stages - winter 2019/19

Winter 2018/19

issue six

s t a g e s ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

WIN A RELAXING ESCAPE AND TICKETS TO

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE SEE P22

BACK STAGE Cyndi Lauper gets Kinky!

PERFECT PANTO Peter Pan sets sail

UNEXPECTED EXHIBITIONS Check out our new gallery spaces

Beneath the Beautiful

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s David Bintley and Brandon Lawrence @brumhippodrome

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE, POWERED BY YOU

Dates for your diary 2019 FRI 1 FEB

Creative Conversations with Rosie Millard

THU 7 & FRI 8 FEB

Gala Evenings at Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

WED 27 FEB

Leading Ladies at BRB’s Beauty & the Beast

THU 21 MAR

Street Food & Sass at Kinky Boots

THU 11 APR

Leading Ladies at Les Misérables

THU 2 MAY

Gala Evening at Les Misérables

TUE 21 MAY

Leading Ladies at Rosie Kay’s 10 Soldiers

THU 6 JUN

Leading Ladies at Calendar Girls sponsored by Cure Leukaemia

THU 20 JUN

Mixed Doubles at Birmingham Classic

SAT 29 JUN

**On Stage 120th Anniversary Gala Dinner**

THU 18 JUL

Leading Ladies at The Color Purple

THU 12 & FRI 13 SEP

Gala Evenings at Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet

FRI 16 NOV

Street Food Comedy Night at Tim Minchin

Our calendar of events is growing all the time!

Visit birminghamhippodrome.com/specialevents for the most up to date information.

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust Ltd, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB Tickets & Information 0844 338 5000* Group Bookings 0844 338 7000* Administration 0844 338 5010* Events 0844 338 6500* *Calls cost 4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

birminghamhippodrome.com Registered Charity Number 510842

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@brumhippodrome

Welcome to the sixth issue of

s t a g e s 4/5

6/7

HIPPODROME YOUNG COMPANIES

BACK STAGE CINDY GETS KINKY!

8/9 FOOD & DRINK CLASSIC COCKTAILS

12-15

contents

CENTRE STAGE BRB’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

4/5

NEWS

6/7

BACKSTAGE

8/9

FOOD & DRINK

10/11

PLAY YOUR PART

12-15

CENTRE STAGE

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HIPPODROME HEADLINER

Here at Birmingham Hippodrome we’re very proud to be known for our world-class performances, as our fascinating features on upcoming shows Kinky Boots (p6) and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast (p12) demonstrate. However, many people don’t know that we are actually an independent charity and all profits from box office, catering and event hire, alongside the incredible generosity of our donors and corporate supporters, help fund our vital Hippodrome Projects community work. If you’d like to play your part why not support our Big Give fundraising campaign, which this year will help expand our Relaxed Performances, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of theatre - find out more on p10.

Talking of Hippodrome Projects, so much has happened since our last issue; the launch of our Hippodrome Young Companies (still a few places left!), our brand spanking new free foyer performances Fresh Fridays, and an exciting calendar of exhibitions with The Face of Suffrage currently in residence in our new gallery spaces (see p4/5). At the heart of all of this work is our ambition to enrich the cultural life of the region, which is why we’re so excited be co-producing Birmingham’s Chinese New Year festival again next year (p5).

And I can’t sign off without mentioning our very special birthday next year where we’ll be marking 120 years of unforgettable performance in the heart of Birmingham.

Look out for updates on our exciting events in our next issue as we celebrate with you.

Enjoy the issue and, as always, ideas are welcome!

Laura Smith Editor

Meet The Team Editor: Laura Smith Deputy Editor: Nichole Cooper

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ON THE SCENE

18-21

OFFSTAGE

22

FIVE MINUTE CALL

Contributors: Fiona Allan, Judith Greenburgh, Rachael Magson, Rosie Milsom, Jasper Rees, Amy Stutz, Ben Wooldridge Photography: Joe Bailey, Vivienne Bailey, Richard Battye, Matt Crockett, Simon Hadley, Helen Maybanks, Pamela Raith, Andrew Ross

With thanks to long-term supporters and print partners

Front cover: BRB’s Beauty and the Beast

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NEWS

PICK UP YOUR DANCING SHOES We’ve launched our exciting new Young Companies and it’s not too late to get involved!

Musical Theatre Youth Company

ZooNation Youth Company

We still have a select few places to fill, so do you know any talented young people with a passion for Musical Theatre? Meeting every Saturday, term time, from 1pm - 3pm and providing exciting opportunities for young people aged 11-13 to develop their skills and confidence in singing, acting and dancing.

It’s the perfect career kick start!

ZooNation, one of our Hippodrome Associate Companies, has launched its first ever Young Company outside of London at Birmingham Hippodrome. This group provides exciting opportunities for young people to excel in Hip-Hop dance styles. As well as other performance opportunities, dancers participate in a Curtain Raiser for our massive B-SIDE Hip-Hop Festival in May.

To join one of our Young Companies, contact Samina Beckford on 0121 689 3192, or saminabeckford @birminghamhippodrome.com

FRESHEN UP YOUR FRIDAY Have you been to our brand spanking new pop-up performances in our foyer? ‘Fresh Fridays’ takes inspiration from our main stage shows for these unique lively performances. There’s something for everyone, from string quartets and Christmas carols to War Horse puppetry talks and stand-up comedians. Pop in after work with colleagues or friends for the perfect start to your weekend. And best of all, they’re FREE and it’s happy hour!

Performances are 5.30 - 6.30pm.

Visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/fridays 4

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN This February the streets of Southside will once again be filled with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as we celebrate The Year of the Pig. We are delighted to be co-producing the festivities with the Chinese New Year Festival Committee. Don’t miss traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, performances from professional Chinese artists, local community groups and schools, and the spectacular firecracker finale. We’ll also open up our theatre for FREE Chinese New Year inspired arts and craft workshops in our foyers and while you’re here you can grab a warming hot drink in our new Coffee Bar on Level 2.

Sun 10 Feb. Visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson

A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS AT THE HIPPODROME This festive period we’re marking the arrival of our amazing pantomime, Peter Pan and our Patrick Studio production, Emily Brown and the Thing with a series of FREE family workshops. Do you want to meet the animals of Neverland?

Want to create some festive mosaics? Or why not try a circus skills workshop and then watch the Timbuktu Tumblers in Peter Pan? All taking place in our foyers.

From 27 December to 5 January. Visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/christmas-holiday-workshops

UNEXPECTED EXHIBITIONS There’s so much more on offer at our theatre recently, including some things you might not expect, like our fantastic exhibitions.

• ‘The Face of Suffrage’ exhibition in Gallery 2, celebrating the 100th anniversary of women being able to vote.

• Gallery 3 is currently adorned with candid images of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s dancers as part of ‘In the Wings: New Perspective’.

• From 4 Dec in Gallery 1, artists Craig Earp and Danny Lloyd take a trip down memory lane with ‘Once Upon A Time: A Visual History of Pantomime’. Come and see these unique pieces that use illustration to breathe new life into existing images.

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BACK STAGE

Cyndigets

Kinky!

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Cyndi Lauper © Helen Maybanks

Award-winning feel-good phenomenon Kinky Boots struts into our theatre in March! Ahead of the dazzling show reaching our stage, we caught up with the pop icon behind the music, Cyndi Lauper.

“It’s a very important show at this time in the world.”

“He said, ‘I’m doing a show called Kinky Boots. Would you like to write the music for me?’ I thought, wow. He told me I had to watch the film. I loved it.”

She set about composing anywhere and everywhere. “I brought my phone along with me and I recorded melodies on it. I belonged to a gym where they had a track on an upstairs roof and I would walk and sing and write. When I woke up in the middle of the night I picked up my iPhone.”

The Eighties punk pop queen who was catapulted to stardom with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Time After Time”, was originally warned off musical theatre.

“It was really a big divide. After a while, you get to a point where you’re like, ‘Well, I think I can do whatever the hell I want.’”

The result is Kinky Boots, the musical mega-hit that conquered Broadway and the West End. The songs were written by Lauper and won her a Tony Award for best original composition. In 2016 the show went on to win three Olivier Awards - for Best New Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Actor in a Musical - as well as the London Evening Standard BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical and three WhatsOnStage Awards (Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best Choreography).

She had never written for theatre before and became the first woman ever to win the Tony in the best score category on her own. “What I was really taken with was that the community accepted me,” she says. “To have these people, that are literally in my own backyard on Broadway, take you in was what got me.”

Aptly enough, acceptance is the takehome message of Kinky Boots. “Accepting yourself, you’ll accept others,” says Lauper. “It’s a very important show at this time in the world.”

The product of four years in development is a string of catchy numbers from wig-out dance anthems to heart-stopping ballads.

Lola and Cyndi Lauper “It’s a story about a really great friendship and two very, very opposite people and there’s a great redemption in the end.

I’m a sucker for redemption.”

Perhaps there has been some redemption for Lauper too. She was a huge star in the Eighties but, as happened to all her contemporaries bar Madonna, gradually slipped from the top of the charts. She was thinking of creating a musical about her upbringing in Queens when she got a call from her friend Harvey Fierstein.

Fierstein is theatre royalty, the writer of the hit play Torch Song Trilogy about a gay drag performer and the cross-dressing star of the musical Hairspray.

At the Tony Awards in 2013, Kinky Boots was up for BEST MUSICAL. “I was constantly asking Harvey if it was a hit and he was saying, ‘I don’t know yet, Cyn. We have to win BEST MUSICAL.’ So when it won BEST MUSICAL I said, ‘Is it a hit now?’”

See it and judge for yourself. You’ll never think about shoes in the same way again…

The show is loosely inspired by the story of an old family firm of Northampton shoe manufacturers that was about to go under only to discover a new niche in the market: ladies’ footwear worn by men who like to dress up.

Kinky Boots the Musical, which explored the unlikely friendship between Lola and straight-laced factory owner Charlie, opened in Chicago in 2012, moved to Broadway the following year, and made its way to the West End in 2015. It’s also gone all around the world to territories including Canada, Australia, Germany and Japan.

The cast of Kinky Boots joined the Birmingham Hippodrome float earlier this year for Birmingham Pride

Kinky Boots is on at Birmingham Hippodrome from Mon 11 - Sat 23 March. Tickets are available at birminghamhippodrome.com/ kinky-boots

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Melissa Menns, Head Chef at Birmingham Hippodrome

FOOD & DRINK

WHAT’S HOT ON OUR MENU

CRACKING CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Ingredients

Our award-winning Circle Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience. But if you’ve not yet booked you can still get a slice of the magic with this cracking recipe.

300ml cream 75g caster sugar 10ml vanilla extract 6 egg yolks Method First pre-heat your oven to 150°c or gas mark 2.

In a medium sized saucepan combine the cream with the vanilla and gently stir over a low heat until it just comes to the boil. Remove the mixture from the heat immediately.

Separately whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl until it forms gentle ribbons.

Pour the cream over eggs and whisk well.

Pass the mix through a sieve to ensure your mixture is nice and smooth. You can then pour into ramekins and place in a bain-marie and bake for 45 minutes. Then Bake for 45 minutes.

For a cracking top, remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for one hour or overnight if you can.

Once set, preheat the grill. Then add a tablespoon of sugar on top of each ramekin.

Place them under the grill until the sugar melts and becomes a nice golden brown.

Be careful not to let it burn!

Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then refrigerate until the custard is set again. Serve with a couple of shortbread biscuits for some added indulgence. Enjoy!

SPECIAL OFFER! 2 FOR £1 2

CURTAIN-UP COCKTAILS

We have a mouth-watering selection of your favorite cocktails ready for your pre-show drink or interval treat.

So why not wet your whistle with our freshly made crowd favorites or Funkin’ Cocktail mixers?

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Qdos to you!

Add some VIP sparkle to your Hippodrome experience with a Diamond or Champagne package in our luxurious Qdos Lounge, your guests will certainly appreciate it.

POWERED

BY COFFEE Add fuel to your tank with our delicious bespoke Quarter Horse coffees. Maybe mochas are your thing or are cappuccinos your coffee fix of choice? Either way we’ll have something ‘hot and steamy’ to get you through the day! Our coffee bar is open from 10am Mon-Sat so pop in for a quick coffee or pre-show drink. Don’t forget to pick up a loyalty card to get your 5th drink FREE.

That little bit extra...

Get ready to ‘hear the people sing’ your praises for booking one of our delightful Private Dining Experiences alongside Les Misérables.

Ultimate Entertaining (£57pp) Our signature experience includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and a sumptuous three course meal.

Feeling Relaxed? (£27pp) Our bowl food concept may be just what you’re looking for to create a more informal evening for a group of 20 guests or more.

Your package gives you access to this premium lounge, which has its own bar, refreshments, private cloakroom and washroom facilities, before the show and during the interval.

Your dedicated Lounge Host will be on-hand to serve you from the private bar, which stocks a wide range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks, as well as delicious nibbles. Beat the queues and relax in style!

Diamond Package £15 per person For a visit brimming with Hippodrome sparkle, try our Diamond Package. This package includes exclusive entry to the Qdos Lounge 90 minutes before the performance and during the interval, a complimentary drink, unlimited savoury nibbles, and use of the cloakroom & en-suite.

Champagne Package £40 per person Make your evening extra special with our Champagne Package. This package includes exclusive entry to the Qdos Lounge 90 minutes before the performance and during the interval, half a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne, a choice of deli platter, unlimited savoury nibbles, and use of the cloakroom & en-suite.

“This is a beautiful theatre. We were treated to the Qdos Lounge and the hospitality was excellent.” Trip Advisor To book the Qdos Lounge please call Information & Sales on 0844 338 5000 or visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/Qdos 0844 calls to us will cost you 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

Afternoon Tea (£27pp) Combine your matinée visit with an afternoon tea served in a private room.

Enjoy a glass of prosecco before tea to add extra sparkle to your afternoon.

To find out more call Clare on 0121 689 3083 or email events@birminghamhippodrome.com

VIVE LA FRANCE – ā BIENTÔT!

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PLAY YOUR PART

DOUBLE YOUR DONATION FOR OUR RELAXED PERFORMANCES! Panto Star Matt Slack gets behind The Big Give

We’re thrilled to be taking part in the Big Give this Christmas, which gives you the chance to double your donation to support Birmingham Hippodrome’s Relaxed Performances. These special events enable audiences with Autism, Asperger’s and complex disabilities to experience the magic of live theatre.

Will you help us raise £20,000 this Christmas?

You can donate between Thu 27 Nov and Tue 4 Dec and your donation will be doubled! So if you donate £5 it will be doubled to £10. If you donate and Gift Aid your donation it will stretch even further to £12.50.

Donate online at birminghamhippodrome.com/biggive

DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE! Since 2016 we have provided a free Will writing service from specialists Wills & Legal Services, in return for a voluntary donation to our Hippodrome Projects.

To date over £7,000 has been raised through this partnership, directly benefiting projects with vulnerable communities all across the West Midlands.

Whether you opt for a home appointment or join us here at the theatre for one of our surgery days, specialist paralegal Clare Mac will be with you every step of the way.

As Clare explains: “At Wills & Legal we passionately believe that making a Will is one of the best ways of protecting your families’ future and it’s not as expensive as you think. Making a Will not only enables you to protect those you love, but also gives you the chance to consider charitable causes and Wills & Legal can help you every step of the way.” Clare Mac, Wills & Legal.

Surgery dates are available for spring 2019. To book contact the Fundraising Team on 0121 689 3068, email fundraising@birminghamhippodrome.com or visit birminghamhippodrome.com/freewills 10

“When I eventually pass away I would want to feel that I have made a contribution to the theatre that makes it possible for someone else to enjoy it as much as we have!”

Paul Callas, Legacy Pledger

Your donation could help fund future Hippodrome Projects and festivals

Welcome on board!

PLAY YOUR PART

GET YOUR GALA ON Join us at one of our fabulous Gala Evenings in 2019! We guarantee an extra special evening with plenty of theatrical flair.

Whether you’re entertaining clients or joining us with family and friends, our Gala Evenings ensure you will experience top-class hospitality alongside your favourite productions. Expect a few trademark surprises as you enjoy your evening in a beautifully styled private studio.

Already booked for the production on another date?

You can swap your ticket and join us from just £80 per person.

We’re pleased to announce a number of new and renewing corporate partnerships and donations with Birmingham Hippodrome.

PERFORMANCE PARTNERS Calthorpe Estates KPMG PROJECT PARTNERS Darwin Escapes GOOD COMPANY CLUB EY COMMERCIAL PARTNERS Peters Books LEADING LADIES Helen Benussi - Benussi & Co Jilly Cosgrove - Barques Jackie Hendley - Smith Cooper ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Gowling WLG BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE Darwin Escapes IMI plc

Gala Evenings at Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Gala Evening at Les Misérables

Thu 7 & Fri 8 Feb Just £130 per person

Thu 2 May Just £150 per person

Celebrate the return of this legendary production of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake in style.

Join us as we welcome Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s award winning musical, the first tour in a decade with added Hippodrome sparkle.

To book contact the Fundraising Team on 0121 689 3085 or email events@birminghamhippodrome.com

To find out more about our corporate partnerships, email judithgreenburgh @birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0121 689 3082.

Marking 120 years of unforgettable performance in the heart of Birmingham.

120 YEARS OF

Look out for an exciting programme of events in 2019.

We look forward to celebrating with you….

#HippHippHooray 11

CENTRE STAGE

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David Bintley

>

After an incredible 24 years as Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, David Bintley CBE will step down next summer. Ahead of his departure he discusses one of his last BRB productions on our stage, Beauty and the Beast, and one of his protégés Brandon Lawrence talks about David’s influence on his own career.

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“The main reason I wanted to join Birmingham Royal Ballet was because of David!”

Brandon Lawrence, First Soloist

First opening in Christmas 2003, Beauty and the Beast has continued to grace the stage across the country as one of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s most loved productions. But just how was this ballet first created and why does it stand the test of time so well?

Creating the magic When creating a ballet, David Bintley’s process isn’t quick and most take many years to create. “I write the scenario which takes a long time, I have half a dozen on my computer that have been sitting on there for ten years,” he explains. “Once I’ve written it, then I sit on it until a composer comes along that feels right. When I’d heard Glen Buhr’s music I just knew it was the sound I wanted. So we wrote the piece over two years and then it takes about six – nine weeks in the studio to choreograph.”

In terms of popularity, David agrees that the Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast certainly helps attract audience of all ages to the ballet interpretation. “There is no doubt that if Walt Disney has made a cartoon of it, you’re going to get a bigger audience,” he says. “My Walt Disney collection includes Cinderella, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, but mine are nothing like the cartoons because they’re immensely powerful stories. This show has almost an unparalleled attraction in our experience, especially since it was first created as a Christmas piece and I really think it’s attractive to both boys and girls.”

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So 15 years after its creation, as the ballet prepares to return to the Hippodrome stage, how does David approach the piece again? He begins by working out who his cast will be and constantly finds it fascinating to see how the ballet develops because of what the different dancers bring to the piece. “It always changes, it’s not a movie, it’s not a painting, it’s never finished,” David says. “Even if I am going into a revival like this one, I’m not thinking about changing anything, but it looks different with every cast.”

The moral of the story Talk then turns to the Beast himself:“Why does he turn into a Beast? We never really know what the interior of his world is,” David says. “I wanted to find a reason why he had changed into a Beast and how he is then redeemed. I created a story about a wicked prince who is hunting and I see that as a metaphor for cruelty. When he is transformed into the Beast, he turns into someone who defines monstrousness.

“Then we go into the familiar story where Belle is captured by the Beast. It’s a story of absolute goodness in the face of ugliness, because Belle redeems him and changes him.”

Some argue that the moral of the story is the wrong one; be nice, be beautiful and do exactly what the Beast wants. “But Belle isn’t like that,” David explains. “She works all the time for the betterment and forgiveness of people that do her wrong. It’s a rotten world and actually the world of the Beast becomes better than the world Belle

has left behind. The animals end up being more beautiful than the humans, because they’ve learnt their lesson.”

“Not just speaking for myself but also speaking for all of the dancers he has developed. It’s just incredible how much David has achieved and how many people’s careers he has been a part of. He will be greatly missed.”

Brandon Lawrence

The final curtain call Marking the final production of David’s BRB tenure how does he feel about leaving the company (and Birmingham Hippodrome) after an impressive 24 years? “I have had so many incredible moments with the Birmingham Royal Ballet - there are so many highlights but the Hippodrome means so much to me. My very first ballet was on here in 1948, and since then this theatre has been my home more than any other theatre in the world.”

Dancers from BRB will certainly miss David greatly, first soloist and ‘Beast’ Brandon Lawrence credits David with starting his professional career. “David had seen me at various school events and asked if I would

Under cover with the costume department...

like to join Birmingham Royal Ballet. So I joined in 2011 and now I’m on my eighth year/season!”

Brandon comments on how comfortable David makes everything, “when we’re in the studio with him it’s like a big family get together, he makes us feel so comfortable”.

Not that there aren’t challenges though: “Each season is a lot of work and I have been fortunate enough to have been pushed throughout by David, not just with the different roles but also with rankings. I joined as an artist and after three years he pushed

me to first artist, then to soloist and then to first soloist, which is my current role.”

David has obviously had a massive impact on Brandon’s life and the lives of many dancers.

“Not just speaking for myself but also speaking for all of the dancers he has developed. It’s just incredible how much David has achieved and how many people’s careers he has been a part of. He will be greatly missed.”

Brandon’s Breakthroughs We chart how Brandon Lawrence’s (the Beast) love for dance turned into a life-long career: Aged 8 - started dancing on Saturdays in Bradford.

Aged 11 - joined a local Ballet School and went on to a Summer School, now the Yorkshire Ballet Summer School.

Aged 14 - successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet School in London.

2011 - approached by David Bintley to join BRB after seeing him at various school events.

2018 - now a successful soloist on his eighth year with BRB.

Delia Mathews as Belle and Brandon Lawrence as the Beast

To book Beauty and the Beast at Birmingham Hippodrome, visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/ birmingham-royal-ballet-beauty-beast 15

HIPPODROME HEADLINER As the smiling face that greets our customers day-in-day-out, Liz Hope Visitor Services Assistant, chats with us after recently celebrating her 10 year anniversary with our theatre.

How long have you worked at Birmingham Hippodrome?

I started working here as a volunteer in December 2007. I became a Visitor Services Assistant in February 2008. I don’t know where all these years have gone but I understand the saying “time flies when you’re having fun”.

Tell us a little about your job?

I work front of house so my job involves making sure that our visitors have an enjoyable and memorable time. That can be on an auditorium door showing visitors to their seats and dealing with any problems or on the cloakroom or in a kiosk.

I am also trained in First Aid and for evacuation purposes.

Describe a typical working day?

My day starts with a briefing when we are told how many visitors will be attending a show. This includes information about wheelchairs, special effects, length of the show and if there are any hospitality events that day. All shifts are different there are many changes going on which have brought about the opportunity to train and work in different areas such as the bars, Circle Restaurant, Coffee Bar and hospitality. This is both challenging and exciting.

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What’s your favourite part of the job?

There’s nothing like live Theatre! To be in the auditorium and hear the excited chatter prior to a performance and the sudden quietness and anticipation as the show commences. The atmosphere is thrilling even when you are working on a door. I find working the Relaxed Performances most rewarding, it is truly a very special day.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

I am proud to have achieved my amazing long service award for the 10 years I have worked here. I am grateful for everything I have learnt and am still learning on the job.

What are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

I love Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker it’s like the start of Christmas followed of course by our wonderful panto - Peter Pan. I can’t wait for the return of Les Misérables, I’ve got my tickets and I’m dining in the Circle Restaurant for the first time!

If you could do anyone else’s job at the Birmingham Hippodrome for the day what would it be?

It’s probably already been said but because I work front of house I think it would be amazing to work behind the scenes as a Techie. Seeing the huge lorries arrive with all the equipment and then seeing the scenery being put together on the stage for the performance is amazing.

FUN FACT! Many years ago I won a competition and went to London and appeared in the Liberty X ‘A Night To Remember’ video for Children In Need. One of those blink and you miss me moments!

ON THE SCENE In the last issue, I gave you some highlights of recent events. This time, I thought I’d give you a sample of ‘a week in the life’ as the Hippodrome’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive.

WEDNESDAY Today I met with the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust, followed by our fabulous press night for my favourite show War Horse. Have to say, I had been waiting for three years for this day!

I’m very proud of all the amazing education and community work we have done around this production and WW1.

THURSDAY A slower start to the day due to the late night preceding. Mainly a much-needed desk day, with time for coffees with the team.

UK Theatre Awards

MONDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

I began at the Bloomberg offices in London, at a meeting of the Creative Industries Federation council, on which I sit. Discussions focussed on the contribution the creative industries make to the UK economy, how to grow entrepreneurship, and advocacy ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Then headed to Covent Garden, to sit on a panel to determine the winners of UK Theatre’s various awards.

A few months ago I had been named a finalist in the Women of the Year awards and finally, the big day had arrived. So I headed out for a photo call with the other finalists - all incredible women.

It was an honour to receive the ‘Jaguar’ Woman with Edge Award and a big congratulations to Sally Preston, founder and Managing Director of Kiddylicious, who scooped the Woman of the Year Award at the amazing event.

An early start for the annual UK Theatre awards. I am the current President of UK Theatre, the membership and advocacy body representing theatre and the performing arts nationally. As usual, I gave the opening President’s welcome, and then over lunch was seated with Michael Ellis MP, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, and a great theatre enthusiast.

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

I spent the morning reviewing proposals from our architects, who will be refreshing our foyers.

Ok, so technically the weekend, but when you do a job you love, everything gets a bit blurry. I’d been asked to chair a book launch as part of Birmingham Literature Festival. Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women who Dared to Dream is a beautifully illustrated book featuring 30 of the city’s fearless females from past and present.

Including our own Board member, Immy Kaur, the founder of Impact Hub and TedxBrum. Highly recommend it as a Christmas gift!

In the afternoon I attended a workshop run by Bravo 22 Company - a theatre group of military veterans who use their own experiences of serving to create theatre, and along the way, have found it to be of great therapeutic benefit.

Fiona Allan, signing off.

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OFF STAGE Lunchtime learning In partnership with West Midlands Growth Company, Creative Conversations made its return in September hosted by Sathnam Sanghera, best-selling author (The Boy with the Top Knot), journalist (The Times), and Wolverhampton native.

The regular series hosted Birmingham’s finest professionals for an afternoon of lively debates.

“Creative Conversations provides an opportunity to consider the value of culture to a range of different sectors. There isn’t a region better placed to lead this discussion, and I encourage people from across all industries to join us and find out more.”

Nicola Hewitt, Commercial Director at the West Midlands Growth Company.

For more information about our next Creative Conversations with Rosie Millard, visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/ creativeconversations

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Peter Pan Stars Fly into Birmingham Hippodrome It was a truly magical day as we welcomed the cast and producer Michael Harrison to the theatre for a Q&A at our Friends and Patrons reception. Afterwards, they had a chance to meet the cast, have posters signed and pose for photos.

The all-star line-up is led by singing sensation Jimmy Osmond, comedyactress and TV star Meera Syal, Hippodrome’s much-loved actor and panto star Matt Slack and Union J’s Jaymi Hensley. Joining them will be The Neverlanders, played by the amazing acrobatic-troupe Timbuktu Tumblers and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Sascha Williams as the Drunken Pirate.

Why not become a Friend or Patron and get exclusive invites to these events? For more information, visit: birminghamhippodrome.com/ memberships

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OFF STAGE Belly laughs at Kevin Bridges If it’s belly laughs and tasty street food you’re after, look no further than our Street Food Comedy Nights!

At our recent event alongside funny man Kevin Bridges, sponsored by property developers St Philips, we welcomed 90 guests to a cracking night of jokes and hospitality. In partnership with Molson Coors, guests enjoyed beer on ice and street food prepared by our Head Chef Melissa Menns and her team. We also had a pop-up bar on hand and tunes from our resident DJ Mazzy from Night Owl.

Up next, Street Food Comedy Night at Tim Minchin, Fri 16 Nov 2019.

To book, call 0121 689 3084 or email events@birminghamhippodrome.com

From one leading lady to another: Matilda Our fabulous Leading Ladies got together for some delicious food, a few drinks and a fantastic show.

Our exclusive reception at Matilda The Musical proved to be a huge hit with our members and their guests. Avid Roald Dahl fan and BBC presenter Kathryn Stanczyszyn hosted a Q&A with the company’s general manager and voice coach. Our guests chatted with phenomenal women in fascinating leading roles before seeing the little leading lady herself on the stage.

To join Leading Ladies please call Charlie on 0121 689 3085 or email charlespette@birmingham hippodrome.com

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Bollywood bonanza!

More than 150 guests joined us for a Gala Evening on the opening night of Bollywood dance extravaganza, Taj Express.

Our Patrick Studio was filled with colour, street carts and dressing to complement the dazzling show with a fabulous feast supplied by Mahirs Experience.

Evening host Hippodrome CEO & Artistic Director Fiona Allan, alongside Board Members Harj Millington, Immy Kaur and Ruth Pipkin from Birmingham Hippodrome’s Development Board, were joined by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce team, Qasim Majid, Dr Haseena Lockhat, Lakhbir Singh and Anjum Khan. Our generous table sponsors Clydesdale Yorkshire Bank and Gowling WLG helped boost the proceeds on the night in support of Hippodrome Projects. East End Foods’ Jason Wouhra ensured that all guests left with a spicy treat in the takeaway bags.

Post-show, our guests were treated to an appearance by the cast who, despite their on stage work out, were among the first to hit the dance floor to some classic tracks played by Amir at Cloud 9. Jai Ho! Why not join us for our next glitzy Gala Evening at Les Misérables? Birminghamhippodrome.com/ gala-evening-les-miserables

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COMPETITION!

fiveminute call

DID YOU SPOT? All Aboard!

Taj Express pulled into Birmingham New Street Station in September with a surprise performance from 18 members of the cast in full costume. The performance included Bollywood hits featured in Taj Express, transporting the kaleidoscopic colours of India into the heart of Birmingham.

Win a four night break in a hot tub holiday home courtesy of Darwin Escapes and two tickets to see the iconic Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.

We produce lots of pop-up performances around the city centre. If you spot our next one tag us in your pictures using @Brumhippodrome. Keep your eyes peeled…

When was the first production of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake staged?

Are you brushed up on your knowledge of this year’s panto cast?

This year’s swashbuckling pantomime adventure invites you on a high-flying journey through the story of Peter Pan, but how well do you know this year’s all-star line up?

1) Jimmy Osmond was the youngest member of The Osmonds, which of their singles was a UK number one hit in 1974?

A) Crazy Horses B) Love Me for a Reason C) Let Me In

To enter answer the question:

A) 1995 B) 2005 C) 2015

2) Meera Syal wrote the screenplay for which 2002 hit British film based on her novel of the same name?

Simply email your answer to press@birminghamhippodrome.com by 20 January 2019.

A) Anita and Me B) Bride and Prejudice C) East is East 3) Matt Slack is now a firm Birmingham panto favourite, but for how many consecutive years has he appeared including Peter Pan? A) Four B) Five C) Six 4) Jaymi Hensley is part of the boy band Union J, on which TV talent show did they rise to fame?

A) Britain’s Got Talent B) Pop Idol C) The X Factor

Answers:1) Love Me for a Reason • 2) Anita and Me • 3) Six • 4) The X Factor

QUIZ

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TICKETS & A RELAXING ESCAPE!

Terms & conditions apply, see website for details.

And finally a big round of applause to...

Major Gifts Mrs A Cole • Racheal & Adrian Jessop • Mrs T Justham • Peter Tod • Mr J. Weston • Anonymous Donors

Hippodrome Circle Patrons from £3,000+ Mark Hopton • Maureen & Roy Kirby Chris & Jane Loughran • Mr & Mrs Mosedale Mark & Amanda Smith • Simon & Kath Winner

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from £1,400

Jim & Birdie Ceaser • John & Heather Clemson • Sara & Tim Fowler • Averil Green Andy & Rebecca Hammond • Steve & Laura Kearney • Debbie & Mark Lilburne Michael & Cerys Luckman • Jeremy & Harjinder Millington • Tony & Julie Phillips Helen Thompson • Steve & Suzie Whittern • Neil & Polly Wilson • Phillip Wright Anthony & Daisy Gt Wyrley • David & Janine Young

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from £700

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