Birmingham Hippodrome announces reopening plans

Birmingham Hippodrome has announced its two-phase reopening plan today, commencing with the return of Grande Experiences’ Van Gogh Alive from 25 May, followed by a new production of hit musical Tell Me On A Sunday.

Van Gogh Alive made its UK premiere at the venue in October, before being forced to close early due to November’s national lockdown.

The experience uses state-of-the-art SENSORY4™ immersive gallery technology which projects a thrilling display of over 3,000 inspirational images. Set to an evocative classical score, visitors are surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance that has been called an ‘unforgettable’ multi-sensory experience. The technology brings Van Gogh's masterpieces to life and gives visitors the sensation of walking right into his paintings, a feeling that is simultaneously enchanting, entertaining and educational.

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “Van Gogh Alive is incredibly important to us all at the Hippodrome as it was the only way we found to reopen the building during a year without any live performance. We were taken aback by the public response we had, both to the beauty and joy of this enriching cultural experience, and how safe our visitors felt with the timed entry and social distancing measures in place.  

“It is brilliant that we have found a way to reopen Van Gogh Alive for a limited run, 25 May to 11 July, as we know so many people were disappointed to miss out when we went back into lockdown last November.”

Following this, the auditorium will take six weeks to be transformed back into a theatre and will reopen with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell Me On A Sunday on 24 August 2021.

This new production is directed by Paul Foster and stars Jodie Prenger stars as ‘Emma’, marking her return to the stage following her acclaimed performance in the National Theatre’s production of A Taste of Honey.

Allan continues: “Tell Me on a Sunday will be the first time in almost 18 months that a live performance will be seen in our auditorium.  Words can’t describe how great it feels for us to be able to return to what we have long been known for – presenting the biggest and best touring productions for audiences across the region.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.