British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome this month to present the world premiere of brand-new musical, Sea Change, by Birmingham-based writing team, Will Jackson and Elinor Peregrin.

Bursting with folk melodies, rip-roaring sea shanties and nautical ballads, Sea Change splashes into the Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from Friday 28 August until Sunday 30 August. Its cast of 36 includes young performers from Birmingham and across the UK.

Written by 2025 NMTA (New Music Theatre Award) winners Elinor Peregrin and Will Jackson, who also directs Sea Change, the musical brings Selkie folklore to modern Britain in a heartwarming tale of the eternal pull between where we come from and who we might become.

The story unfolds in Blackwater Cove, where under the rare phenomenon of the Tidal Eclipse, Selkies of the sea are granted a week to walk upon land. Shedding their enchanted seal coats, they live among humans and taste the possibilities of another world.

But when the full moon rises, the tide will turn.

Will they return to the sea or live their life on land?

The Birmingham-based writing team first met at the Hippodrome at BEAM2025. A writer and director, Will’s credits include Clutch & Make Me Feel (Bush), The Final Showdown (Birmingham Hippodrome) and Yours Sincerely (touring) for which he was named a ‘Rising Comic Star’ by Attitude. A composer, actor, writer and folk musician, Elinor’s credits include a new folk musical Elbow Deep, which is coming to Edinburgh Festival Fringe from Wednesday 12 August until Friday 14 August 2026.

Sea Change is at Birmingham Hippodrome from Friday 28 August – Sunday 30 August in the Patrick Studio. Tickets can be booked at birminghamhippodrome.com