Focus: THE ALEXANDRA,S 120th BIRTHDAY PARTY

from Artefacts - WINTER 2021

BMAG Bear,s Big Adventure

THE ALEXANDRA,S

120th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Whether you are a resident Brummie or simply visiting Birmingham for a relaxing afternoon or evening, there are few better ways to unwind than by settling in for a performance at The Alexandra.

The venue, located on Suffolk Street Queensway in the heart of the city, is celebrating its 120th birthday year in style with a packed programme of musicals, plays, one-nighters and children’s performances.

With New Street station a stone’s throw away and a huge array of restaurants and bars on the theatre’s doorstep, there is plenty of time to wine and dine before heading into one of the city’s most iconic buildings to watch a show.

Since The Alexandra reopened its doors in mid-July, the theatre has roared back into action and welcomed audiences at full capacity for three months. Recently, almost 8,000 fans watched six sold-out ‘Riverdance’ performances over three days and the theatre is currently in the middle of a jam-packed series of musicals which will propel the Birmingham venue forward in its milestone birthday year.

The pandemic caused huge disruption to the arts and theatre world and even this famous old building – originally called The Lyceum when it was built in 1901 and which rarely closed during two World Wars – was not immune.

The Alexandra’s patrons have always been renowned for supporting the theatre through thick and thin. During World War Two, even the threat of The Luftwaffe rarely failed to halt the show as The Alex was closed for a mere 22 days. However, ongoing lockdown restrictions meant the venue was closed for 491 days until it reopened in front of beaming faces with ‘Anton & Giovanni – Him & Me’ in early July this year.

The Alexandra’s Theatre Director Simon Creed said: “The venue has been around for 120 years and this must be celebrated in style. We have some amazing shows coming up this year that will see the venue buzzing with excitement, laughter, music and good vibes.

“As a venue and a team we must ensure that The Alexandra continues to be a vital part of the Birmingham community. We have just taken part in a hugely successful Birmingham Pride and also support other city-wide events including Birmingham International Dance Festival and of course Birmingham 2022.

“The key thing we have all learnt over the last 18 months is how adaptable and flexible we are and need to be. We should always remember things need to change for the better and we must look at ways to evolve, listen and react to audience needs and demands. Alongside programming world-class entertainment, the priority must be the safety of our audiences, performers and staff.”

The Alexandra’s 120th year will end with the hugely popular - and much-loved by the city of Birmingham – ‘Jersey Boys’, as they work their way back to the city for a four-week Christmas run from Tuesday 7 December. The smash-hit musical has won 65 major awards and has been seen by more than 27 million people worldwide – the perfect celebration to mark the theatre’s longstanding history in the region. n