First Word Birmingham August. qxp copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2022 08:57 Page 1
News from around the region
Smash-hit musical back in Birmingham The Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I is heading for Birmingham early next year. The hit show will stop off at The Alexandra in the week commencing the 27th of February. Set in 1860s Bangkok, the story revolves around the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist king brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Stand-out numbers from a muchloved and hugely familiar score include Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance. For more information and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham
New project celebrates migration in Handsworth
New art installation in Birmingham’s Mailbox
Residents of the Soho Road and Handsworth have been sharing their stories of migration as part of a new initiative called Soho Settlers, recently launched by Birmingham 2022 Festival. As part of the project, the stories have been turned into audio pieces, including newly commissioned poems, and worked into a brand-new heritage walk. The audio pieces have been digitally pinned via an app to the real-life locations that inspired them. App users can download and collect the stories and poems as they explore Handsworth and its history of migration. To find out more, visit tothestreets.co.
Visitors to Birmingham’s Mailbox can check out a new visual artwork by award-winning local artist Dawinder Bansal this month. Presented as part of Birmingham 2022 Festival, Dawinder’s installation includes a short film called Asians Don't Kiss (But We Know How To Make Babies) and also draws on her 1980s experiences of attending 'daytimers' - daytime discos for young South Asians.
Dyson set to bring Styling Tour to Birmingham Hair-care specialist Dyson will visit Birmingham Bullring next month (1 - 4 September) as part of its first-ever national Styling Tour. The tour will see Dyson helping customers explore its full range and better understand how hair-care technology works. 04 whatsonlive.co.uk
Time to Mobilise... Queer and sober dance party Mobilise returns this month at The Exchange in Birmingham (Friday 19 August). Created to empower LGBT+ people to dance, take up public spaces, feel confident and celebrate themselves, Mobilise will also form part of next month’s Birmingham Pride festival on Saturday 24 September.
Into The Spotlight at the Crescent Theatre New English Ballet Theatre make a welcome return to Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre this month when they present a show featuring the music of Genesis. Bringing together the work of six choreographers, Into The Spotlight/Genesis Dance Project shows at the venue on 3 & 4 August. To find out more about the production, visit crescent-theatre.co.uk
Safari Park taking Tiger Lodge bookings West Midland Safari Park is now taking bookings for its new luxury accommodation four lodges located just a whisker away from the popular visitor attraction's majestic Sumatran tigers! Safari Lodges short breaks include breakfast & dinner, spectacular views of the animals, admission to the venue for two days and theme park wristbands during the summer season. For more information, visit safarilodges.co.uk
