More Theatre News
-
Review: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the Hippodrome
Posted on Thu 26 Mar
-
Review: Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Posted on Wed 25 Mar
-
Feature: Bruce's Got Talent
Posted on Mon 23 Mar
There’s never a dull month when it comes to theatre in the Midlands. Check out our selection of shows coming to venues across the region during the next few weeks...
THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND
As extraordinary true-life stories go, the tale of William Kamkwamba takes some beating. Born to a family of farmers in the village of Wimbe in Malawi, he single-handedly saved his community from starvation by building a windmill to power the village’s broken water pump. The budding inventor used scrap materials from the local junkyard and parts from the family bicycle - the only one in the village, and their only real asset - which he convinced his relatives he needed to dismantle. And all at the age of just 13!
Based on Kamkwamba’s bestselling memoir and a movie adaptation written & directed by well-known actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s first musical since Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey took over as co-artistic directors.
Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday 28 March
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Based on the movie of the same name, Priscilla the stage show has wowed both West End and Broadway audiences, picking up a coveted Olivier Award and an equally prestigious Tony Award along its accolade-strewn way. At its heartland is an uplifting story of the friendship shared between three pals, who hop aboard a battered old bus and head off in search of love and romance.
The show originally opened in Australia in 2006 - running there for two years before arriving on the West End stage - and comes complete with a dazzling array of costumes and a glorious selection of dancefloor favourites, including It’s Raining Men, Say A Little Prayer, Go West, Hot Stuff and Always On My Mind...
Fascinating Aïda’s Adèle Anderson and Kevin Clifton of Strictly Come Dancing fame take top billing.
Birmingham Hippodrome, until Saturday 28 March
NOUGHTS & CROSSES
This Pilot Theatre adaptation (in association with Northern Stage) of Malorie Blackman’s novel explores what happens when two people living in a world of terrorist violence - and separated by prejudice and distrust - find themselves falling in love.
Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought - a ‘colourless’ member of the underclass, who were once slaves to the Crosses. Friends since childhood they may have been, but when romance blossoms, they suddenly find themselves exposed to a terrible danger...
The Rep, Birmingham, until Saturday 28 March
SIX THE MUSICAL
From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, the 2022 Tony Award-winning Six The Musical sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the stage ‘to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak’ and tell their own versions of their lives...
A colourful show that sits somewhere between a Girls Aloud gig and a traditional musical, the one-act production - premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, where it was performed by a group of Cambridge University students - is a loud and proud 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power.
The show sees the cast being ably supported by all-female band The Ladies In Waiting.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Saturday 28 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 11 April
HENRY V
Widely considered to be Shakespeare’s greatest and most memorable history play, Henry V tells the story not only of the Battle of Agincourt but also of the warrior king whose visionary leadership inspired the English to a completely unimaginable victory...
Harry Potter actor Alfred Enoch takes the title role, and is enjoying every minute of the experience: “A play of this quality gives you so many possibilities, so many provocations, and so many options and avenues to explore. That’s part of its fullness, and the aliveness is what makes it so appealing to me.”
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday 25 April
THE SIGNALMAN
Middle Ground Theatre Company is the hugely talented ensemble behind this stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ atmospheric ghost story. Written in 1866, it focuses on the character of a Victorian-age signalman who’s haunted by visions of impending disaster on his isolated stretch of line.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thursday 26 - Saturday 28 March
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD
Stage adaptations of books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler invariably offer theatrical magic aplenty, so this is definitely a show that’s well worth catching.
Bringing together clever puppetry and toe-tapping songs, the production provides youngsters with an hour of lively entertainment, including the chance to join Pig and Hen for a game of hide & seek.
The show is suitable for children aged one-plus.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Thursday 26 - Sunday 29 March
SISTERS 360
Stepsisters Fatima and Salima are cool, close, and share a burning ambition - to win the Tiny Is Mighty skateboarding contest. But when they start hearing whispers about their parents planning to live apart - meaning that they too, as stepsisters, will be separated - they realise that their chances of winning competition gold are set to take a turn for the worse...
Bradford writer Asif Khan is the creative talent behind this inspirational story about ‘family, friendship and the importance of following your dreams’.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 28 March; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wednesday 22 - Thursday 23 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 23 May
THE WIGGLES: TREE OF SPECTACULAR WISDOM
This year celebrating their 35th anniversary, Australian children’s music group The Wiggles are eagerly anticipating their Birmingham stop-off at the end of the month.
“We love touring the UK,” says founding Wiggle Anthony Field. “We’re all looking forward to seeing our old friends, as well as meeting some new ones.”
Expect to get wiggling to classic hits such as Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy and Hot Potato.
Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Monday 30 March
RUDE SCIENCE
BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates is pretty darned certain that his Rude Science production is the most revolting show of its kind in the whole wide world. And he could well be right, given that it involves enormous bottoms, pee-powered fireworks, fabulous fart machines and vast whoopee cushions! Science stunts and spectacular experiments abound in a show that promises to be both entertaining and educational. Suitable for children aged five and older.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 30 March
THE INVISIBLE MAN
An evening of tongue-in-cheek fun is being promised by the producers of this stage adaptation of HG Wells’ famous story...
But will the title character put in an appearance, we wonder?!...
Expect quick and silly costume changes, prop manipulations and whacky imaginings, as three energetic actors from Our Star Theatre Company take on the challenge of playing 15 characters...
The show enjoyed a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years back.
Malvern Theatres, Monday 30 March - Wednesday 1 April; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thursday 9 April; The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Friday 10 April; The Regal Theatre, Tenbury Wells, Thursday 16 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wednesday 27 May; Stafford Gatehoue, Saturday 30 May; The Henrician, Evesham, Thursday 4 June
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the same-named Susan Hill novel, The Woman In Black is a classic ghost story first performed in 1989. It has since become one of the West End’s most successful plays, and was memorably made into a film starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012.
Solicitor Arthur Kipp believes that his family have somehow been cursed by a mysterious woman in black. In an attempt to tell his story, and to exorcise the evil curse which he’s convinced hangs over him, he hires a young actor to assist him in recounting his experiences...
Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April
EXCITING SCIENCE
Designed to enlighten, educate and entertain children aged four and older, Exciting Science promises plenty of ‘wiz, bang, pop and splurt’, as the show’s scientists carry out all manner of fun and fact-filled live experiments.
So if you think your kids would enjoy seeing some boffins create a volcanic eruption, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher, and take careful aim with a smoke blaster, then this is definitely the show to check out.
Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Tuesday 31 March; Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Wednesday 8 April
BRAINIAC LIVE!
First visiting theatres in 2008, Brainiac Live! provides plenty of family fun - with a few bangs, wallops and flashes thrown in for good measure!
“When we’re developing the show,” explains the production’s creative director, Andy Joyce, “what we’re looking for is a ‘Wow!’ moment; something that either makes a noise, has a huge effect, or creates a bang. It needs to have that pay-off, but it also has to be interesting.
“We learn about something from the scientists and then put our little spin on it. So my role has been about being in laboratories, watching things go whizz bang bok, and then asking the scientists: how big can we go on stage with this in a way that’s safe?”
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 31 March; The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 20 June
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn’t take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he’s dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School.
Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) takes the lead role in a production directed by Nikolai Foster, the artistic director at Curve, Leicester. Commenting on the show, Nikolai and Curve’s chief executive, Chris Stafford, said: “Legally Blonde is firmly established in the musical theatre repertoire as a contemporary classic. Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin & Heather Hach’s electrifying musical about empowerment, equality and the folly of judging a book by its cover remains pitch-perfect and as relevant as ever.”
*Please note, Amber Davies will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Alexandra, Birmingham on Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm; she will not be performing at the matinee performance at Wolverhampton Grand on Thursday 15 October at 2.30pm; and she will not be performing at the matinee performance at The Regent on Thursday 19 November at 2.30pm.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 October; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November
THE DETECTIVE DOG
Captivating puppetry, surprising smells and toe-tapping music abound in this Tiny & Tall Productions stage adaptation of the much-loved 2016 picture book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie.
The star of this particular show is Nell, a dog whose ever-sniffing nose comes in handy one morning when all of the books at school mysteriously disappear...
An inclusive and accessible production, the show is suitable for children aged between three and seven. It includes British Sign Language and creative captions, and runs for approximately 50 minutes.
The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 April
SMALL ISLAND
The joyful rhythms of calypso bring life and colour to the harsh realities of post-war Britain in this brand-new stage adaptation of Andrea Levy’s multi-award-winning novel of the same name.
Telling a Windrush story about empire and entitlement, the play follows the experiences of Jamaican migrants Hortense and Gilbert. Newly arrived in England, they come into contact with Queenie, a woman defying convention, and her husband Bernard, a reserved and awkward man struggling to come to terms with the changes which are happening around him.
The Rep, Birmingham, Wednesday 1 - Saturday 18 April
THE SOOTY SHOW
A glove puppet who’s not averse to dabbling in the ancient art of magic (casting spells to his catchphrase of ‘Izzy wizzy, let’s get bizzy’), Sooty has been around for 78 years, during which time he’s entertained generations of youngsters with all manner of laugh-out-loud capers in the company of sidekicks Sweep and Soo.
This latest show also features supporting-cast favourites Butch, Ramsbottom and Scampi, and is followed by the chance to meet Sooty in person.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thursday 2 April; The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Saturday 4 April; Malvern Theatres, Saturday 25 April
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE
Dinosaur Adventure Live is being advertised as ‘the greatest prehistoric show on Earth’, providing audiences with a ‘65 million years in the making’ hour of ‘roarsome’ fun that’s ‘totally T-rex-iffic’...
The interactive experience allows families to take a journey through the Jurassic era, meet dinos face-to-face, and check out the impossible-to-ignore roar of a terror-inducing Tyrannosaurus...
Swan Theatre, Worcester, Thursday 2 April; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Tuesday 26 May; Roses Theatre, Tewksbury, Tuesday 21 July; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Tuesday 28 July
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
In a career stretching back to the mid-1960s, the late Eric Carle illustrated more than 70 books - writing most of them, too. None have been more famous or successful than his 1969 story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The popular picture book has been translated into more than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 million copies.
This interactive stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale, presented alongside three more of his stories, features no fewer than 45 handcrafted puppets and has a running time of one hour.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April
AGATHA CHRISTIE'S DEATH ON THE NILE
Take a play by the Queen of Crime - Agatha Christie - and a company experienced in producing theatrical adaptations of her work - Fiery Angel - and there’s every chance you’ll end up with an evening of high-quality, brain-teasing drama...
And this new adaptation of Death On The Nile promises to be just that.
When a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder, it’s time for Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to put his ‘little grey cells’ to work and uncover the perpetrator of the dastardly crime... Mark Hadfield plays Poirot, with Dempsey & Makepeace star Glynis Barber also featuring in the cast.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 April
SUNNY AFTERNOON
This clever homage to Swinging ’60s supergroup The Kinks has been wowing audiences and critics in equal measure since opening in the West End in 2014 - so much so, in fact, that it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Adapted from Joe Penhall’s book, with an original story by Kinks guitarist, vocalist & songwriter Ray Davies, it features plenty of the band’s best-known tunes, including iconic tracks You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, All Day And All Of The Night and Lola.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 April
THE CONSTANT WIFE
W Somerset Maugham’s 1927 comedy of manners contemplates the ways in which men, but particularly women, of the era were beginning to rethink their traditional notions of love, marriage and social convention. Constance’s friends and sister are well aware that her husband, a successful Harley Street doctor, is being unfaithful to her with her best pal. What they don’t realise is that Constance knows about the affair, too - and has her very own deliciously devilish way of dealing with the problem... Kara Tointon takes the title role in this fast-paced and witty production, reimagined for the modern era by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 April; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 May
THE CHOIR OF MAN
A smash hit in the West End, with an Olivier Award nomination further proving its credentials, The Choir Of Man is no conventional theatre production. Set in a pub, featuring ‘a wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and sensational singers’, it’s brimming with hits from artists including Queen, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Adele and Katy Perry. There’s no story to follow as such - the show maybe feels more like a gig than a play - but there’s certainly plenty to enjoy across its near two-hour running time.
The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 April; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 July; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 July; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 October
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)
Now, if you feel that you really should pay attention to the works of the world’s greatest-ever playwright, but don’t fancy hour upon hour of serious-sounding thespians thee-ing and thou-ing in your general direction, then this is the show for you!
All of Shakespeare’s 37 plays are here covered in the blink of an eye, allowing you not only to become very learned very quickly, but also to get down the pub well before last orders!
Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 8 - Saturday 11 April
THE BIG PANTS PARTY
If you’re long overdue a carefree night out, then why not grab yourself a ticket for this nostalgia-drenched get-together and dance your socks off in the aisles...
The Big Pants Party is described by its publicity as ‘the ultimate ladies night out, celebrating the iconic soundtrack of a lifetime of fun, love and friendship’.
Taking the form of a concert, the show has been specially designed to get its audience singing and dancing along. Big pants are optional.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Friday 10 April; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 11 April; Rother Street Arts Centre, Saturday 25 April; Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Saturday 12 December; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, Saturday 6 March 2027; Walsall Arena, Friday 12 March 2027
HALF A STRING: TINY PLANET
Half A String’s latest production follows the fortunes of a character named Alma, whose attempt to deliver goods made in her cosmic bakery to destinations across the galaxy comes a cropper when she finds herself stranded on a barren planet, seemingly with no hope of escape...
‘Breathtaking’ puppetry, live camera projection, original folk songs and ‘earthy’ percussion are cleverly combined in this hour-long show created for children aged five and older.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Hook up your fishnets, tighten your corsets and prepare to ‘do The Time Warp again’ - The Rocky Horror Show is returning to the Midlands! Richard O Brien’s cult production tells the tale of the straight-laced Brad and the deliciously corruptible Janet, who arrive at the castle of the alien transvestite Frank N Furter and witness the birth of the monster, Rocky. Along the way, they take the audience through a selection of love-’em-or-loathe-’em musical numbers, including Damn It Janet, Sweet Transvestite, and The Time Warp. Great fun’s a guarantee - particularly if you get into the spirit of things and attend the show dressed in your very best stockings & suspenders (as many patrons do)!
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 13 - Saturday 18 April; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 6 - Saturday 11 July
KATE BUTCH
Having previously made a splash with touring production Wuthering Sh*tes, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourite Kate Butch here invites audiences to take control of the evening, allowing them to select each song, each joke - and maybe even what she wears!
Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Wednesday 15 April; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 22 April
MACBETH
Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is one of his most frequently produced plays, and why wouldn’t it be? A blood-curdling yarn recounting a cautionary tale of over-ambition, as Macbeth rises meteor-like to the throne of Scotland, the play is not only fast-paced but also appealingly short by the bard’s standards. This particular touring version is the work of Flabbergast, a well-established theatre company whose mission statement is to present performances which are vital, engaging and accessible.
Lichfield Garrick, Thursday 16 April
OUT WITH THE BUCKLEYS
Inbetweeners actor James Buckley and wife Clair take their long-running vlog, At Home With The Buckleys, offline and out on the road. Expect plenty of their signature banter, interspersed with never-before-heard stories and the occasional song or two, with James playing his favourite guitar.
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Thursday 16 April; Birmingham Hippodrome, Sunday 19 April
DRIFTWOOD
A ‘deeply evocative’ tale of self-determination, family and belonging, set against the backdrop of a 1950s colonial Trinidad on the edge of political independence, Driftwood is the debut play from Casualty, Holby City and EastEnders actor Martina Laird. The production is helmed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s artistic director, Justin Audibert.
“The play grew from a deep desire to explore inherited patterns, the desire for connection and self-determination,” explains Martina, “and [also] to place Caribbean voices and histories at the centre of the story. To see these characters brought to life by such a generous and gifted ensemble, and under Justin’s direction, feels profoundly moving.”
The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, Friday 17 April - Saturday 30 May
THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MASQUED MAGICIAN
Holmes and Watson find themselves embroiled in the secret world of Edwardian magic as they attempt to solve the mysterious disappearance of the legendary Masqued Magician...
The Great Baldini is here joined by fellow prestidigitator Peter Clifford for an interactive show that features illusions, escapology, mentalism and cardistry.
Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton upon Trent, Saturday 18 April
I'M MUSLAMIC DON'T PANIK
Bobak is visiting Iran to explore his cultural heritage. While on the journey of self-discovery, he encounters all manner of weird and wonderful characters - from the women defiantly running the first-ever (and last) Tehran marathon, to the participants in an underground breakdance battle...
Blending live music, spoken word and comedy (alongside the aforementioned breakdancing!), the show will be followed by a chance to join the cast for traditional Persian tea and biscuits. Those of a more-sensitive disposition should note that the production features characters using racist, Islamophobic and strong language.
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Birmingham, Saturday 18 April
LAST UNICORN AIRWAYS
his imaginative, inclusive, and charmingly playful show finds highly regarded ensemble Half Moon Theatre presenting ‘a heartwarming reflection on courage, connection and resilience’.
Created for children aged four-plus, including those with complex needs and disabilities, the production revolves around two baggage handlers as they recreate ‘a fantastical round-the-world adventure’ aboard the final flight of Last Unicorn Airways.
The show directly adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s Arabian Nights-inspired fable The Flying Trunk and runs for an interval-free hour, after which audience members will be invited to step into a sensory immersive installation.
The Rep, Birmingham, Saturday 18 April; The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield, Sunday 19 April
RUBY WAX: ABSOLUTELY FAMOUS
Relatively fresh from her stint in the Australian jungle on last winter’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, American comedian Ruby Wax makes a welcome return with a show that recalls her much-loved television series Ruby Wax Meets and The Full Wax. Ruby is joined on stage by lifelong friend and producer Clive Tulloh for a nostalgic look back at some of the most famous interviews from the two TV shows.
So, if you fancy hearing some scandalous and never-before-told stories about the likes of Donald Trump, OJ Simpson and Madonna, bag yourself a ticket; it should be a fun ride.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Saturday 18 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Friday 12 June; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Saturday 13 June
BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE
Inspired by the life of jazz icon Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the death of her father. Her grief provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey that took her from a piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
The show features a selection of classic tunes, including Feeling Good, I Put A Spell On You, Mississippi Goddamn, I Love You Porgy and See-Line Woman.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 20 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tuesday 28 April
DAVID OLUSOGA: A GUN THROUGH TIME
Documentary maker and Celebrity Traitor David Olusoga takes to the stage to tell the story of four firearms that changed the world: the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, the Maxim gun, the Brown Bess flintlock musket, and the Lee Enfield rifle...
As well as revealing the weapons’ hidden social histories, David will also be taking questions from the audience on any historical topic.
Birmingham Town Hall, Tuesday 21 April
BARNUM
This Watermill Theatre revival might well strike a chord with long-in-the-tooth theatre-goers, calling to mind memories of 40-plus years ago, when the show was the talk of the town. Telling the story of ‘America’s Greatest Showman’, Phineas T Barnum, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, with one-time Carry On cast member Jim Dale taking the title role. The West End version opened the following year, and established Some Mothers Do ’ave ’em star Michael Crawford as one of the UK’s brightest theatrical talents.
Featuring hit numbers Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute, this critically acclaimed production stars musical theatre favourite and one-time Joseph star Lee Mead in the title role. Acrobats, circus acts, and an ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians - playing 150 instruments between them - further add to the show’s appeal.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 April; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October
SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE SIGN OF FOUR
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary supersleuth makes a welcome return in one of the author’s most frequently adapted stories. The Sign Of Four finds Sherlock Holmes embroiled in a murky world of deception and trickery, as he and his faithful companion, Dr John Watson, attempt to locate their client’s missing father... Former Dr Who actor Colin Baker stars alongside Terry Molloy in this latest Holmes offering from Crime And Comedy Theatre Company. The production is being presented as a live-on-stage radio play.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wednesday 22 April; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Thursday 23 April
JOHN MULANEY: MISTER WHATEVER
American stand-up comedian John Mulaney has certainly taken up his fair share of column inches in the last few years, courtesy not only of numerous tours and television specials but also as a result of a highly publicised love life and a couple of trips to rehab. Recently married, and the proud father of a one-year-old daughter, John has plenty of new material for this latest show, which visits Wolverhampton this month as part of a short UK tour.
The Wulfrun at The Halls Wolverhampton, Thursday 23 April
THERE'S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW
Children’s author Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures leap from page to stage, as his critically acclaimed Who’s In Your Book? series heads for the region in the form of a well-received stage musical.
The show sees Little Monster being joined by friends Dragon, Alien and Unicorn for 50 minutes of comedy, chaos and high-energy fun, during which the pals will be learning all about the joy of friendship and books.
Birmingham Town Hall, Thursday 23 & Friday 24 April
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Accessible language, likeable characters, romantic liaisons, magical creatures and a series of comical caperings with an ass are combined to excellent effect in one of Shakespeare’s most popular works...
Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Hermia, Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania and Oberon are up to no good, and Puck’s got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. Add into the mix a group of rude mechanicals, and the recipe for success is pretty much complete...
Regional talent takes centre stage in this decidedly Brummie production. Adam Carver, best known as cabaret favourite Fatt Butcher, stars as the mischief-making Puck.
The Rep, Birmingham, Saturday 25 April - Sunday 24 May
FIREMAN SAM LIVE
Next year celebrating 40 years spent putting out blazes in Pontypandy and lighting up children’s eyes with delight, Fireman Sam finds himself yet again saving the day. This time he’s called into action when perpetual troublemaker Norman Price discovers clues to a pirate treasure and goes exploring deep into the caves...
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sunday 26 April; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Monday 25 May; Birmingham Town Hall, Saturday 20 June
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
Hit musical Operation Mincemeat tells the strange-but-true story of a brilliant deception co-ordinated by British intelligence in the Second World War.
Visiting the Potteries as part of a national tour, the show features 50 characters but only five lead actors, who swap roles, genders and costumes before the audience’s very eyes.
“It’s five people on stage, creating hundreds of different characters and loads of different places,” says Jamie-Rose Monk, who’s one of the five. “There’s a real sense of fun and creativity. It feels like ‘a night at the theatre’ that you couldn’t do anywhere else. You couldn’t watch that on screen; it wouldn’t really work. It’s about being there with everybody. It also appeals to a lot of different people. It has great music, lots of comedy, high stakes, and is really moving in parts. It just ticks all your boxes.”
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 27 April - Saturday 2 May; The Alexandra, Birmingham, Monday 11 - Saturday 16 May
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE UK SEASON SEVEN TOUR
Drag Race UK Season One star Divina De Campo is the host for this latest live tour, which comes complete with the usual acclaimed production values.
The show features the full season-seven cast: Bonnie Ann Clyde, Bones, Catrin Feelings, Chai T Grande, Elle Vosque, Nyongbella, Paige Three, Pasty, Sally TM, Silllexa Diction, Tayris Mongardi and Viola.
Birmingham Town Hall, Tuesday 28 April
HAUNTED SHADOWS
Although best known for penning classic family-favourite novel The Railway Children, Edith Nesbit also wrote stories in the gothic-horror genre - and this critically acclaimed production brings together three of them.
In the first tale, The Shadow, a repressed housekeeper encounters an abominable entity... The Pavilion, meanwhile, sees the shade of a long-dead necromancer envelop a social gathering... The third spinetingling tale, A Strange Experience, focuses on a deranged young woman who harbours a deadly secret.
Claire Louise Amias stars in this one-woman show.
Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Tuesday 28 April
WAITRESS
This smash-hit Broadway and West End musical is based on the 2007 movie of the same name and visits the Midlands with West End favourite Carrie Hope Fletcher heading the cast.
Expert pie maker Jenna is trapped in a loveless marriage to a controlling and abusive man. She dreams of a better future. When a baking contest - and the town’s new doctor - provide her with the hope of something better, she has to decide whether she can find the strength and courage to rebuild her life.
The challenge she faces becomes even harder when her husband discovers the cash she’s been squirreling away with the intention of leaving him...
Billed as a musical celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie, Waitress co-stars Les Dennis as Old Joe, with Evelyn Hoskins and Sandra Marvin also featuring.
Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesday 28 April - Saturday 2 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 1 - Saturday 6 June; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Monday 6 - Saturday 11 July
MURDER SHE DIDN'T WRITE
Now here’s an improvised show with plenty to recommend it...
First and foremost, it was a multiple-sell-out hit at the Edinburgh Fringe...
Secondly, it’s presented by a critically acclaimed company - Degrees Of Error - who are past masters of the improv genre...
Thirdly, the show is a real hoot. An Agatha Christie-inspired whodunnit, it features a classic murder-mystery, which is created ‘on the spot’. Audience members are then encouraged to don their deerstalkers (if they’ve brought them along!), grab a magnifying glass and make sure their ‘finger of suspicion’ is ‘at the ready’...
The show runs for two hours, including an interval.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 21 September
ELLEN KENT: THE FAREWELL TOUR - MADAMA BUTTERFLY
The story of a young geisha girl who marries an American naval officer, only to find that he soon returns home and marries another, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is among the most popular operas of all time.
This particular version, presented by Ukraine’s Opera International Kyiv, is one of three productions visiting venues across the country as part of Ellen Kent’s farewell tour. Ellen has been presenting extravagant opera and ballet productions to appreciative audiences around the UK for more than 30 years, in the process showcasing the talents of some of Europe’s major opera companies.
“It’s the most popular opera in the whole world,” says Ellen, in talking about Madama Butterfly. “We’ve got a very good cast. We’ve got a Korean girl, Elena Dee, who’s a class act, playing Cio-Cio-San. A good cast and a slick, beautiful production… For some reason, it seems to be the British favourite.”
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wednesday 13 May
2:22 A GHOST STORY
Husband & wife Jenny and Sam are divided. Jenny believes their new home is haunted; Sam isn’t having any of it. But something certainly feels strange and frightening. Determined to find out the truth once and for all, they decide to stay up until 2:22 - at which time, all will be revealed. Or not...
2.22 A Ghost Story premiered in the West End back in 2021, not only becoming a major hit but also providing both Lily Allen and Cheryl with an opportunity to tread the boards.
This latest touring version of the show stars James Bye, Natalie Casey, Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 18 - Saturday 23 May
BLOOD BROTHERS
Genuinely moving, surprisingly funny, and filled with all of Willy Russell’s usual astute observations about the British class system, Blood Brothers tells the story of twins, separated at birth, who spend their lives in contrasting social circumstances but are inextricably drawn together. A musical loved even by theatre-goers who don’t love musicals, the show boasts a raft of memorable songs, including Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged Tell Me It’s Not True.
Lichfield Garrick, Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23 May; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tuesdayv 20 October - Saturday 24 October; Malvern Theatres, Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 November
JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK
BAFTA Award-winning children’s television presenter Justin Fletcher returns to the region with a brand-new all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Justin is advising his young fans to prepare themselves for a show that’s positively awash with well-known songs, energetic dancing and plenty of rocktastic fun!
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunday 24 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Monday 25 May
THE DINOSAUR THAT POOPED: A ROCK SHOW
Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter are promising their brand-new production will come complete with new songs, a lot of laughs and (not surprisingly given the show’s title) a whole load of poo!
Based on Tom and Dougie’s bestselling children’s books, The Dinosaur That Pooped follows Danny and Dino as they try to get hold of the last two tickets to their favourite rock band’s last-ever concert. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan... Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?...
Brierley Hill Civic, Sunday 24 May; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Saturday 6 June
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD
The recently screened second-series television adaptation of The Night Manager has once again brought to the fore the name of the original novel’s author: John le Carré.
Thirty years before he wrote The Night Manager, le Carré penned The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. His third book, it became an international bestseller and established the former MI5 and MI6 employee as a major name in the spy-novel genre.
Not only written but also set during the Cold War era, its story focuses on the character of British intelligence officer Alec Leamas, who is persuaded to undertake one final, dangerous, deceptive and deeply personal mission...
This acclaimed stage production visits the Midlands this month direct from the West End and following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre. Ralf Little (pictured) takes the title role.
The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tuesday 30 June - Saturday 4 July
BLUEY'S BIG PLAY
Blue Heeler puppy Bluey has certainly had plenty to bark about since making her television debut eight years ago.
The Australian animated pre-school series in which she stars has not only developed a huge international fanbase but also picked up prestigious Emmy and Bafta awards. On the back of such global success, it was only a matter of time before the popular pup’s adventures made it onto the stage...
This 50-minute show finds Bluey and younger sister Bingo determined to thwart their dad’s plan to enjoy a quiet Sunday afternoon...
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thursday 23 - Sunday 26 July
THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD
With millions of copies having been sold in double-quick time after it was published in 1999, it’s fair to say that Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s picture book The Gruffalo captured the hearts and minds of children everywhere. So it was no surprise when the dynamic duo then produced this sequel story five years later...
Despite her dad’s warning to stay away from the deep, dark wood, the Gruffalo’s child decides it’s time to go and explore, caring not a jot about the legend of the Big Bad Mouse...
Award-winning theatre company Tall Stories, who certainly know a thing or two about adapting Donaldson/Scheffler books for the stage, here present a production that brings together ‘songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged three to 103’.
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Saturday 28 November - Sunday 27 December