Incredible New 2017/18 Season Announced at Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome - the UK's most visited theatre - has today announced details of 10 exciting new titles for 2017 including the return of the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes, Cinderella.

From the biggest names in West End musicals to the best in international ballet, opera and contemporary dance, 2017 will once again see Birmingham Hippodrome deliver a world-class programme of live entertainment whilst expanding its reputation for major outdoor festivals and events through Hippodrome CREATIVE.

Newly announced productions include a major new UK tour of Hairspray, the high-energy, high-kicking musical Crazy For You starring Strictly Come Dancing champion Tom Chambers, the return of West-End and Broadway smash-hit La Cage aux Folles starring John Partridge and Adrian Zmed and - for the first time on a UK tour - the Broadway sensation The Addams Family and the Olivier Award-winning West End hit, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical.

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome said:

"Spring 2017 sees the return of our hugely popular taster event Dance: Sampled. We had so much fantastic feedback after last time, we've brought it back with new acts and dance throughout the building with a line-up of international and local dance talent. We also welcome back internationally celebrated choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui with Milonga, a fascinating exploration of Argentine Tango with a 21st Century twist. And there's a return visit by international dance icon Carlos Acosta, who launches his brand new company - Acosta Danza - for their first ever UK tour with some ballet and contemporary plus a guest appearance from Carlos himself.

"We always get the biggest names in West End shows and we're delighted to welcome SheriDan Smith back for her highly-praised role as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. A huge hit on Broadway, The Addams Family is on it first UK tour. I can't wait to see how it is staged - creepy and kooky works for me! Another first time UK Tour is the inspirational story of singer-songwriter Carole King, Beautiful.

"Summer in Southside and B-side Hip-Hop Festival were both huge for us in 2016 so it's great to be presenting these FREE events again as we grow our national reputation as a producer and commissioner of major outdoor festivals and events. I've long been a great believer in the power that arts and culture have to bring communities together, to create a more coherent society, and to help people view the world around them differently. Now more than ever, cultural organisations need to reach out across income, age, education and ethnic divides, to bring people together. Through 2017, we will be expanding our schools network, increasing our range of free and low cost activity, and opening our doors during the daytime to engage with the broadest community possible. Everyone's welcome."

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