This is a past event and is currently no longer running.

Information

“I don’t know why my Dad let me go, especially when he knew how dangerous, how hard it was… I was too young, too weak to make this journey. I wouldn’t have sent me…He wouldn’t have sent me unless there was a reason.”

In 2002, after the end of the Kosovan War, Dritan is sent on the notoriously perilous journey across the Adriatic with a gang of people smugglers to a new life in Europe. He relies on his young wit and charm to make it to the UK.

How Not to Drown shares a story of endurance for a little kid who wasn’t safe anywhere in the world, performed by an ensemble cast starring Dritan Kastrati himself.

Winner: 2019 Scotsman Fringe First award
Winner: 2019 Herald Angel award
Winner: 2020 Hector McMillan Best New Scottish Play award

“I am really excited to bring our production of How Not To Drown to Birmingham Hippodrome. It is a story that resonated with audiences when we made it in 2019 at the Edinburgh Festival and I think it is even more relevant today with immigration so prominent in the media and our political discussions.  It is a play about how we care for people, what it is like to be lost in a system at breaking point, where you belong, and ultimately what it takes to call a place home. Above all it’s a story of hope about a cheeky young lad who used his wit and charm to get through it. We are looking forward to sharing it with the wonderful West Midland audiences.”
Neil Bettles, Director

Price

Prices and discounts subject to change

Running Time

Approximately 90 minutes with no interval

Age guidance

14+. Contains strobe lighting, strong language, racist language, themes of war and depictions of violence.

Performances

Performances

Discounts & Concessions

CONCESSIONS

We offer a range of discounts and concessions to enable everyone to enjoy an affordable visit to Birmingham Hippodrome.

FRIENDS

£3 off, price band A & B
Limited availability

CLAIMANTS, UNDER 16s, OVER 65s, FULL TIME STUDENTS AND PASSPORT TO LEISURE

£3 off, price band A & B
Limited availability

EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS (Under 18)

Parties of 10 or more pay £12.50 per ticket plus 1 FREE ticket for teacher/supervising adult for every 10 booked (Price band A). Free ice lolly per ticket (excl. free adult places)

For school bookings, please call Group Sales on 0844 338 7000* for more information and to book now!

CONCESSIONS FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES

£5 off standard price tickets in all seating areas
2 for 1 for disabled patrons who require the service/support of a companion

CLICK HERE for more information on our Assisted Performances

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Discounts and Concessions are offered subject to availability at the discretion of the Information and Sales Manager. Top three price bands only, unless otherwise stated. Restrictions may apply. Only one discount per ticket may apply, unless otherwise stated. Offers are non retrospective and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid ID must be presented where applicable. Additional discounts may be offered from time to time.

Food & Drink

The Coffee Bar

Our Coffee Bar is open all day for Quarter Horse barista coffee and a quick and tasty bite to eat.

The Bars

You’ll receive a warm welcome at our Foyer Bars, conveniently positioned for both Stalls and Circle levels.

Accessible Performances

We strive to provide access for all

For dates of audio-described, captioned or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances, please see below. These vary from show to show. It is always best to book through our Access phone line 0121 689 1060 when booking assisted performances.

  • Audio Described: Wed 8 Mar 2023, 7.30pm

Concessions for patrons with disabilities

£5 off standard price tickets in all seating areas.
2 for 1 for disabled patrons who require the service/support of a companion.
Limited availability.

CLICK HERE for more information on our Accessible Performances

“Fluently told and shocking in its
straightforward account”

Sunday Times

“…its power springs from its absolute authenticity”

What's On Stage

“a triumph from beginning to end”

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