Birmingham Hippodrome is pleased to raise the curtain on a brand new Autumn Season of thrilling theatre, jaw-dropping dance and hilarious comedy.

Newly revealed Main Stage highlights begin with a magical mystery tour courtesy of highly-acclaimed choreographer, Mark Morris and Pepperland; spirit of BOLLYWOOD is a celebration of the glitz and glamour of Indian cinema; Rosie Kay presents a moving large-scale follow up to her critically acclaimed work 5 Soldiers with 10 Soldiers; a new stage adaptation of much-loved children’s book and TV series The Worst Witch and the return of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Excitingly Birmingham Hippodrome will also present its first co-production with Leicester Curve with The Color Purple, a moving new production based on the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, the classic hit movie and the Tony® Award-winning production on Broadway.

Away from the Main Stage, the Patrick Studio continues to present a season of family-friendly shows, daring dance spectacle and plays which aim to challenge, question and raise debate.

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome said:

“Returning to our stage in October/November this year, almost exactly to the centenary of the Armistice that ended WWI, is the National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse. The production will be the anchor around which we have programmed a number of commemorative experiences, inviting audiences to a number of free special events and happenings. On 11 November itself, we will present Homecomings – a free series of poignant performances at New Street Station and throughout October, visitors to the Hippodrome can try the virtual reality experience Empire Soldiers, a unique contemporary way of experiencing stories from our past.

“In our Patrick Studio, we welcome ex-service personnel in Bravo 22 Company’s Unspoken, alongside a host of other thought-provoking productions that examine contemporary themes, plus, as ever, a whole host of incredible contemporary dance from Aakash Odedra and Rosie Kay to Sonia Sabri and Frantic Assembly.

“A sure sign of Christmas coming around again is BRB’s The Nutcracker followed by all the swashbuckling adventure, magic and fairy dust of our panto, Peter Pan.  For smaller children, our Christmas offer Emily Brown and the Thing, in the intimate setting of the Patrick Studio, is a wonderful musical adventure for the whole family.

“One of the highlights of our 120th birthday year will surely be Birmingham Hippodrome’s first major co-production of a musical, The Color Purple. I’m sure that this new production of the moving musical will be one of the season’s must-see shows.

There’s even more to explore and enjoy now at the Hippodrome, with the building being open from 10am Mon-Sat.  Come and visit the new coffee bar on level 2 for the best flat white in Southside, check out our visual arts spaces, eat in our Circle Restaurant or see a free performance or two on alternate Fridays.  I hope you enjoy planning your next trip to Birmingham Hippodrome as we look ahead to more exciting announcements relating to our 120th anniversary in 2019.”