Previews of things to come...
This page contains details of forthcoming shows at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham
Forthcoming events
2nd - 6th July 2024
Alexandra Theatre
101 Dalmatians
Lead casting and creatives of a new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians have been announced coming to The Alexandra, Birmingham from Tue 2 Jul – Sat 6 Jul.
Kym Marsh plays the iconic villain Cruella de Vil in the musical written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.
Actor, presenter and singer Kym Marsh arrived on British TV screens back in 2000 appearing on the hit reality TV show Popstars, and winning a place in the subsequent band Hear'say. The band achieved two UK number one singles and a number one album - and Kym went on to pursue a successful career as a solo artist. She went on to star in London’s West End, playing the role of Annette in the critically acclaimed musical Saturday Night Fever. An accomplished actress, she appeared in BBC One’s Doctors and Channel 4’s Hollyoaks: In The City before joining the cast of ITV’s Coronation Street in the role of Michelle Connor in 2006. During 14 years on Britain's famous cobbles, she won a string of prestigious awards for her work before leaving to pursue other roles. Since then she has appeared in hit BBC One drama The Syndicate and currently can be seen on BBC One’s continuing drama Waterloo Road, where she plays the role of Nicky Walters. Her love of theatre has not waned and in 2022 Kym returned to tread the boards in the role of bunny boiler Alex Forest in a nationwide tour of box office hit Fatal Attraction. Last year she joined the cast of Take That musical Greatest Days.
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
Kym Marsh said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil, has there ever been a more fabulous baddie?! Obviously she’s a million miles away from me in real life - and my dogs are very glad about that - but being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. Douglas and Johnny have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I'm sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production."
Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022
9th - 13th July 2024
Alexandra Theatre
The Syndicate
Max George is set to make his stage acting debut in the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate UK, arriving at The Alexandra, Birmingham from 9 to 13 July 2024. Max is best known as a member of boy band The Wanted, whose hits include All Time Low and Chasing the Sun. His previous acting credits include the role of Clint in smash hit FOX TV show Glee.
Starring alongside Max in Kay’s final stage play will be TV stars Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent. Samantha, known to millions as Bernice Blackstock in the hugely popular long running soap Emmerdale – plays the role of Denise. Samantha recently exited the soap after 14 years after her character goes on the run to avoid her debt. She will be joined by Brooke Vincent as Amy. Brooke is best known to TV viewers as Sophie Webster in Coronation Street, a role that she played from 2004-2019, and has recently been hosting the Drivetime show for Hits Radio.
Max George, who plays the part of supermarket assistant Jamie, said: “I’m delighted that my stage debut role is in The Syndicate. I’m such a huge fan of Kay’s work and it’s an honour to be part of this world premiere tour. I feel like I’ve won the lottery!”
Samantha Giles plays the role of kind-hearted worker Denise and said: ”Kay Mellor was such a powerhouse who understood real people and like millions of others, I loved the TV series. I’m looking forward to bringing Denise to life on the stage and I can’t wait to be working with Gaynor and treading the boards once again.”
Brooke Vincent, who takes the part of Jamie’s sister-in-law Amy said: ”I am so excited to be back on stage and thrilled to be working with Gaynor on The Syndicate. Kay was such a legend and the TV series was brilliant. She has written a brilliantly vibrant character in Amy and I can’t wait to get on the road and get my teeth into the role on stage.”
Gaynor Faye, director, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome these three super talented actors to the UK tour of The Syndicate. I’ve worked with Sam a lot over the years and she’s great fun and a brilliant comedy actor, who’s perfect for the role of Denise. Brooke is also a wonderful actor with a huge heart, we first met through our charity work for When You Wish Upon A Star and I know she’s going to be a fantastic, feisty Amy. Max blew us away in his audition, he’s a natural and born to play Jamie. I know that my mum would be delighted with the brilliant cast we have assembled so far and I can’t wait for you all to see them in action.”
Based on the smash-hit, critically acclaimed BBC One drama that entertained millions of viewers over four series, the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s final stage play, The Syndicate tours the UK for 14 weeks from April to July next year. TV and stage star Gaynor Faye, Kay’s daughter, makes her directorial debut, bringing her mother’s stage adaptation to life, in this moving comedy drama.
The Syndicate, which is based on the first TV series, tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality? One thing’s for certain, the win of a lifetime will change the lives, loves and relationships of the syndicate members forever.
As the final play created by legendary writer Kay Mellor, The Syndicate follows in the footsteps of her hugely successful TV to stage adaptions of Fat Friends – The Musical and Band of Gold, which were also collaborations between Kay’s company Rollem and Josh Andrews Productions.
15th - 20th July 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Grease
Lead producer Colin Ingram is delighted to announce the full cast the UK and Ireland tour of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE, directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, arriving at The Alexandra, Birmingham from 15 to 20 July 2024.
Marley Fenton (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Gielgud Theatre) will play Danny, Hope Dawe (Mountview graduate) will play Sandy, Rebecca Stenhouse (Legally Blonde, UK Tour) will play Rizzo, George Michaelides (Disney’s Newsies, Wembley Park Troubadour Theatre) will play Kenickie, Kieran Lynch (The Adventures of Peter Pan, Edinburgh Festival Theatre) as Doody, Lewis Day (Beauty and the Beast, Cast Theatre Doncaster) as Roger, Sario Solomon (Pacific Overtures, Menier Chocolate Factory) as Sonny, Alicia Belgarde (Bugsy Malone, UK Tour) as Frenchy, Emerald B (National Lottery New Years Eve Bash) as Jan, India Chadwick (P.S I’m A Terrible Person, Cockpit Theatre) as Marty, Jayd’n Tyrone (Grease, Dominion Theatre) as Eugene, Phoebe Roberts (Mamma Mia!, International & UK Tour) as Patty Simcox, Dominique Planter (The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre) as Miss Lynch, Joe Gash (Rock of Ages, UK Tour) as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, Deena Kapadia (Death Note, London Palladium & Lyric Theatre) as Cha Cha and Adam Davidson (Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre) as Johnny Casino.
They are joined by Zera Aitken, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Sergi Ibanez, Thomas Inge, Lauren Hampton, Imogen Malone, Ben Middleton and Carly Miles.
GREASE has been seen by over 500,000 people in the West End, making it the Dominion Theatre’s most successful summer run since We Will Rock You. GREASE received 4 WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Choreography for Arlene Phillips and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for original cast members Jocasta Almgill and Paul French.
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show's eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To You and You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
23rd - 27th July 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter
Helen Flanagan - known to millions as Rosie Webster in Coronation Street - will make her theatrical stage debut as Miss Scarlett in the world premiere UK tour of Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter. Starring alongside Helen will be leading West End actor and TV favourite Jason Durr, who stars as Colonel Mustard. Most recently seen as David Hide in BBC One’s Casualty, (a role he played for seven years from 2016), audiences will also recognise Jason from his numerous other roles, including the motorbike riding policeman Mike Bradley from ITV’s hugely popular series, Heartbeat.
Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage next spring with a brand new comedy mystery, written by BAFTA Award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, (Birds of a Feather, Dreamboats and Petticoats) and directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong). Based on the classic Hasbro boardgame, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024, the five month UK tour marks the world premiere of Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, which arrives at The Alexandra Birmingham from 23 to 27 July 2024.
Jason Durr said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, as Colonel Mustard. I was a huge fan of the Cluedo board game as a child and the Colonel is such a great character. I am looking forward to bringing laughter and this ultimate whodunnit to audiences across the UK in its 75th anniversary year.”
Helen Flanagan said: “I’ve long been looking for the right theatre role for ages and I’m so excited to be making my stage acting debut in the iconic role of Miss Scarlett. It could not be more
perfect! Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, is going to be so much fun and I am thrilled to be working alongside such a great actor as Jason. I can’t wait to begin rehearsals in the New Year, and, of course, wear the famous red dress!”
Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, is an original new story set in the swinging 60s, penned by one of the UK’s most successful TV and stage writing duos, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran’s numerous credits include much loved series such as Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart, The New Statesman, Shine on Harvey Moon and, for the stage, the musical franchise Dreamboats and Petticoats.
Olivier award winning director Mark Bell, who directed the original Cluedo play in the UK and the worldwide phenomenon, The Play That Goes Wrong, as well as A Comedy About a Bank Robbery in the West End, brings the action of this hilarious whodunnit to life.
As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters - The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White - move from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter,, will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!
15th - 17th August 2024
Alexandra Theatre
The Sound Of Music
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE ALEXANDRA BIRMINGHAM’S 2024 ‘STAGE EXPERIENCE’
THE WEST MIDLANDS’ COVETED SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT RETURNS WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST TREASURED MUSICALS
The Alexandra’s Stage Experience pioneering Summer youth project is back for its nineteenth production, with one of the greatest musicals of all time; The Sound of Music. Applications are now open, with both performer and technical places available to those aged 9 to 24.
One of the world’s most treasured musicals will be brought to life by a phenomenal young cast in 2024. The Sound of Music will be showing at The Alexandra Birmingham with the best of West Midlands’ talent from 15 to 17 August 2024.
Since launching in 2003, Stage Experience has helped over 2000 local young people get their first taste of working in a theatre backstage and performing on stage. Any young people with the ambition to perform on stage or work behind the scenes are encouraged to apply for the auditions. Every person who applies to Stage Experience is then invited to auditions, so long as they can commit to two intensive weeks of rehearsals in August 2024.
Victoria Ellery-Jones, co-producer, says: All of the team at The Alexandra Birmingham is eagerly anticipating the nineteenth production of Stage Experience, with the beloved stage show The Sound of Music. Our team cherishes organising this annual youth education programme, allowing young people from across the Midlands the chance to be involved in a full-scale show. We’re so proud we’ve reached over 2,000 young people since 2003. Stage Experience is the highlight of our calendar, giving us the opportunity to involve the community in what we do. The Alex really comes alive filled with young people learning the essential skills required in bringing a show to life."
If successful, applicants will work alongside experienced industry professionals including directors, choreographers and technical teams, to mount a full-scale production of The Sound of Music in just two weeks. For those who have an interest in working behind the scenes, in lighting, sound, wardrobe, flys, stage management and more, there are a limited number of technical placements available.
Stage Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make memories, meet new friends, hone professional theatrical skills in a fast-paced environment and experience first-hand what it is like to take part in a large-scale production on a par with West End and touring musicals.
20th - 24th August 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Pretty Woman
Following a hugely successful tour opening in October 2024, the producers of the smash hit Pretty Woman: The Musical are delighted to announce the return to The Alexandra, Birmingham on from 20 to 24 August 2024.
Pretty Woman: The Musical stars Amber Davies as Vivian Ward, Ore Oduba as Happy Man/ Mr Thompson, Oliver Savile as Edward Lewis and Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca. They are joined by Becky Anderson, Rebekah Bryant, Josh Damer-Jennings, Ben Darcy, Andrew Davison, Lila Falce-Bass, Noah Harrison, Sydnie Hocknell, Elly Jay, Rachael Kendall Brown, Michael Kholwadia, Joshua Lear, Stuart Maciver, Victoria Rachael McCabe, Eleanor Morrison-Halliday, LJ Neilson, Annell Odartey, Curtis Patrick and Chomba Taulo.
Amber Davies was previously in the West End as Lorraine Baines in Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include the role of Judy in the Original West End Cast of 9 to 5 the Musical at the Savoy Theatre and on tour, and Campbell in Bring It On at London’s Southbank Centre.
Ore Oduba was most recently seen as Brad Majors in the West End and UK tour of the 50th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show. His previous theatre credits include Aaron Fox in Curtains on tour and in the West End, and Teen Angel in Grease on a UK tour. Ore was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2016 and more recently made it to the final of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Oliver Savile’s West End credits include Fiyero in Wicked, Whizzer in Falsettos, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and the UK tour of Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Oliver also starred alongside Sting in the US tour The Last Ship.
Natalie Paris is best known as the original Jane Seymour in the West End production of SIX, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award. She was previously touring North America with the production, having also toured the UK. Natalie’s previous theatre credits include Sunday in the Park with George at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Wyndham’s Theatre, Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace and Les Misérables at the Palace and Queen’s Theatre.
Big night out. Big. HUGE. Pretty Woman: The Musical is Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.
Pretty Woman: The Musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J.F. Lawton, it is directed and choreographed by the two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.
Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film (produced by Arnon Milchan - New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.
17th - 21st Sept 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Bluevolution
At Blue Man Group, audiences of all ages will rock, laugh and party as three bald and blue characters explore the world and discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn.
Blue Man Group’s Bluevolution World Tour will showcase classic Blue Man favourites in a music extravaganza from explosive paint drumming, comedy antics and unforgettable audience interaction along with brand new content, including the addition of a new female character exclusive to the current World Tour. In addition to the three Blue Men, the World Tour’s new character called “The Rockstar” replaces the traditional band as a multi-instrumentalist, with her eccentric style combined with her dynamic musical stylings complementing the multi-sensory nature of the show.
The tour will see Blue Man Group travel across the UK, including a residency at The London Palladium which will also host the star-studded UK premiere on Wednesday 25th September 2024. Recognised as one of the capital’s most prestigious and cherished venues, The Palladium has hosted countless iconic events and acts on its stage – with the arrival of Blue Man Group set to be the latest chapter in this eminent history.
Created in 1991 by Chris Wink, Phil Stanton, and Matt Goldman, Blue Man Group has evolved into one of the most successful and recognisable stage shows, reaching 50 million people worldwide, picking up countless accolades and awards, as well as becoming part of the pop culture zeitgeist with appearances across shows from the Royal Variety Performance to Arrested Development to The Tonight Show. Co-founder Chris Wink says, “When we first began creating performances centered on this innocent, curious character called Blue Man, we never dreamt where he would lead us. We are so honored to be able to share our show with the people of the UK and beyond. With no language barrier to overcome, as the Blue Men don’t speak, fans of all ages, cultures and nationalities can enjoy the experience.”
10th - 14th Sept 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Here you come again
Having enjoyed several successful runs across the United States, Here You Come Again was originally written by multi-Emmy award-winning comedy and songwriter Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and writer and actor Tricia Paoluccio (who co-writes and stars as Dolly). It has now been adapted by acclaimed British TV and theatre writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Coronation Street). Full casting to be announced.
Packed with the iconic songs Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again and more, this lively and touching new musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of international icon Dolly Parton gets him through trying times. With her wit, humour and charm, Dolly teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps…even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! This is one musical that is sure to make you smile.
Director Gabriel Barre said: “We are so excited to bring this gem of a show to the UK, following its successful regional tour in America. Setting it in the UK with a brilliant new British actor playing the lead role of Kevin, along with a creative UK design team, gives us a chance to take a fresh approach to a story that features all of Dolly’s biggest hits, along with her wit and wisdom, which the world needs today, more than ever. She will be gloriously brought to life by the American actor, Tricia Paoluccio, who has been stunning audiences everywhere, embodying the spirit, humour, and heart that have made Dolly an enduring icon.”
Producer Simon Friend adds: “I’m delighted to be co-producing the UK premiere of Here You Come Again with the team at Leeds Playhouse. It’s a marvellously original and joyous new musical which celebrates the timeless classics of Dolly Parton, and lets us indulge in her biggest hits for a wonderful evening of theatre.”
Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse James Brining said: “It is fantastic to be co-producing this joyous and heartfelt musical. We can’t wait to welcome the wonderful team to Leeds, to have the Playhouse filled with the sounds of Dolly and to share this incredible production with audiences across the UK after its run in Leeds.”
Bruce Vilanch is a writer, actor, comedian and stripper (accepting all offers, bitcoin only). In America, he was featured for many years on Hollywood Squares sitting to the left of Whoopi Goldberg, if that's possible. He has a nook of multiple Emmy awards, two of them for a pair of the 25 Oscar telecasts he has written. On Broadway and across America he sang, danced and ironed as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. There is a documentary about him called Get Bruce, which is worth re-activating your Netflix account for. Several decades ago, he collaborated with Dolly on a massive Sunday night variety TV series which hit a ratings iceberg and plunged to the depths. They both survived. Here they come again.
30th Sept - 6th Oct 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Lord of the Dance
The world-renowned Lord of the Dance is poised to make an exhilarating return to The Alexandra, Birmingham from 30 September to 6 October 2024. After celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Lord of the Dance" in 2022, Michael Flatley is back with a dazzling revival of his iconic dance extravaganza. The 2024 tour promises to be an extraordinary journey that will captivate audiences again with this record-breaking show.
Lord of the Dance, a production that has enchanted over 60 million people in 60 countries on every continent and graced more than 1000 venues, is a testament to Michael Flatley's creative brilliance. It has left an indelible mark on the world of dance, solidifying its status as one of the most successful productions in the history of entertainment.
Lord of the Dance is described by the Los Angeles Times as a "showpiece extravaganza," transporting the audience to a mythical realm. It boasts over 150,000 taps per performance, an enchanting display of precision dancing, artistic lighting, and breathtaking pyrotechnics.
The visionary behind this spectacle, Michael Flatley, revives and updates Lord of the Dance for a new generation of fans. The journey to this spectacular production started with Flatley's dream to create the greatest Irish dance show in the world. It reached the world stage after his show-stealing performance at Eurovision 1994. Lord of the Dance has shattered records and garnered unparalleled accolades worldwide, catapulting Irish dance to new heights and touching the hearts and minds of millions.
Since its premiere over 25 years ago, Flatley has seen global success for the iconic show that combines high-energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling, and sensuality. Flatley is busy preparing a celebration for his beloved creation. The Irish dancing icon embarked on his final tour in 2016, performing on stage for the last time at Caesar's Colosseum in Las Vegas. However, he has continued as the show's creator, producer, and choreographer.
Earlier this year, Michael was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. In a statement at the time, it was revealed that he had undergone surgery and was in the care of excellent doctors. Always determined to overcome adversity and never give up on his dreams, Flatley will take this run of shows to the next level.
Michael said, "The magic of Lord of the Dance lives on in the hearts of our audience, and I am thrilled to bring this iconic show back to the Birmingham in 2024. It's a testament to the enduring power of dance and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Our 2024 tour promises to be an extraordinary journey that will take audiences to the next level once again In 2024, this extraordinary experience for fans will feature new staging, fresh choreography, new costumes, cutting-edge technology, and special effects lighting. It's a celebration of a lifetime of standing ovations and we aim to leave the audience spellbound."
9th - 24th Nov 2024
Alexandra Theatre
Here and Now
UK pop band Steps are delighted to announce the world premiere of HERE & NOW, a brand-new musical using their iconic music, with an original book by Shaun Kitchener. HERE & NOW will open at The Alexandra, Birmingham for a limited engagement from 9 – 24 November 2024.
On Friday 9 February, The Alexandra’s Box Office will open especially from 12pm for fans far and wide to come and buy tickets on the door and have their chance to meet Steps. Fans are encouraged to queue early to not miss out!
Featuring Steps’ most beloved hit songs, HERE & NOW is produced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman, and will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Olivier Award winning Matt Cole. Casting to be announced.
Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it's Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone's dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a 'happy ever after'? Or does love have other plans in store…
Steps said, “We’ve been lucky to do many things together as a band, but the question we get asked again and again is ‘where is the Steps musical?’ Well...it’s finally here and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ve searched for the perfect story for our music and we’ve found it in the aisle of a seaside superstore, where four friends set out on their own Summer of Love. It’s a story of friendship, romance and community; packed with our biggest hits and sure to have everybody laughing, crying and dancing in the aisles. We can’t wait to open the doors later this year, and see you there!”
Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins’, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee) are the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time, with 14 top five singles, 4 number one albums, 22 million record sales, 500 million streams & 11 sold-out national arena tours under their belts. The band’s hits include #1 singles Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp, the gold certified One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten, the silver certified 5,6,7,8, Last Thing On My Mind, Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart, Chain Reaction, all of which will feature in the musical alongside many more.
Steps’ 2017 comeback tour sold out all 300,000 tickets, making it one of the biggest pop tours of the year. The band have since continued to release new music including two further iTunes #1 singles, the Sia-penned What The Future Holds in 2020 and the Michelle Visage duet Heartbreak In This City in 2022. In 2022 Steps celebrated their 25th anniversary with a headline summer tour and released the #1 album Platinum Collection which means they join ABBA, Rolling Stones and Stereophonics as the only groups in UK history to score #1 albums in four consecutive decades.
December 2024
Alexandra Theatre
The Book Of Mormon
Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of the Emmy and Peabody award-winning television show, South Park, and the feature films South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and Team America: World Police.
Robert Lopez co-created the Broadway musical Avenue Q and co-wrote the songs for Disney’s Frozen and Coco. He is the first and only double ‘EGOT’ winner having won all four major entertainment awards at least twice - Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony® Awards.
The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City.
Since making its world premiere in March 2011 at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, where it won nine Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents and won over thirty international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and cities across the U.S.
The London production opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in February 2013 when it set the record for the highest single day of sales in West End history and went on to win four Olivier Awards® including Best New Musical.
Book, Music and Lyrics are by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Directed by Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, The Book of Mormon has choreography by Casey Nicholaw, set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt, sound design by Brian Ronan, orchestrations by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus and music supervision and vocal arrangements by Stephen Oremus.
28th Jan - 1st Feb 2025
Alexandra Theatre
Murder on the Orient Express
Following a sell-out tour of the best-selling crime novel of all time, And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie Ltd, Fiery Angel and Lucy Bailey (director of the West End hit Witness for the Prosecution) will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of another Agatha Christie classic to the stage in 2024. The UK & Ireland Tour of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS will arrive at The Alexandra Birmingham from 28 January to 1 February 2025.
Winter 1934 and an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Trapped in the snow with a killer still on board, can the world’s most famous detective, Hercule Poirot, crack the case before the train reaches its final destination?
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest literary achievements, with a final twist that is amongst her very best. Gripping, tense and masterfully cryptic, this brand-new production is a deliciously thrilling ride and an ingenious murder mystery, guaranteed to keep you guessing until the end of the line.
James Prichard of Agatha Christie Limited said, “We're thrilled to once again be working with Lucy Bailey and the team at Fiery Angel and excited to bring Ken Ludwig's magnificent adaptation of one of my great grandmother's most atmospheric and ingenious stories back to UK audiences.”
Having recently directed three of Christie's classic thrillers for the stage, this will be Lucy Bailey's fourth. She said, “Murder on the Orient Express, fast, funny almost farcical at times but with a dark undercurrent of loss and revenge… A train stuck in a snow drift. The holed up passengers all suspected of murder - what fun to be had!”
Casting is to be announced.
11th - 15th March 2025
Alexandra Theatre
NOW That's What I Call A Musical
ROYO, Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment and Mighty Village are delighted to announce the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, a brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. NOWThat’s What I Call A Musical will arrive at The Alexandra, Birmingham from 11 to 15 March 2025.
Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears for Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.
It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?
Craig Revel Horwood said “This is a beautiful and funny story about two schoolgirls navigating life through their shared love of music. Pippa has written a script that takes you right back to sharing your Walkman headphones with your best friend, escaping the boring day to day and dancing like nobody is watching. Everybody remembers getting the latest NOW That’s What I Call Music Album! Our show is packed full of the biggest hits of the era and I cannot wait to get started and you will love it.”
Pippa Evans said “Writing NOW That’s What I Call A Musical! has been an absolute delight, weaving this funny, heart-warming story around such a fantastic collection of songs. The opening of the show can't come soon enough!”
Jamii Layton, Managing Director of NOW That’s What I Call Music said, “Now That’s What I Call Music will be 40 years old in November, and with our albums having become such an integral part of the soundtrack of peoples’ lives over that time, it is thrilling for the brand to be headlining such a warm and fun-packed show. NOW has always celebrated the creative diversity and all-round magic of pop music. This combination of a life-affirming story and fantastic music selection will make such a strong connection with the audience. It’s a great way for NOW to salute our legacy and also look forward to the future, continuing to celebrate the best in past and present hits.”
14th - 19th April 2025
Alexandra Theatre
Chicago
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, CHICAGO’s sexy, sassy score includes the show-stopping songs “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest running American musical in Broadway and West End history.
Since it opened in New York in 1996, CHICAGO has played in 38 countries worldwide, and been performed in English, Dutch, German, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, French, Danish, Japanese and Korean. Worldwide it has been seen by an estimated 34 million people, grossed over $1.7 billion has played over 33,500 performances.
CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.
29th April - 3rd May 2025
Alexandra Theatre
Notes from a small island
Simon Friend Entertainment is delighted to announce that Bill Bryson’s smash-hit memoir, Notes From A Small Island, will journey to the stage in a national UK Tour starring TV favourite Les Dennis as much-loved writer Bill Bryson.
This stage adaptation celebrates one of the nation’s most beloved books by one of the country’s most treasured authors. Notes From A Small Island spent three years in The Sunday Times bestsellers list and sold over two million copies. BBC Radio 4 listeners voted it as the book which best represents England.
“A comic pleasure! In the Watermill’s adaptation of Bryson’s tribute to this sceptred isle, nostalgia and warmth abound.” The Telegraph
First staged at the Watermill Theatre in 2023, the national tour will visit The Alexandra, Birmingham from 29 April - 3 May 2025. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 31 May at 10am.
Further dates and full casting to be announced.
From Calais to the Highlands, Bill travels the length and breadth of Britain, but how can the nation that produced Marmite and Gardeners’ Question Time hold such a special place in this American’s heart?
Les Dennis is one of the UK’s best-known entertainers with a career in showbusiness spanning over 50 years. Born in Liverpool, Les came to prominence as a comedian in the 1970s after honing his act on the northern Working Men’s Club circuit and turning pro after a winning set on New Faces.
More success in TV comedies followed in the 1980s when he starred in The Russ Abbot Show and The Les Dennis Laughter Show, and formed a hugely popular double-act with comedy partner Dustin Gee, cut-short by Dustin’s untimely death.
Les cemented his place as a mainstay of Saturday night television as the host of ITV’s Family Fortunes between 1987 and 2002. In 2023 he returned to Saturday night TV with a fleeting but fun turn on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
In recent years Les has enjoyed a thriving career as an actor, starring with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera and in numerous hit plays and musicals in the West End and on tour, as well as a regular role on Coronation Street. A dad of three, Les lives in Cheshire with his wife, his two youngest children, and their menagerie of pets.
27th - 31st May 2025
Alexandra Theatre
The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe
The celebrated production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was loved by audiences and critics alike during its recent West End run, will embark on a major new tour of the UK & Ireland, playing at The Alexandra, Birmingham from Tue 27 – Sat 31 May 2025.
C.S. Lewis’ book was first published in October 1950. Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold. It is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful, critically-acclaimed London run in 2022/3.
Producer Chris Harper said: ‘We can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this spectacular new journey through the wardrobe, and are proud to be marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this tour.’
Director Michael Fentiman added: ‘I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill.’
Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is directed by Michael Fentiman based on the original production by Sally Cookson. The Set and Costume Designer is Tom Paris, Composers are Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, the Choreographer is Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the Lighting Designer is Jack Knowles, the Sound Designer is Tom Marshall, the Puppetry Director is Toby Olié, the Puppetry Designer is Max Humphries, the Aerial Director is Gwen Hales, the Illusionist is Chris Fisher, the Casting Director is Will Burton CDG and the Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer is Susanna Peretz. Casting will be announced in due course.
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