What’s On: Theatre Shows in Birmingham this April 

0

Birmingham is jam-packed with theatrical venues, from the huge stages of The Hippodrome and The Alexandra, to smaller venues like the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) and the Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre. Whether you’re looking for serious theatre, pantomime fun or amateur drama, there will be something for everyone at one of Birmingham’s arts institutions. Here’s a run down of some of the best productions running in the second city this month. 

Minority Report

Birmingham Rep, running until Saturday 6th April 2024

This electrifying production of Phillip K. Dick’s epic sci-fi thriller challenges our beliefs about freewill, justice and autonomy, in a fast-paced chase through London of the future.

The year is 2050, and neuroscientist Dame Julia Anderton is just about to launch the next phase of her pioneering Pre-Crime programme, monitoring people’s thoughts and detaining them before the crimes are committed. When Dame Julia is accused of pre-murder, she finds herself in a race against time to defend herself from her own system.

If you were lucky enough to catch Life of Pi in Birmingham in February, you’ll be familiar with the directorial marvel that is Max Webster. And if you’ve turned on your TV, or been to the theatre, ever, you’ll undoubtedly be familiar with the wonderful David Haig (Killing Eve, Four Weddings and a Funeral) whose writing Webster has brought to life.

We’re incredibly excited to catch this production at the Rep Theatre this month, and if you are too, you can grab your tickets here.

Ben and Imo

Swan Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-Upon-Avon, running until Saturday 6th April 2024

Over in Stratford-Upon-Avon, this time in the Swan Theatre, Ben and Imo tells the story of iconic composer Benjamin Britten, who has just 9 months to write a new opera about Queen Elizabeth I, before the fast-approaching 1953 Coronation of the new Queen Elizabeth II.

Amidst this chaos, in sweeps the passionate and spirited Imogen Holst, daughter of renowned composer Gustav Holt, and a powerhouse of a musician in her own right. With a can-do attitude, candid manner and oodles of charm, she proves to be the perfect foil for the maddening Britten. Ben and Imo follows the bond which lasts the duration of their lives, in a touching tribute to the duo whose musical influence is felt to this day.

We were privileged enough to catch the show on press night last month, and it was genuinely beautiful. We laughed, cried, and adored the music, the intimacy of a wonderful friendship, and the beautiful staging.

Tickets have sold fast – it is the RSC after all! To grab them while you can, head over to their website, here.

Wicked

Birmingham Hippodrome, running until Sunday 7th April 2024

An absolute classic, and dubbed ‘One of the most successful musicals of all time’ by BBC News, the epic musical ‘Wicked’ hit Brum on Tuesday 5th March.

The musical is based on the critically acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, imagining a fascinating backstory and a world of future possibilities for the universally beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’.  Sharing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends, on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’, this is a musical for old and new fans alike. The pair struggle to maintain their friendship under the weight of opposing personalities, societal judgements and heartache, and set to a truly magnificent score, this is a story fit to last.

With all of the scenery, effects and truly superb acting that make this musical so special, it promises to be a truly magical production. The play has had a good run thus far at the Hippodrome, and is very popular, so it is worth grabbing the remaining tickets quickly, while they last! They are currently available here.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Birmingham Hippodrome, Monday 22nd April – Saturday 27th April 2024

Coming to Birmingham Hippodrome this month for one week, and one week only, Jesus Christ Superstar is a reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic rock opera. This musical production won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2017, and has been called ‘a gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical’ by The Guardian.

The show loosely follows the events that unfold over the final few weeks of Jesus’ life, as seen through the eyes of his once-disciple, Judas. Accompanied by an iconic 70s rock score, which was first released as a concept album, the production was once the longest running show in West-End history, finally closing after an 8-year run.

This production, directed by Timothy Sheader and starring Ian McIntosh, Shem Omari James and Hannah Richardson, will run for 8 showings at the Hippodrome before moving on in its tour. BSL, captioned and audio-described performances are available. Tickets are flying at some speed, so to get your hands on them while you can, head over to the Birmingham Hippodrome website, here.

The Promise

Birmingham Rep, Saturday 6th April – Saturday 13th April 2024

The Rep have a seriously strong lineup this month. Number two on their list is ‘The Promise’, made in association with the acclaimed British theatre company, Deafinitely Theatre.

Rita is really confused. She can’t understand why the deaf education system she’s tirelessly championed throughout her teaching career is getting worse and worse, or why there is only one care home in the whole of England that looks after people in her language. On the Isle of Wight.

She’s also confused about where her family is, and why she can’t remember where the milk goes.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of deaf people living with dementia, this striking performance is one to catch. All performances are accessible for British Sign Language users, as BSL and creative captions will be used throughout the production.

We’re heading to see this one soon, watch this space for our review! Tickets are available here.

Emma Rice’s Blue Beard

Birmingham Rep, Tuesday 9th April – Saturday 20th April 2024

Okay, last one from the Rep. We promise (but you should definitely check out The Silence towards the end of this month).

Emma Rice, the fearless actor, director and writer, has taken the classic ancient tale of wizardry and wonder and made it her own.

Blue Beard the Magician is excellent at making things disappear, with nothing but a wink. In his presence, things seem to vanish – coins, cards, scarves… and even women!

When his young bride discovers his dark and murderous secret, she summons all her rage, smarts and sisters to bring down the curtain on his tyrannous reign, in an epic celebration of female power.

It’s narrated by a chorus of nuns. It’s a music-fuelled feminist revenge plot. It’s high comedy, tragedy, romance, and a sprinkling of horror. If you’re not immediately sold on this one, maybe the theatre just isn’t for you, because we’re absolutely clamouring for tickets.

Love From a Stranger

Crescent Theatre, Saturday 13th April – Saturday 20th April 2024

Moving over to the Crescent Theatre for an Christie classic now! If you were lucky enough to catch ‘And Then There Were None’ at the Alexandra Theatre last month, and have now caught the Agatha Christie bug, if you’re still awaiting a dose of murder mystery, the Crescent has got you covered,

Cecily Harrington has led a steady, proper existence, but after winning a large amount of money in a sweepstake, she begins to yearn for a life of adventure. Here enters Bruce Lovell. Handsome, charming, and a complete stranger, he soon sweeps Cecily off her feet. Nothing is as it seems, however, as she soon uncovers the ghastly truth of her new love.

An adaptation of Christie’s ‘Philomel Cottage’, ‘Love From a Stranger’ is and intense and chilling psychological thriller, examining the mind of a sadistic killer.

With a short, one-week run, grab your tickets while you can, here.

Shrek the Musical

The Alexandra, Tuesday 9th April – Sunday 14th April 2024

A bit of a change from Agatha Christie, undoubtedly, but this sounds like a brilliant family day out. Starring Antony Lawrence, Joanne Clifton, James Gillan and Brandon Lee Sears, this wickedly funny adaptation of the story you know, in a brand new format, is one to watch.

Join Shrek and Donkey, his trusty sidekick, set out on a classic quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful princess, Fiona. A spectacular musical for big kids and little ones alike, the show’s toe-tapping soundtrack will have you humming all the way home.

Leave your troubles Far Far Away, and get your tickets for ‘Shrek the Musical’ here while they last – tickets have sold fast!

There is plenty to keep you entertained this month in Birmingham, and if these don’t sound like your cup of tea, fear not! We’ll update this list every month, to bring the best of Brummie theatre to your fingertips. 

Further Reading
The best places to eat in Digbeth
Pubs in the J Quarter
All you can eat in Brum
The best rooftop bars in Brum
Share.

About Author

Comments are closed.