Theatre of Dreams (The Birmingham Hippodrome)

Member Name: beowulf

Product:	The Birmingham Hippodrome
Date:	21/07/00 (496 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great forthcoming entertainment

Disadvantages: You'll have to wait until 2001

The Birmingham Hippodrome- the 'Old Lady' of Hurst Street- built in 1899 is currently closed for major refurbishment thanks in no small part to a rather hefty £29.3 million lottery grant. This money will be used to transform the exterior of the theatre into a magnificent glass-fronted structure that will dominate the skyline. This is a joint venture between the Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet and the DanceXchange and the new three-storied building will feature a massive dance studio, a dedicated dance injury centre and a small studio theatre with a capacity of 200 or so. There will also be an all day cafe to chill out in, several bars and a more open-plan interior with much improved access for disabled patrons. The good news for purists is that the Hippodrome's auditorium will remain sacrosanct except for a much needed reupholstery of the seating and the removal of most of the restricted view box seats. The already huge stage will be increased in proportion, as will the orchestra pit. The upshot of these changes is that Birmingham will have a truly world-class venue for live theatre to rival anything in London. Peter Tod, the theatre director, has already announced that Miss Saigon will be amongst the first shows to grace the next stage in the summer of 2001. The theatre is due to re-open beween March-May 2001 with the Birmingham Royal Ballet performing the world premiere of Arthur Part II, the brain-child of Artistic Director David Bintley and based upon the Arthurian Legends. If you are interested in any of the forthcoming productions in the new theatre or would like to learn more about the Hippodrome's fund-raising 'Name a Seat' programme then please dial 0121 689 3000 for further information.


UPDATED 24/4/01
The Theatre is now due to re-open on September 11 due to some technical hitches with the massive building project. I have been on a tour of the new site already and can honestly say that the Birmingham H
ippodrome will rival any venue in the country for entertainment and facilities. Once the building is complete and the forthcoming attractions are announced (and I can guarantee there are some real corkers!), then Birmingham will finally be able to boast a theatrical venue of truly world-class standard.

Check out www.hippodrome.ws for all the latest news.

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