Hippodrome roars back to life with The Lion King

THE Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a full programme of shows and concerts for its brand new season, the first to be held following the venue’s decision to replace its stage.

Highlights include big musicals The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray and a new production of The Full Monty.

There will also be a season from Welsh National Opera, with further opportunities to see their La Bohème; and Israel’s world-class contemporary Batsheva Ensemble will be making their UK debut.  November brings three of the biggest names in stand-up comedy to the Hurst Street venue – Dara O Briain, Jack Dee and Kevin Bridges.

The theatre is also hoping for great things again from its panto, Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, once again starring Brian Conley; while a glittering Christmas season sees the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s acclaimed Cinderella.

In the new year, dance continues with the UK premiere performances of Artistic Director David Bintley’s Aladdin; Matthew Bourne’s brand new production of Sleeping Beauty; and the return of the all-male dance troupe, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

Stuart Griffiths, the theatre’s chief executive, said: “Birmingham Hippodrome is currently closed so we can completely replace our 30-year old stage and continue presenting the best possible theatre experience for everybody.
 
“As part of a complex project costing just over £1m, extensive lighting improvements are also being completed, our orchestra pit has been refurbished and foyer spaces remodelled.  Our resident company Birmingham Royal Ballet will be the first to perform on our new stage when we reopen on September 26.

“2013 is going to be a particularly exciting year for musicals with an eight week spring season of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and the return of the much loved West End production of Hairspray, starring Mark Benton.

“We are also delighted to announce the first ever UK tour of Disney’s award-winning smash hit The Lion King which will be resident at the theatre for a spectacular three month season in the summer from June to September. We anticipate high ticket demand but Birmingham Hippodrome Friends and Group bookers will enjoy several weeks’ priority in advance of the general public this autumn.”