2018 marks an incredible 100 years since the ‘Representation of the People Act’ was first passed, enabling most women to vote for the very first time! So what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than with a run-down of some of the inspirational women you’ll be seeing on our stages throughout the coming months. Plus – we’ve thrown in a few of our very own Hippodrome heroines for good measure!

Eva Peron….Evita

Saint or sinner? Activist or authoritarian? Eva María Duarte de Perón (7 May 1919 – 26 July 1952) was the wife of Argentine President Juan Perón (1895–1974) and First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952.

One of history’s most divisive female authority figures, Eva Peron’s meteoric rise from impoverished villager to celebrated political activist and ‘Spiritual Leader of the nation’ during the turbulent year’s of the Peronist Party continues to captivate the popular imagination to this day and is perhaps most famous for inspiring Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical smash-hit Evita, running at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tue 20 – Sat 24 Mar.

Matilda 

‘Well behaved woman seldom make history’ or so the saying goes. And that’s certainly true of Roald Dahl’s pint-sized heroine Matilda – an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the winner of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical and arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tues 3 Jul and runs until Sat 8 Sep.

Emily Molnar….Ballet BC

As a life-long advocate of contemporary dance, Artistic Director of Ballet BC Emily Molnar has spent her career championing female dance talent and nowhere is this showcased more than in her latest triple-bill, which arrives at the Hippodrome next week as part of the company’s first UK Tour.

Showcasing the work of three internationally celebrated female choreographers, Ballet BC’s latest triple-bill opens with Emily Molnar’s 16+, a piece inspired by the work of Jeanette Winterson and Emily Dickinson which sparks with explosive, fast-paced choreography, pushing the dancers to their athletic and technical limits.

WickedElphaba…Wicked

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game

A modern-day icon of female empowerment, Elphaba’s journey from misunderstood student to fearless freedom-fighter and outlaw has helped inspire a whole new generation of musical theatre fans to celebrate difference, stand up for what they believe in and trust in their inner-strength!

Telling the story of the unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students, Wicked’s alternative take on the story of Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West is the ultimate expression of the underdog defying gravity and a rallying cry for feisty females everywhere!

Wicked flies into Birmingham from 4 April and tickets are selling fast so book now to avoid disappointment!

From the archives…Emmeline Pankhurst

Did you know that Birmingham Hippodrome once played host to original pioneer of the Women’s movement, Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst herself?

The feminist icon and campaigner attended a mass meeting held at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday 10 March 1918 (exactly 100 years ago this week). During the meeting Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst addressed an audience of munition girls and women on “War till Victory: No Shirkers”.

The Faaaabulous Ceri Dupree….

Why settle for one fabulous female when you can see 21 in one spectacular show!

Fresh from playing Ugly Sister Voluptua in last year’s fabulous panto, female impersonator extraordinaire Ceri Dupree returns with his one-man, 21-woman show this April  featuring impersonations of some of the world’s most iconic divas. From Camilla Parka Bowells to Cilla Black, screen icons of Hollywood to pop princesses old and new, Ceri’s inimitable delivery, energy and style brings together hilarious comedy, showmanship and more than a sparkling of Las Vegas glitz and glamour! Find out more here.

Queen Elizabeth I – WNO’s Roberto Devereux

Politician, Pragmatist and Protestant icon, Elizabeth I’s reign was the ultimate manifestation of female strength in a male-dominated world. But what of the woman behind the crown?

Based loosely on the life of the 2nd Earl of Essex, Donizetti’s Roberta Devereux takes its inspiration from Queen Elizabeth’s scandalous and oft-talked of relationship with the dashing courtier and rebel-rouser, Robert Devereux – who was eventually executed by Elizabeth herself for treason in 1601.

Expect stirring melodies, passionate orchestration and a truly heart-wrenching finale!

Hippodrome Heroines….

From Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan to cultural partners like Leonora Thomson (WNO), Ros Robins (Dance Consortium) and Immandeep Kaur (TED Ex), you don’t have to search far to find a high-flying female at Birmingham Hippodrome!

Heading up our in-house catering team is up-and-coming talent Melissa Menns, Head Chef at Birmingham Hippodrome. Her varied and busy role involves managing a multitude of culinary events at the theatre, whether in residence in our Circle Restaurant or catering for a gala dinner in our Patrick Centre studio. You can read more about Melissa’s pathway into the industry here!

Leading Ladies…

Did you know that Birmingham Hippodrome is home to one of Birmingham’s largest and fastest growing networks of female professionals?

Launched in August 2011, Leading Ladies now welcomes guests up to 1000 guests from all business sectors. We like to think it’s one of the most popular (and glamorous!) networks of its kind in the city.

Alongside enjoying great performances, meeting the stars, learning from guest speakers, trying out new venues, getting to know clients and bumping into other Leading Ladies from the business world, the networking group also help to raise vital funds for the amazing work of Hippodrome Projects, helping to transform lives through the power of performance both on our stages and in the community!

Now that’s what we call Girl Power! You can find out more about how to join Leading Ladies here.