Stages Magazine - Issue 2

autumn/winter 2017

issue two

s t a g e s WIN TICKETS TO BEAUTIFUL + DINNER & MAKEOVER! SEE P22

Hey, Mr Producer!

MICHAEL HARRISON TALKS DIVAS & DAMES

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BEHIND THE SEAMS With Welsh National Opera’s costume department

PLAY YOUR PART From gala dinners to getting the VIP treatment

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS Our new programme of shows and musical themed talks

#myhippodrome

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE, POWERED BY YOU

Dates for your diary 2017 THU 7 SEP

Leading Ladies at Miss Saigon

APR TBC

Hansel & Gretel ‘A Twisted Tale’

SAT 9 SEP

Heritage Talk & Tour

THU 12 JUL

MON 18 SEP

Cinderella Pantomime Launch

Leading Ladies at The RSC’s Matilda The Musical

THU 21 SEP

Corporate Dinner at Miss Saigon

THU 19 JUL

Corporate Dinner at The RSC’s Matilda The Musical

FRI 22 SUN 24 SEP

Birmingham Weekender

THU 12 OCT

Leading Ladies at Hairspray

FRI 20 OCT

Afternoon Tea with Carlos Acosta Fundraising Event

THU 9 NOV

Corporate Dinner at Beautiful The Carole King Musical

THU 16 NOV

Leading Ladies at Sunset Boulevard

FRI 24 & SAT 25 NOV

Fundraising Gala Dinners at Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker

THU 7 DEC

Leading Ladies at The Nutcracker

SAT 16 DEC

Frost Fair

THU 21 DEC

Relaxed Performance at The Snow Dragon

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FRI 20 JUL

Fundraising Gala at The RSC’s Matilda The Musical

THU 25 OCT

Leading Ladies at The National Theatre’s War Horse

THEATRE EVENTS HIPPODROME CREATIVE

FUNDRAISING & MEMBER EVENTS LEADING LADIES

2018 WED 24 JAN

Relaxed Performance at Cinderella (12 noon and 6.15pm)

FRI 16 SUN 18 FEB

Chinese New Year

TUE 6 FEB

Leading Ladies at Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

THU 8 FEB

Supporters’ Dinner at Sir Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

FRI 9 FEB

Curtain Raiser at Sir Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

FRI 9 FEB

Fundraising Dinner at Sir Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

TUE 13 MAR

Curtain Raiser at Motionhouse Dance Theatre’s Charge

THU 5 APR

‘Wicked’ Fundraising Event

THU 12 APR

Leading Ladies at Wicked

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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Welcome to the second issue of 8

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FOOD & DRINK, SAIGON SUMMER ROLLS

CLASH OF DRUMS

6 WNO’S BEHIND THE SEAMS

20 BEST OF SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE

s t a g e s From Summer in Southside to the sensational opening of Miss Saigon, it’s been a busy summer! You can read all about what we've been up to in our News and Offstage pages.

Looking forward, our favourite festive season will soon be here, so we’re very excited that our Centre Stage interview is with the godfather of pantomimes himself, producer and director Michael Harrison oh yes it is!

As if that isn’t enough we also go Backstage with Welsh National Opera’s costume department, talk to our talented Head Chef Melissa Menns in Hippodrome Headliner, and have a very Beautiful competition for you lucky readers!

contents

We hope you enjoy it, as always you can email any feedback to press@birminghamhippodrome.com

4/5

NEWS

6/7

BACKSTAGE

8/9

FOOD & DRINK

10/11

PLAY YOUR PART

12-15

CENTRE STAGE

16

HIPPODROME HEADLINER

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ON THE SCENE

18-21

OFFSTAGE

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FIVE MINUTE CALL

Laura Smith Editor

Meet The Team Editor: Laura Smith Writers: Kate Evans, Amy Stutz, Diane Parkes Contributors: Rachael Magson, Judith Greenburgh, Andy Hannon, Jonathan Thompson, Andy Reeves, Fiona Allan, Ben Garry, Rosie Milsom, Ben Wooldridge Photography: Simon Hadley, Joe Bailey, Viv Bailey, Jack Spicer Adams, Pamela Raith, Hugo Glendinning, Steve Eggleton Dan Lowenstein With thanks to long-term supporters and print partners

Front cover: Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

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NEWS

THE GREATEST SHOW-ROUND ON EARTH Over 100 visitors from a wide variety of sectors, regional agencies and group bookers recently attended our open day - finding out more about our reputation for delivering meetings, conferences, private partiesand corporate hospitality.

Some of our recent successes included a 450-person ‘Winter Is Coming’ themed awards ceremony for the Casual Dining Group, The West Midlands Volunteer Awards on behalf of Ironbridge Gorge Museum and an on-stage welcome event for Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Arts.

The event also drew support from Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive at Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce who said: ‘I encourage businesses of all sizes to consider using the excellent facilities at Birmingham Hippodrome for meetings, conferences and events of any kind. I know from experience that you can expect first class service and the new-look rooms are also first-rate.

VOLUNTEERS TAKE A BOW

Both Trevor and Roz take a great deal of time and care looking after audience members who are here to watch a performance, but are also specialists in looking after the blind or partially sighted and assist with their guide dogs during the show. They are also members of our Access Forum and make sure to feedback any comments and questions so we are always improving our service.

A big Hippodrome thank you to Trevor and Roz who have volunteered with us for over 4 years.As recognition of all their hard work with our Touch Tours, allowing audience members with limited or no sight to experience theatre in a unique way, they have been awarded the prize of BVSC Volunteer of the Year!

SEASON OF NEW TALKS & COURSES This season, find out more about the process of creating live theatre. Upcoming events include an intimate conversation

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A meeting at the theatre also supports their charity work, just another great reason to do business there.’

To find out more, please call 0844 338 6500 or email events@ birminghamhippodrome.com

Congratulations!!!

with British composer, Errollyn Wallen as she delves into her career and composing the contemporary opera ‘Anon’ which explores the exploitation of women around the world.

We also welcome Dr Victoria Flood as she shares her insight into fairy tale narratives as BRB’s Sleeping Beauty and Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella fast approach.

If you’re a fan of musicals, to celebrate the opening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, we look into the powerful themes of the original movie.

We will also be holding an in-depth weekly talk indulging in the captivating history of musical theatre.

Visit birminghamhippodrome.com/ whats-on to find out more.

Clash of Drums

WOWS GUARANTEED AT WEEKENDER Birmingham Weekender returns bigger and better than ever from 22 - 24 September with a whopping 120 performances, 300+ artists and 26 new commissions.

Join us in the city centre for three FREE days of dance, music, art, exhibitions and performances.

Roam the streets and come face-to-face with live orchestras, parades featuring mechanical elephants, tutus and ballet dancers, Chinese lions and dragons, contemporary dance, sword dancing and much, much more for the whole family to enjoy.

On Saturday night we present a spectacular free performance for the city on the Eastside Green. Clash of Drums is a big, bright, explosion of an event featuring an exhilarating mix of rhythmic drumming, colourful lights and sparkling fireworks. One simply not to be missed. www.birminghamweekender.com

NEW CHAIR TAKES UP ROLE Earlier this year, John Crabtree announced he will step down as our Chair after serving a highly successful and enthusiastic 16 years as a Trustee. John oversaw a period of recovery and consolidation following the theatre’s renovation in 2001, transforming Birmingham Hippodrome into the single most popular theatre in the UK welcoming, on average, annual audiences of over 500,000. He will continue in an informal ambassadorial role for the theatre.

CELEBRATING THE UK-INDIA YEAR OF CULTURE 2017 WITH ADITI MANGALDAS This year marks the 70th anniversary of the declaration of Indian Independence.To commemorate this historic landmark and to celebrate the deep cultural ties that bind the UK with India, Birmingham Hippodrome is proud to present Aditi Mangaldas’ brand new dance work, Dance_Interrupted on Mon 23 Oct as part of the official UK-India Year of Culture 2017 celebrations.

Blending traditional Kathak with contemporary dance forms, this powerful new piece, performed by a cast of eight dancers and four musicians, is part of a year-long cultural programme of celebration delivered in association with some of the UK’s major arts venues including Shakespeare’s Globe, Sadler’s Wells, Barbican Centre and Festival Theatre Edinburgh.

To find out more about some of the fantastic events taking place across the UK this Autumn, visit uk-india.britishcouncil.in

Andy Hogarth, a Trustee since February 2015, will take over the role as the new Chair. Having held senior roles in a wide range of businesses including retail, healthcare, hospitality and construction, he is currently CEO of Staffline Group plc, and a Trustee of an elderly care charity. Speaking of his appointment he said: “People have been coming to this great theatre for generations, where such amazing performances have been staged. As someone from a non-artistic background, to be part of this is a real privilege”.

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BACK STAGE

BEHIND THE SEAMS OF‌

Welsh National Opera’s costume department Centered around powerful themes like the Russian Revolution, Welsh National Opera are bringing four iconic operas to Birmingham this Autumn. We caught up with Head of Costume Sian Price to find out what goes into making these productions so spectacular!

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What does your job as Head of Costume involve?

Each new production comes with a designer so, usually, the first thing we do is to set up a meeting with them to discuss their vision and ideas and what the next steps are moving forward. The next stage is researching the various different fabrics that we need and ordering in samples.

Once we have decided on the fabrics, we then set about creating the costumes to fit the performer playing the role. As we are a touring company, this makes things a lot more difficult as you can imagine. We really have to make the most of the time we have whilst the production is in Cardiff to conduct any fittings. Generally, a lot of performers with Welsh National Opera return to play the same roles which means that we can amend the original costumes. That said – there are still plenty of new costumes we have to create from scratch!

What can you tell us about the costumes?

The shows are so different, in Eugene Onegin we have a large chorus of 40. Most of the costumes follow a similar colour palette of earthy tones but – built into this – we’ve created a series of costumes using different fabrics and grades in order to make each performer an individual. The Head of Wigs will then allocate a wig per performer in order to make them look as different as possible. In Khovanschina the men wear a lot of leather. We actually buy this in from a company in Germany as the leather is already distressed, making it look old and worn which is perfect. Also we have impressive pieces like the long red jacket worn by Robert Haywood who is returning to perform the role this season.

“Some costumes we have to recreate and others we can recycle.

If we are recreating a costume, the fabric has to be as close as possible to the original”

In From The House Of The Dead. the colours are much darker. It’s funny because I actually sewed those costumes 20 years ago and now they’re back!

Do the costumes change at all for the revival?

Everything should be exactly the same. For every new production, are always provided with what we call a ‘costume bible’, containing the original designs and lots and lots of notes. For example in Khovanschina, our cast are very different from last time around, as we have gone from a very slight gentlemen of 5’10’’ to a larger framed gentlemen who is eight inches taller to play our prince. So some costumes we have to recreate and others we can recycle. If we are recreating a costume, the fabric has to be as close as possible to the original.

A lot of fabrics are one-off, so if they were brought on a market stall or from somewhere that doesn’t exist anymore, we have to find something with the same tone. If it’s not quite right, we dye it. Also we can’t let it look like a new costume, so we wash it multiple times in order to take the body out of it.

When does the process of creating the costumes start?

We are always working a season ahead, so when the company were out on tour with the summer season, we started looking at Khovanschina. House of The Dead will be the last show we work on.

It’s equally as important, of course, it’s just that most characters only have one costume so it is much simpler to create. At the same time, we are already working on next year’s spring season. There’s never a dull moment in Wardrobe!

What is the most challenging part of creating this season’s costumes?

It is actually sorting out all the footwear! With Khovanschina, the particular boots that were chosen last time were army boots. The show hasn’t toured for ten years so, upon researching what was required, we discovered that the soles have cracked and are crumbling, meaning we have had to replace the boots and get them repainted. Also our chorus have changed a lot since the original production so we have had to do a lot of resizing.

What show is your favourite to work on?

I like different productions for different reasons. I love the quirkiness of Khovanschina but I also have great memories of working with different people on From The House of The Dead, and I find the dance scene in act three of Eugene Onegin really amusing!

“In From The House of the Dead the colours are much darker, it’s funny because I actually sewed those costumes 20 years ago and now they’re back!”

VIRTUAL REALITY MEETS OPERA WNO’s mobile Virtual Reality Experience will be arriving in Birmingham with the UK Tour of their Autumn season, allowing members of the public to experience opera in a whole new way. The Magic Butterfly is their free Virtual Reality Experience that combines motion capture, animation, music and technology to transport you into a different world. Focusing on their famous operas The Magic Flute and Madam Butterfly, the two short experiences are the perfect introduction to opera. It’s a fully immersive re-imagining of opera scenes that will captivate the audiences of Birmingham!

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FOOD & DRINK

Ingredients

WHAT’S HOT...

SAIGON SUMMER ROLLS

with sweet chilli vinaigrette

For the rolls… (Makes 12) 100g vermicelli rice noodles 1 chilli de-seeded 12 x 20cm round rice paper wrappers Mint leaves 200g cooked prawns Gem lettuce leaves, torn into 12 pieces A handful of coriander 1 carrot thin strips 2tbs sesame oil 2tbs light soy sauce For the dressing…

1 small red chilli de-seeded finely chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger 1 tbsp golden caster sugar 3 tbsp fish sauce Juice 1 lime 1 tbsp rice vinegar Method To make your dressing, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, fish sauce and rice vinegar. Add the ginger and chilli and set to one side.

Soak the rice noodles in a bowl of hot water for 15 mins with the sesame oil and soy sauce for seasoning then drain well. Create a line of all the prepared filling ingredients as you will need to work quickly.

When you are ready to make the rolls, dip one of the rice papers in a bowl of cold water, moving it around until the whole wrapper starts to soften – about 10-15 secs – allow excess to run off.

Place a rice paper wrapper on a board and at one edge of the wrapper, add the prawns, a sprinkle of de-seeded chilli then two mint leaves on top, then some noodles, a few carrot strips, 3 coriander leaves. Finish with a gem lettuce leaf which will help to hold the filling together, then you are ready to roll.

The heat is on... an easy recipe to bring a taste of Asia to your evening meal inspired by our recent epic musical Miss Saigon.

Lift the edge of the rice paper wrapper nearest to you over the filling and, holding the filling in position with your fingers, start rolling up tightly.

When you’re about halfway, fold the ends of the rice paper in and over the filling so that it is completely enclosed.

Keep on rolling tightly until the whole rice paper wrapper is rolled up. To serve, cut the rolls in half on the diagonal and enjoy with the dipping sauce.

CURTAIN-UP COCKTAILS Ahead of your evening show, relax and unwind from a busy day with our cocktail hour.

Taking place from 5.30pm - 6.30pm, enjoy two cocktails themed around the performance that evening for just £10, or take advantage of our house wine offering, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot for just £15.

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BEST We’re proud to announce that our in-house OF LUCK TO catering team has been nominated for THE HAR DWORKIN Heritage & Arts Establishment of the Year in G TEAM the 2017 Sports and Leisure Catering Awards.

These prestigious awards recognise venues from across the country, with the finalists invited to London in September for the awards dinner and presentation.

“I’m so proud of all the team here and for what we’ve achieved. It is fantastic when all the hard work that the guys put into creating the food and delivering service is recognised by industry experts, not just our audiences” Andy Hogarth, Catering & Events Manager.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Join us in our awardwinning Circle restaurant for a festive celebration with trademark Birmingham Hippodrome style or hire one of our event spaces for an exclusive showstopping night out with friends, family or colleagues.

Champagne festival

Catering team receives recognition

Our first ever Festival of Champagne in partnership with LaurentPerrier proved to be a corking success during May and June. Sponsored

by Brewin Dolphin, this signature event included a delicious five course tasting menu in our Circle restaurant.

Head of Birmingham Office, Adam Wilkins said,

“We were delighted to support the Festival of Champagne Tasting Dinner. A great quality, fun and entertaining evening was enjoyed by all.”

Fifty guests were put through their tasting paces of the family-owned luxury French brand portfolio by Tony Carter, Laurent-Perrier National Brand Ambassador. Among the highlights was La Cuvée, the first champagne to be launched by Laurent-Perrier since 1981, the sublime Alexandra Rose named after the eldest daughter of Bernard De Nonancourt and the Ultra Brut, much-favoured by some due to its lower sugar content.

Among the other events in the Festival was the ever-popular Leading Ladies champagne tasting supper attended by thirty guests and which helped to raise £1,000 for Hippodrome CREATIVE.

Head Chef, Melissa Menns, has created an exceptional seasonal menu whilst the stage is set for music and dancing, leaving you to turn up the party atmosphere.

Christmas is the perfect time to add theatrical flair to your event, so let us take the stress out of organising your night out this year in a unique setting guaranteed to entertain. There is still availability in the Circle restaurant on Mon 11, Thu 14, Fri 15 Dec at 7.15pm and lunchtime on Mon 11 and Thu 14 Dec at 12.45pm. Private hospitality suites are also available for groups of 10+.

For more details about how to celebrate Christmas at Birmingham Hippodrome take a look at birminghamhippodrome.com/ christmasparties or call 0844 338 6500.

0844 calls to us will cost you 4.5p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

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PLAY YOUR PART

ON THE VERGE This July, we proudly hosted an energising and exciting national conference, ‘On the Verge’, bringing together venues, independent companies and artists working in the field of Learning Disability arts. Beginning with a challenging and stimulating keynote from The Stage journalist Lyn Gardner (pictured right), and ending with a moving presentation from comedian and writer Henry Normal about his son, the day explored how to open up access to higher profile stages for artists with Learning Disabilities.

Breakthroughs in Learning Disability Performance

Organisations as diverse as the RSC, The National Theatre, Learning Disability specialists Hijinx Theatre and Access All Areas led the debate with panel and breakout discussions.

Artists from the Hippodrome’s resident Learning Disability company BecauseWeCanCanCan were also very much central to the day.

“Thought provoking... it provided a forum and lots of stimulus for us to further our discussions and thoughts regarding our work with Learning Disabled Artists” Conference attendee

LOVE THEATRE? WE NEED YOUR HELP… Did you knowwe fundraise over £1million a year to deliver our Hippodrome projects? From free festivals for families to increasing access for those with special needs, we reach over 100,000 participants a year through our Hippodrome CREATIVE programme.

So why not make us your charity of choice? Whether you go it alone or club together with friends, nominate us at your school or college, or through your work place, there are lots of ways you can raise funds for Birmingham Hippodrome. From hosting a bake sale or running a marathon to nominating us as your Charity Of The Year, your support could make a real difference.

Simply call the Fundraising Team on 0121 689 3068 to see how you can make a difference. Or email fundraising@ birminghamhippodrome.com All funds raised will support our ambition to create One Million Hippodrome Moments for young people, vulnerable adults and local communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

BOURNE TALKS BUSINESS What better way to start our occasional series of business speaker lunches than with one of the UK’s top choreographers?

Sir Matthew Bourne joined us for ‘The Business of Show Business’ to share insight into his entrepreneurial journey with his company, New Adventures, and explain how it has grown from an initial six members into an enterprise with global audiences of five million.

Guests had a chance to ask questions, indulge in some photos and enjoy a twocourse lunch before heading back to the office.

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Hosted by the Hippodrome’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director Fiona Allan, who was joined by Hippodrome Chairman Andy Hogarth, the lunchtime event was sponsored by FCB Manby Bowdler and attended by over fifty members of the business community.

Future dates in our series, “The Business of Show Business” will be announced shortly.

GET THE VIP TREATMENT Join us at one of our forthcoming fundraising galas for your chance to enjoy plenty of fun, fizz and theatre. We have a reputation for delivering special events with theatrical flair and all funds raised will support our work with young people and families throughHippodrome CREATIVE.

Welcome on board!

PLAY YOUR PART

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

PROJECT PARTNERS The Forum Brewin Dolphin Pinsent Masons Marco Pierre White PERFORMANCE PARTNERS PET-Xi We Clean KPMG ASSOCIATE PARTNERS RSM

Afternoon Tea with Carlos Acosta

Wicked Fundraising Event

Fri 20 Oct, 2pm

£90pp

£49.50pp

Return to Oz with us as Wicked flies back into Birmingham! Each ticket includes a welcome drink and a light supper of sharing platters, a top-price theatre ticket, a show programme and a sweet treat in the interval. Click your heels three times and join us for a journey back down the yellow brick road.

Enjoy a private audience with dance legend, Carlos Acosta at this exclusive fundraiser. This event includes afternoon tea with prosecco in our award-winning restaurant and a Q&A with the renowned dancer and choreographer hosted by Hippodrome CEO and Artistic Director, Fiona Allan.

Fundraising Gala Dinner at Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Thu 5 Apr 18

To book or find out more, call the Fundraising Team on 0121 689 3068 or at fundraising@ birminghamhippodrome.com or visit birminghamhippodrome.com/ fundraisingevents

GOOD COMPANY CLUB Squire Patton Boggs Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care LEADING LADIES Louise Astill - Messam & Rider Ltd Amanda Dodd - Northwood Solihull Victoria Emery - HSBC Stacey Wolford - Holiday Inn Linda Mcbride - Consulting Rooms Birmingham Rebecca Delmore - Park Regis Birmingham SPONSORS Tilney - Curtain Raiser 2018 Park Regis Birmingham Fundraising Gala at Matilda The Musical

Fri 24 & Sat 25 Nov, 5pm £160pp Join us for an evening to remember alongside BRB’s heart-warming family favourite, The Nutcracker at one of two spectacular fundraising Gala Dinners this festive season. Begin your evening with a sparkling drinks reception before enjoying a three-course meal, and then taking your seats for this much loved ballet. All funds raised will support the creation of a new Ballet Access Fund.

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CENTRE STAGE

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Michael Harrison

>

With stellar pantomime Cinderella about to hit Birmingham Hippodrome this winter, West End producer Michael Harrison discusses how he balances producing 35 pantomimes across the country, and why he loves to bring his megamusicals to the Midlands.

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“With all the shows that I’m planning I would like to think that when they tour they will come to Birmingham Hippodrome”

For producer Michael Harrison the autumn is no time for putting his feet up – “We’ve got 35 pantomimes this year,” says Michael, who is managing director of Qdos Entertainments Pantomimes. “I’ll personally produce 16 of them and direct three.”

One of those three will be our very own Cinderella. First created for the London Palladium last Christmas, the show has been totally revamped for Birmingham with a new cast including Wolverhampton soul diva Beverley Knight as the Fairy Godmother, Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac as Prince Charming, former Hear’Say singer Suzanne Shaw, comedians Matt Slack and The Grumbleweeds and Ceri Dupree and Phil Randal as the Ugly Sisters.

Now in his eighth year directing Birmingham Hippodrome’s festive extravaganza, Michael understands only too well that the pantomime has to be unique to the city.

“Pantomime is a celebration of local culture so if you can tap into that and what is going on in the city then it works.

That needs to be more than just a local reference like saying you’ve gone to the Bullring - it takes real imagination.”

As a producer of West End and touring shows including The Bodyguard, Gypsy, Mrs Henderson Presents and The Witches of Eastwick, Michael is always on the look-out for stars who would fit perfectly into the world of pantomime.

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“I’ve worked with Beverley Knight in the West End and in Toronto and she was always someone I wanted to get into pantomime and it seemed obvious with her Midlands connections that Birmingham would be the first place that she did it. She is going to bring something very new to the show.”

“Danny Mac had never done a pantomime before and since his profile in Strictly he’s able to combine West End musicals with pantomime. He’s also in Sunset Boulevard so is touring with that and then coming to do the pantomime.”

“Matt Slack is back because he has proved to be so successful in Birmingham and there would probably be public outcry if he wasn’t.”

Behind the glitz and glamour of the modern pantomime, Michael is keen for the shows to retain their roots in popular theatre.

“Pantomime is an art form and it’s not a natural world for all actors. It’s very hard to rehearse and that throws a lot of performers – it’s difficult when you go out for the first few shows because you’re not necessarily expecting the reaction you’ll get. That is why people who can really do it, people like The Grumbleweeds, are masters of the art form, they know how it works, they know how to work against others and they know how to work the audience.”

This November sees Michael bringing two other productions to the Hippodrome,

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and Sunset Boulevard. While very different, Michael says both productions came out of his love for the musicals.

“Sunset Boulevard is a show that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he says.

“Sunset only ever toured the UK once and after that the tour kind of went away. And then it came back at the London Coliseum with Glenn Close as Norma Desmond.

Some shows come round again and again and again but Sunset hasn’t so it feels incredibly fresh.”

“The source material is fantastic and the musical has such beautifully defined characters – it’s Andrew Lloyd Webber at his best with a huge melodic score and his best songs.”

Taking the role of faded film star Norma is Ria Jones – who understudied for Glenn Close in London.

“I had tickets to go and see Glenn and I rocked up to the theatre and was told Glenn wasn’t appearing and Ria Jones would be playing the part,” recalls Michael. “I knew Ria Jones because I had worked with her before, and in fact she has played pantomime in Birmingham. So I think there was huge disappointment from everyone in the audience apart from me because I knew how good she was.”

“The audience booed when it was announced that Glenn Close was being replaced with Ria. And at the end of her first song, which is the wonderful With

Harrison’s Hits 2007

Cinderella starring Brian Conley

2008 Aspects of Love starring David Essex

2009 The Witches of Eastwick starring Marti Pellow Sleeping Beauty starring Joe Pasquale

2011 Chess directed by Craig Revel Horwood

2012 I Dreamed a Dream - The Susan Boyle Musical Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates starring Brian Conley

2013 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring John Partridge, Gok Wan, Stephanie Beacham, Gary Wilmot and Paul Zerdin

2014 Jack and the Beanstalk starring Jane McDonald, Duncan James, Chris Gascoyne, Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack

One Look, the audience were on their feet giving Ria a standing ovation. So I thought we’ve got to give her a chance to play this role in her own right.”

Beautiful takes audiences away from Hollywood and into New York in the 1960s.

“I first saw Beautiful on Broadway just as an audience member and I have to confess then knowing very little about Carole King,” says Michael. “It was a huge hit on Broadway and is just coming to the end of a two-year run in the West End.” “Carole King is a remarkable lady who was writing music at a very special time at The Brill Building in New York which was known as the ‘Hit Factory’ because so many people were in its offices writing successful songs. Even in her early days she was writing for people like The Drifters and The Everly Brothers - songs like ‘Up on the Roof’ and ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’.”

“And then she progressed into an artist in her own right who performed her own songs and the show tells that story and details the relationship with her husband Gerry Goffin who was her writing partner and what happened in that marriage. It’s got a fantastic score and you’re amazed because you keep thinking “wow, did she write that song as well?”

“It wouldn’t matter at all if you knew nothing about Carole King – you would just be impressed by the score and the story. And that’s good, you shouldn’t have

to know the ins and outs of every show before you see it.”

2015 The Bodyguard starring Alexandra Burke Barnum starring Brian Conley

Both shows are only the latest in a string of successful productions Michael has brought to the Hippodrome including Funny Girl, Annie, Barnum and The Bodyguard.

Annie starring Craig Revel Horwood

“Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the best theatres in the country. It’s in a great city, the audience are terrific and the fact that the auditorium is designed with only two levels, which is incredibly rare in the theatres in the rest of the UK, means you get 1,800 seats but can still be relatively intimate.”

Dick Whittington starring John Barrowman, Steve Mcfadden, The Krankies, Matt Slack and Jodie Prenger

And he expects to continue that close relationship into next year and beyond.

Cinderella starring Beverley Knight, Danny Mac, Matt Slack, Suzanne Shaw, The Grumbleweeds, Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall

“With all of the shows that I’m planning I would like to think that when they tour they will come to Birmingham Hippodrome. I’m doing a brand new version of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein in the West End this year and I can’t imagine a world in which when it tours we wouldn’t want to bring it here because it’s a perfect, fun show that the Birmingham audience would enjoy. Every show I do I like to bring Birmingham Hippodrome. The people of Birmingham are really spoilt by having that theatre.”

Aladdin starring Marti Pellow, Julian Clary, Lee Mead and Matt Slack

2016

2017 Funny Girl starring Sheridan Smith Beautiful - The Carole King Musical Sunset Boulevard starring Ria Jones

Above: Dick Whittington, below (clockwise): Funny Girl, The Bodyguard, Beautiful, Annie

For details of Sunset Boulevard, Beautiful and Cinderella, please visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000.

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HIPPODROME HEADLINER Melissa Menns is the Head Chef at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Her varied 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.

How long have you worked at the Hippodrome?

I started working here last March, so just over a year now, but I began working as a Sous Chef and I was promoted this year to Head Chef.

Describe your job?

One of my main responsibilities is to create the menus. I make sure I ask for input from the other chefs as I like them to be involved too so they don’t just feel like they’re being told what to do, and they have some ownership over what we are serving. I also do day-to-day management of health and safety, food safety, rotas and managing the team. Obviously cooking is a major part of it too and is what I love. It can be very fast-paced, and demanding in a good way Ultimately it’s a very rewarding job and I get to work with some very nice people. I really enjoy working here, it’s very different to places I’ve worked before as I used to do a lot of hotel-based work and Birmingham Hippodrome has a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Describe a typical working day?

I normally start between 9am and 10am, I come in and do my restaurant booking checks and make sure we’re organised for any hospitality functions that are on. I then double check to see if timings have changed or if any booking numbers have gone up. Afterwards, I do my health and safety checks to ensure the fridges are at the right temperature, the stoves are working and make sure everything is in working order for the day ahead. I then brief the chefs on what is happening for the day and begin basic preparation before starting service. Most of my job 16

now is mainly administrative so I am in lots of meetings to go through the different areas of catering required for things like gala dinners, press nights and events.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Definitely cooking, and knowing that everyone has enjoyed their food. I love being creative and being able to express myself through my food. I really like to mix things up and bring a modern twist to traditional meals.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

Probably the very difficult transition as I went from Sous Chef to Head Chef. Then definitely dealing with The Red Shoes week, I had to step up as the team wasn’t at full capacity at the time and we had two galas and quite a few dinners. It was basically me, and a lot of people asking me a lot of questions - I managed to be in hospitality and the restaurant at the same time! Also the Las Iguanas awards, which Birmingham Hippodrome produced. I am very proud to say that was me overseeing it from start to finish. I created the menu, did the presentation and of course the event catering for over 400 people in a Digbeth warehouse!

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

Now I’ve had my Miss Saigon experience, it has to be The Nutcracker because I just love the ballets and everything about Christmas!

“I really like to mix things up and bring a modern twist to traditional meals”

ON THE SCENE Fiona Allan, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Birmingham Hippodrome, looks forward to our new season highlights.

It doesn’t feel like we have had much of a summer, and already my attention is turning to shortening days and the fact that we will soon be counting down to the busy festive season. Which seems crazy, doesn’t it? For me, summer always seems to end with my annual trip up to Edinburgh for the festival – this year just as manic and brilliantly bonkers as evera cornucopia of the sublime and the ridiculous.

In late September Birmingham will be having its own huge arts festival Birmingham Weekender. Birmingham Hippodrome’s biggest contribution to this will be Clash of Drums, a free outdoor spectacle on the Saturday night featuring an impressive drumming performance and pyrotechnic display.

Over Autumn we have many more gems to be discovered in our Patrick Centre studio, and if you’ve never been before, I urge you to have a look. The programme is definitely different to our main stage offer; lots of dance and physical theatre, and productions for family audiences.

And the season culminates with our first ever Christmas show for younger families; We are proud to be presenting The Snow Dragon from Tall Stories, the company that tours The Gruffalo, which is for

children aged 3 and over - and for those of us grown-ups who just want a dose of magic and whimsy.

Of course, The Nutcracker and Pantomime remain the favourite staples of our Christmas diet, without which it just wouldn’t seem like Christmas in Birmingham (on no it wouldn’t!). This year we will join forces with Birmingham Royal Ballet to do two joint gala dinners, raising money to ensure better accessibility to ballet and dance productions here at the Hippodrome (to find out more see p10/11).

But it’s not all about the blockbusters, and there are many gems to be found in the programme. Free talks and events, the TEDxBrum conference in October, and the expanding programme in our studio offers up a treasure trove of alternative treats.

Personally, I’m looking forward to The Play That Goes Wrong and Motionhouse’s Charge, both in March.

So plenty to enjoy in the coming season indoor, outdoor, large scale and intimate Birmingham Hippodrome is making huge efforts to present shows for all ages, all tastes and all budgets. I hope you find something you like.

And then onto our panto Cinderella, and a star-studded line up including two musical theatre favourites who will be appearing in panto for the very first time: Beverley Knight and Danny Mac. My prediction is that they will take to panto like ducks to water, with their talents how could they not?

Spring brings fairy-tale season, with Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty, followed by the spellbinding Wicked. On to Matilda then over the summer, and War Horse in Autumn. It’s going to be an incredible year.

“It’s not all about the blockbusters, and there are many gems to be found in the programme”

This Christmas we’ll be presenting The Snow Dragon in our Patrick Centre 17

Miss Birmingham meets Miss Saigon.

OFF STAGE Welcome To Dreamland Red Carpet Royalty, Rickshaw Rides and A Taste of Vietnam!

When it comes to five-star spectacle and unbeatable production values, musicals don’t come much bigger than Miss Saigon, which is why the heat was truly on for the official opening of the new UK Tour of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical on 1 Aug. Featuring a red carpet reception, a Vietnamese street-scene complete with bamboo accessories and rickshaw and a stunning Studio 5 re-vamp inspired by the bright lights of Dreamland, our glittering press night reception saw over 120 local press, media, celebrities and VIP guests gather at Birmingham Hippodrome to celebrate the opening of our sizzling Summer blockbuster in style!

With the five star reviews still flooding in and our Social Media feeds inundated with incredible feedback for the show, there’s still a chance to experience the best of the West End in the West Midlands. But you’ll have to hurry!

Miss Saigon closes 23 September.

“Mind blowing.

Awe inspiring.

Emotional.

A true masterpiece.

You NEED to see @MissSaigonUK @brumhippodrome NOW!” #worldclass #yesicried Heart FM’s Ed James

Award-winning blogger Dave Massey (Brum Hour) enjoys a taste of the East in our Vietnamese-inspired Atrium.

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Right: Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone swaps the drama of the pitch for the thrill of the theatre.

Left: Birmingham Hippodrome Young Ambassadors join Heart FM Breakfast presenters Ed James and Gemma Hill (right) on the red carpet.

Left: Broadcast legends Bob Warman, Nick Owen and Mike Prince join the festivities. Above: Artistic Director and CEO, Fiona Allan works the crowds at our Dreamland-themed drinks reception.

The cast of BBC’s Doctors inject some showbiz glamour into proceedings.

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OFF STAGE A flock of 20,000 enjoy Summer in Southside This year’s Summer in Southside festival proved to be a super success as over 20,000 people enjoyed a weekend of free family fun.

Sheep-racing through the streets of Southside, maypole dancing with a contemporary twist, a farm constructed entirely from cardboard and a ‘clucking’ chorus line of ballet-dancing chickens were just some of the highlights of the festival which involved over 120 performances from across the globe.

Among the many weird and wonderful highlights from this year's festival were live performances from Coventry-based theatre company The Fabularium, dance from Lions of Punjab.

Our dedicated Ewe-Tube Takeover featuring Facebook Live broadcasts across the weekend saw nearly 64,000 video views in total! and S in S quote tweet: “How fun does the #SummerInSouthside festival look?

We had a great time with @brumhippodrome at the launch tonight!” Love Brum via Twitter. The extraordinary event was made possible through Hippodrome Creative, our programme of major outdoor festivals, learning and events which has reached over 300,000 people.

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WANT TO ?

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n with volu TIVE We work me CREA ro d o p ip itor our H is V r u me, in o ajor program all our m t a d n a am te @ s e is rr ic a Serv rah . Email za e.com festivals ippodrom h m a h g 1 9 1 birmin 3 9 8 21 6 or call 01 ore. m t u o d n to fi

Dancing in the streets Young dancers from across the region joined us this summer for U-Dance - an exciting local engagement programme that brought together local schools and dance groups. Literally spilling out of our doors and dancing on the streets, this unique event was devised by Hippodrome Creative in partnership with One Dance UK and Dance Xchange.

Freeman Dance kicked things off the weekend before the festival, wowing hundreds of commuters with a surprise 50-strong flash mob at Grand Central. During the wider U-Dance festival weekend itself, a dynamic foyer programme plus outdoor performances in Hippodrome square sent spaces inside and outside Birmingham Hippodrome into a dance frenzy!

“The experience of a life time!”

Pupil, Starbank Secondary School

From New Street station to a relaxed performance: a Curious day To celebrate the arrival of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, we took lead character ‘Christopher Boone’ to Birmingham New St Station, where he and his pet Toby the rat appeared a little lost...

Harborne actor Sam Newton returned to his hometown to perform as Christopher in the National Theatre hit play. Sam and fellow cast and crew opened the show at the Birmingham Hippodrome with an incredible Relaxed Performance attended by over 900 people.

This was the first time we have ever opened the show with a Relaxed Performance, designed to cater for people with special needs who may find going to the theatre challenging. Our expansion of relaxed performances has only been possible thanks to generous donors who have supported our fundraising campaign a big THANKS! 21

COMPETITION!

fiveminute call

DID YOU KNOW? Birmingham Hippodrome’s Front of House Visitor Services Team comprises of over 120 people including 30 volunteers which we fondly call ‘Our Cast’. They are each responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our audience at every performance.

Each year we receive thousands of applications to join ‘our cast’.

Each application is matched against strict criteria, we then hold auditions for those who make the grade – this is a four hour process where each applicant has the chance to shine in front of our ‘casting directors’. From the thousands of applications we receive we hire only 40 new cast members each year.

TICKETS AND MAKEOVER FOR TWO

Just like the extraordinary actors and actresses that appear on our stage our front of house cast also go through an intense rehearsal process before appearing in front of our audience. This includes three rehearsal workshops covering everything from auditorium etiquette to evacuation procedures.

They must also complete at least five practical rehearsals working alongside a leading member of our front of house cast our ‘Rehearsal Captains’ to ensure they meet the required standards to deliver the exceptional service our visitors have come to expect.

They must also follow ‘the script’, our very own guide to world class service and pass an exam at the end of the process.

Win the ultimate package for two for you and a friend; dinner, tickets for Beautiful The Carole King Musical, and a complimentary makeover courtesy of Blow Ltd to help you both feel beautiful too!

The whole process can take up to three weeks to complete and each new cast member must complete the entire process before getting to wear our uniform and appear in front of our audience on what we like to call their ‘opening night’.

It’s so much more than just selling ice creams!

This year marks an incredible 60 years since pantomime was first staged at Birmingham Hippodrome... that’s A LOT of glitter! And with the news just in that Soul Diva and Proud Midlander, Beverley Knight, will make her panto debut in this year’s star-studded production of Cinderella, what better way to celebrate than with a look back at some of the iconic stars who have slapped on the greasepaint and trod the Hippodrome boards across the years! How many can YOU name?

Which famous singer appeared in the 1958 production of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ at Birmingham Hippodrome?

A) Carl Perkins B) Buddy Holly C) David Whitfield Which famous female presenter and songstress starred in the 1983 production of Jack and the Beanstalk in the title role of Jack?

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To enter answer the question:

What was the name of Carole King’s breakthrough album?

A) Cilla Black B) Shirley Bassey C) Judi Dench In which year did Lily Savage star alongside Kris Akabusi and Lizzie Wiggins in the wicked pantomime spectacular ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’?

A) 1992 B) 1996 C) 1999 Which famous fashionista made his Hippodrome panto debut in 2013 starring alongside John Partridge, Stephanie Beacham, Gary Wilmot and Paul Zerdin?

A) Julian McDonald B) Gok Wan C) Christian Louboutin In the year 1962, which famous funny man starred as the younger brother of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ in the pantomime of the same name?

A) Larry Grayson B) Norman Wisdom C) Ken Dodd

A) Woodwork B) Tapestry C) Ceramic Simply email your answer to press@birminghamhippodrome.com by 13 October 2017.

Answers:C) David Whitfield • A) Cilla Black • C) 1999 • B) Gok Wan • B) Norman Wisdom

QUIZ

Oh Yes They Did! How many famous faces from panto can YOU name?

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And finally a big round of applause to...

Hippodrome Circle Patrons Mark Hopton Maureen & Roy Kirby Chris & Jane Loughran

Headline Act Patrons

Leading Role Patrons

Teresa A Cook • The Dickens Foundation Dr & Mrs Harrison • Emma & Peter Neads Janette Rutter • Mark & Amanda Smith Simon & Kath Winner

Mark & Liz Abrol • Christine Baylis • Mrs Jayne Cadbury • Jim & Birdie Ceaser • John & Heather Clemson Sara & Tim Fowler • Averil Green • Claire & Mark Hales • Andy & Rebecca Hammond • Steve & Laura Kearney Debbie & Mark Lilburne • Michael & Cerys Luckman • Jeremy & Harjinder Millington • Tony & Julie Phillips Paul Twose • Steve & Suzie Whittern • Phillip Wright • Anthony & Daisy Gt Wyrley • David & Janine Young

Supporting Cast Patrons Christine Bachelor • Sheila Ballantyne-Smith • Simon Bashford • Janice Bennett • Beverley & Wade Bostock • Bridget Blow • Simon & Amanda Boardman-Weston • Mandy Bostock • Richard Burke Andrew & Sarah Connors • Adrian Cox • John & Diana Crabtree • June Lynda Cross J.P • Eileen Doyle • Patricia Edwards • Patricia & Ronald Etchells • Nicola Fleet-Milne • Mark Forty Neil & Jackie Frettsome • David & Beryl Glanfield • Roger & Jennifer Gould • Jill & Jeremy Griffin • Martin & Roni Guest • Pauline Hancock & Simon Derby • Ivan Heard • Dorothy Hobson Justine & Paul Irish • David Jackson • John Jeremy & Pamela Buckley • Rodney & Alyson Kettel • Martin & Joanne King • Andy Le Marr • Lynne Myers • Nathalie Neill • Ralph & Linden Osborn Win Palmer & Lola Ralph • Mrs Jill Parker • Isabel Pilgrim • John & Jill Queenan • Mr & Mrs J Quinn • Claire Ralley • Dr & Mrs Reynolds • David & Jane Richardson • Don & Diane Scriven • Mary Shaw Dr N & Mrs C Speak • Christine Spittle • Gwen Stephens • Glynis Troth • Gillian Tune • Mrs Ann Wailing & Mrs Vanessa Ottley • Richard & Maggie Waller • Ray Way • Neil & Polly Wilson • Jane Woolrich

We acknowledge the generous support of Peter Tod and other anonymous individual donors.

Trusts & Foundations Aurelius Charitable Trust • Birmingham Bodenham Trust • Birmingham Common Good Trust • Bishop of Birmingham Charitable Trust • The Thousandth Man – Richard Burns Charitable Trust William A Cadbury Trust • Children and the Arts • George Henry Collins Trust • Baron Davenport’s Charity • The Dumbreck Charity • Edward & Dorothy Charitable Trust • The Eveson Charitable Trust The George Fentham Trust • Marc Fitch Fund • The Grimmitt Trust • The John Feeney Charitable Trust • The Joseph Hopkins Charity • Limoges Charitable Trust • The Mackintosh Foundation The Norton Foundation • Oakley Charitable Trust • The Patrick Trust • Penny Trust • Sir Robert Gooch Charitable Trust • The Rowlands Trust • Henry James Sayer Charity • The Saintbury Trust Stella Symons Charitable Trust • Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust • Edwin John Thompson Memorial Fund • Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust • GJW Turner Trust • The WED Charitable Trust Alan Woodfield Trust • Xoserve Foundation • The Grantham Yorke Trust

Development Partners

Performance Partners

An elite group recognising the importance of cultural life in the city.

twentyfirstcenturymediagroup Associate Partners

Good Company Club

Influential names proud to demonstrate their CSR credentials.

Like-minded business people who enjoy first class networking.

Benussi & Co The Edgbaston Lorica Insurance Brokers Professional Polishing Services Ltd Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care Squire Patton Boggs

Hippodrome CREATIVE Partners Print Partner

Assisted Performances

B-Side 2017

Welcome to our World, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and St Bernadette’s Primary School

One of a Kind

Young Carers

Relaxed Performance

Curtain Raiser 2018

Project Partners

Commercial Partners Las Iguanas • Artifax Software Ltd. • Christie & Co • CrossCountry Trains • BDO LLP Birmingham • Faithful + Gould • Babcock International • SLC Rail • Hoare Lea & Partners • Colliers International United Airlines • CastAlum Ltd. • Rees Bradley Hepburn • Willis Towers Watson PLC • University of Birmingham • Aon • Jordans Solicitors

Leading Ladies Audley Retirement • AVA Events Styling • Vivienne Bailey Photography • Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership • Barques PR Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust • Catherine Junor Law Ltd • Consulting Rooms Birmingham • Cure Leukaemia DWF LLP • Elaine Elkington & Associates Ltd • Holiday Inn • HSBC • Joy Global • Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Mailbox • Messam & Rider Ltd • Joanne Malin • MPW Steakhouse Bar & Grill • Northwood Solihull • Park Regis Birmingham

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