words they have gathered tumble out into magical adventures...
“So why not join us on a spellbinding journey filled with stories about mischievous goats, clever hedgehogs - and a funny little man who spins straw into gold...”
The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton upon Trent, Tuesday 17 - Tuesday 24 December
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
The much-loved fairytale, featuring a famously blond girl who’s rather particular about the temperature at which she likes her porridge, seems to have fallen out of favour with panto producers in recent times - so it’s always nice to see a version pop up during the festive season. This one, we’re reliably informed, features ‘amazing circus acts, great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and lots and lots of laughs’.
Telford International Centre, Tuesday 17 December - Thursday 2 January
CINDERELLA
With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice, and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantos.
This Prince of Wales Theatre production sees the venue teaming up with Polka Dot Pantomimes. The Peterborough-based company prides itself on producing festive shows bursting at the seams with ‘high-energy dance routines, toe-tapping tunes, glittering costumes, spectacular scenery, astounding special effects and a great big dollop of audience participation’.
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Saturday 21 - Saturday 28 December
PETER PAN
A trip to Neverland is on the cards for Hippodrome audiences this Christmas, with the nowadays-near-legendary Matt Slack all set to shiver the timbers as salty seadog Smee, in what will be his 11th consecutive panto at the venue.
And, as usual, the show’s humour will be aimed at both children and adults.
“You’ve got to know where to draw the line and when to push the boundaries,” explains Matt. “We are aimed towards a family audience, but we also want to entertain the adults. It’s all about double entendre and disguising it - as long as it goes over the kids’ heads and the adults are laughing, job done!”
Birmingham’s very own Alison Hammond will be joining Matt for the second year running, playing the Magical Mermaid. Danny Mac also stars.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Saturday 21 December - Sunday 2 February
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Everybody’s favourite tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, dropping in on Sophie and her mum just as they’re settling down for an afternoon cuppa...
Adapted by David Wood from the late Judith Kerr’s 1968 book of the same name, this 55-minute show features singalong songs and plenty of magic - not to mention a big, stripey tiger, of course!
Birmingham Town Hall, Friday 27 December - Sunday 5 January
THE SNOWMAN
Making a welcome return to The Rep in its traditional New Year slot, Raymond Briggs' The Snowman is best known, of course, for Howard Blake's classic song Walking In The Air.
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a nighttime quest for excitement. On their travels, they meet reindeer, dancing penguins and some of the Snowman’s many and varied friends.
The adventure's not without its anxieties, however, with the evil Jack Frost eager to get his icy mits on the pair of unlikely chums...
The Rep, Birmingham, Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 January
DRACULA
Bram Stoker’s Dracula is best known from its many and varied cinematic incarnations - but as theatrical productions like The Woman In Black have ably illustrated, a spinetingling story of horror can work just as well on the stage as on the screen...
Cue, the critically acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre’s brand-new adaptation, a production which imaginatively blends Victorian Gothic with the contemporary...
The company has deemed the show suitable for audience members aged 11 upwards.
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 January; Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 April; Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Friday 18 & Saturday 19 April
BLOOD BROTHERS
Although it’s effectively a class-driven ‘scouse melodrama’, to describe Blood Brothers as such is to greatly underestimate the emotional response it produces within its audience.
The show features adult actors playing children, a narrator who wanders through the scenes with warnings of impending doom, a good helping of sharp social awareness to counteract the sticky sentimentality, and a raft of much-loved musical numbers, including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True. Vivienne Carlyle takes the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 January
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)
A unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, Pride And Prejudice*(*sort of) has proved a winner with critics and audiences alike. Indeed, celebrity fan Stephen Fry has described it as an evening of “hilarity, romance, madness and utter theatrical joy”. Alongside the raucously irreverent but admirably affectionate retelling of Austen’s rollercoaster romance, the 2022 Olivier Award winner also boasts a host of pop classics, including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain.
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Malvern Festival Theatre, Tuesday 21 - Sat 25 January; The Rep, Birmingham, Monday 3 - Saturday 8 February; Lichfield Garrick, Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 May
BIRDSONG
Sebastian Faulks’ epic and bestselling novel is set both before and during the Great War. It follows the fortunes of the young Stephen Wraysford as he embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire...
This stage version was written by Rachel Wagstaff, who claims she got the nod from Faulks to adapt his novel after she impressed him by knowing the most recent result of his beloved football club, West Ham United.
The Rep, Birmingham, Monday 27 January - Saturday 1 February
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Following a sell-out tour of the best-selling crime novel of all time, And Then There Were None, Fiery Angel Productions and Lucy Bailey (Director of West End Witness For The Prosecution) will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of another Agatha Christie classic to the stage in 2024.
Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops The Orient Express dead in its tracks. One murderer. A train full of suspects. An impossible case. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on-board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
Murder on The Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 28 January - Saturday 1 February
THE SHARK IS BROKEN
Jaws - Steven Spielberg’s breakthrough big-screen offering - opened in cinemas a half century ago this year and caused a major splash.
Based on the same-named bestselling novel by Peter Benchley and starring theatre veteran Robert Shaw alongside two young Hollywood hotshots, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider, the film told the story of a summer resort town being terrorised by a great white shark.
Jaws may have become an immediate classic, but the cast and crew were certainly swimming in choppy waters during the making of the movie... This Olivier Award-nominated play is set in 1974 and takes a look behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s best loved and most famous blockbusters. Robert Shaw’s son, Ian, stars as his own dad in a show that’s described by its publicity as 95 minutes of ‘short tempers and short circuits, with no intermission’.
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 28 January - Saturday 1 February; The Rep, Birmingham, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 May
QUEENZ: DRAG ME TO THE DISCO
Loved and adored by celebrities including Gary Barlow and Dawn French, Queenz is described as ‘a trailblazing, life-affirming drag extravaganza that’s currently taking the UK by storm’.
This latest show sees a selection of dazzling divas performing the biggest disco hits of all time - and if their previous production is anything to go by, there won’t be a lip-sync in sight!
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Friday 31 January; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thusday 13 March
HAIRSPRAY
Theatre-goers looking for a memorable night of singalong fun should definitely catch this high-energy bubblegum musical when it stops off in the region this month.
A show which has retained its popularity despite doing the rounds for many a year now, Hairspray is set in 1960s Baltimore and follows the trials and tribulations of the lovable Tracy Turnblad, a young girl whose dreams of dancing on national TV lead her somewhat unexpectedly to fighting a battle against racial segregation.
Boasting hit numbers including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore, this latest touring version of the show features former Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton as Velma von Tussle and is directed by Hairspray veteran Brenda Edwards.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 3 - Saturday 8 February
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
When Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling family, his startling revelations not only shatter the foundations of their lives but also challenge them to examine their consciences...
Anybody who’s seen a production of JB Priestley’s classic 1945 play will have no trouble understanding why it’s been such a long-time worldwide hit.
Presented by the National Theatre, Stephen Daldry’s epic production has won 19 major awards and been seen by more than five million theatregoers worldwide.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 February; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 March; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 May
DAZZLING DIAMONDS
If you’ve been on the lookout for a comedy variety drag show, then your search is at an end! Bringing together ‘high-energy dance routines, spectacular live vocals, side-splitting comedy sketches and spectacular costumes’, Dazzling Diamonds features three critically acclaimed drag artists who are promising their audience an evening awash with ‘glamour, laughter and fun’.
Brierley Civic, Friday 21 February; Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Saturday 22 February; Albany Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 1 March
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
Everybody's favourite flying car makes a welcome return to the region, complete with the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score and a high-energy cast headed by Adam Garcia, Liam Fox and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne (Hippodrome casting tbc).
When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts creates an amazing flying automobile, he uses it to take his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal...
Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 4 - Sunday 9 March
LOOKING FOR ME FRIEND
Eight years after Victoria Wood’s untimely death, Paulus The Cabaret Geek is touring this well-reviewed tribute to the comedy legend. As well as providing a whistle-stop tour of some of Victoria’s best-loved songs - including, of course, the iconic Ballad Of Barry & Freda (Let’s Do It) - the show also aims to offer a beginner’s guide to the comedian’s career for anybody yet to discover her.
Black Heath Library, Sandwell, Friday 7 March
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL
Become reacquainted with loveable rogue Del Boy in this touring version of the hit West End musical. Based on John Sullivan’s classic BBC TV sitcom, the stage show is co-written by comedy legend Paul Whitehouse and John’s son, Jim. Much-loved characters Rodney, Cassandra, Grandad, Boycie and Marlene are all present and correct, as are more than 20 'hilarious' songs and a re-worked version of Chas & Dave’s iconic theme tune.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Monday 31 March - Saturday 12 April
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen makes a welcome return to the Midlands. The show focuses on title character and high-school student Evan, a young man struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder, who has a therapeutic and self-intended letter stolen by classmate Connor Murphy.
When Connor later dies by suicide, Evan inserts himself into the boy's past, a decision that leads to a series of lies and confrontational events...
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 1 - Saturday 5 April
GHOST THE MUSICAL
The ever-popular stage version of the award-winning film makes a welcome return to the Midlands. For those not in the know, the production tells the story of a ghost named Sam, who, caught between this world and the next, desperately attempts to communicate with girlfriend Molly and warn her that she’s in mortal danger from his murderer...
A timeless tale about the power of love - and beautifully blending the genres of romance and comedy - Ghost features The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody and numerous songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. The cast includes Les Dennis.
The Alexandra, Brimingham, Tuesday 1 - Saturday 5 April
THE BADDIES
Given the success of so many other stage adaptations of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular stories (see, for example, The Smartest Giant In Town elsewhere on this page), it’s a real no-brainer to mount a live version of The Baddies.
The company behind the show is Freckle Productions, who’ve got plenty of form when it comes to brilliant stage adaptations of Donaldson’s terrific tales. This one focuses on a witch, a troll and an ancient ghost who love nothing more than being very, very bad... Expect your kids to laugh out loud.
Albany Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 8 - Sunday 13 April
THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN
Fierylight & Little Angel Theatre are the creatives behind this stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story.
The title character is George, a giant who decides his scruffy days are a thing of the past and buys himself some oversized clothes. But when he encounters various animals needing his assistance - and, more particularly, his newly purchased items of clothing - George soon realises that it isn’t clothes that maketh the giant but rather a gargantuan sense of generosity and a colossal warm heart...
Birmingham Town Hall, Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 April; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 April
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE
Dinosaurs are once again roaming the Midlands this autumn, thanks to this interactive show for all the family to enjoy. Youngsters get to meet a host of impressive prehistoric creatures - including, of course, every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. A special meet & greet after the show provides the perfect opportunity to make a new dinosaur friend.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 April
CHICAGO
Featuring formation dancing, vaudeville influence and no shortage of fishnet tights, Broadway and West End hit Chicago delves into the dark and decidedly murky underbelly of the Windy City during the Jazz Age.
Kander & Ebb’s legendary musical, based on real-life events in the Roaring ’20s, centres on the character of Roxie Hart, a nightclub singer who shoots her lover. Together with her cell-block rival, double murderess Velma Kelly, Roxie battles to stay off Death Row - an endeavour in which she is ably assisted by smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn...
Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes and former Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton take the lead roles.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 14 - Saturday 19 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 23 - Saturday 28 June
& JULIET
Premiered in 2019 and featuring a string of hits by Max Martin, & Juliet tells an alternative story of Shakespeare’s famous heroine.
In sharp contrast to the original tale, this one sees Juliet realising that she can survive without Romeo - a revelation that prompts her to set off on her own journey, both in love and life.
The award-winning production, which has proved a massive hit across four continents, visits the Midlands this month with former X Factor winner Matt Cardle taking on the role of the Stratford bard himself.
“People will have assumptions because the show is about Juliet,” says Matt. “If you like Shakespeare and his plays, then great, you’ll come along. But if you have any fear that it might be Shakespearean and you’re not into that, that’s fine, because it’s not anything to do with Shakespeare. It’s spawned from one of his plays, but that’s as far as it goes. There’s a mention of it at the beginning, but the rest is absolutely brand new.
“This is one of the most joyous two hours you’ll spend in a long time. It will have you laughing, it will have you crying, it will have you up dancing. The message that runs through the show is that love is love - you can love whoever you want, you can be whoever you want - set to the most iconic pop tunes of the last 20 years. I defy anyone not to have the best time ever.”
Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 22 April - Saturday 3 May; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 12 - Saturday 17 May