franthomas.com

Want to see more theatre in Birmingham but clueless about where to look? Embarrassed to ask for fear of being labelled culturally inept? Fear not, for I asked the questions first, because there’s no point us all looking stupid!

I’m taking a class on writing for the stage at the NAW this winter so I decided to research the main venues in Birmingham, preparing for the inevitable post-class small-talk and giving myself half a chance at avoiding looking like a blubbering donkey (…sorry, I’m trying really hard not to swear). Quietly and pleasantly pleased at their diversity (keep watching lovebrum.org) I present the Beginners Guide to Birmingham Theatre, a venerable cheat sheet of the where’s where, their vital stats and the kind of performances you can expect to find.

Hippodrome

birminghamhippodrome.com | 1,900 seats | Hurst Street, B5 4TB (map) | 0844 338 5000

Apparently this venue has the highest regular attendance of any single theatre in the UK, bigger (think west end) productions with an emphasis on  musical theatre, opera and ballet. Expect well polished, touring, and many previously proven shows with large budgets. Home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and a regular venue for the Welsh National Opera.

Alexandra

alexandratheatre.org.uk | 1,347 seats | Station Street, B5 4DS (map) | 0844 847 2302

Part of the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), the largest theatre operator in the world; “…international stature combined with core local values”, apparently. Big budget touring productions of all varieties peppered with engagements from local groups seeking a larger stage, such as WBOS and The REP.

More after the jump…

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