Theatrical Fun for Families this Autumn at Birmingham Hippodrome

Treasured tales from far-away lands, beat-boxing beasts and some very cool cats, high-energy hip-hop with a Brummie twist plus free festive fun for all...these are just some of the highlights that await families at Birmingham Hippodrome this autumn.

As temperatures begin to drop and the long autumn evenings draw in, it's important to have something fun to look forward to. Which is why Birmingham Hippodrome is thrilled to play host to an exciting new season of family-friendly entertainment combining the best of the West-End with a treasure trove of smaller productions in our Patrick Centre. This will also run alongside a free programme of festivals and paid-for workshops guaranteed to keep the little-ones entertained, whatever the weather!

For the perfect pre-Diwali treat, Mashi Theatre in association with The Spark Arts for Children present Tales of Birbal in the Patrick Centre on Sun 15 Oct; an enchanting journey through the Indian sub-continent brought to life through puppetry, humour and music.

Mashi and Bhanji are travelling story-tellers living hand-to-mouth with just a wooden cart, trinkets they have collected on their travels and a family of mischievous crows for company. Stopping one day for lunch, they set about recreating the mythical tales of the great King Akbar and his wise companion Birbal, in this magical and immersive production suitable for ages 6+.

Budding bboys and bgirls from across Birmingham and beyond can look forward to a jam-packed half term of hip-hop highlights with a week-long programme of special events, shows and workshops celebrating the very best of the genre.

Inspired by the Hippodrome's annual B-Side festival and presented by Hippodrome CREATIVE, Hip-Hop Elements takes place over one week from Mon 23 - Sat 28 Oct bringing together high-energy Hip-Hop workshops across multiple disciplines. Lead by experienced industry professionals, participants are invited to sample the delights of Djing, get to grips with Hip-Hop dance, master the art of MC'ing, get creative with live graffiti and much more.

Bursting onto the Patrick Centre stage from Fri 27- Sat 28 Oct, Bouncing Cats and Boom Boom Pups is an immersive theatre show for ages 5-10 yrs combining rap, live graffiti art and freestyle hip-hop improvisation. Escape to Animaland with spoken word artist Maxwell Golden and graffiti artist Mr Dane for a fun and fresh live theatre experience performed inside a purpose-built graffiti installation.

For the first time this October Half Term, Birmingham Hippodrome will be opening up its Foyer Spaces for a week of free seasonal storytelling and festive crafts from Mon 23 - Sat 28 Oct. Legends and Lights will bring together a host of family-friendly activities inspired by Birmingham's rich multicultural heritage, from spooky storytelling to Diwali-inspired lights, autumn arts and crafts to 'Trick or Treat' mask workshops, drop in, grab a warming cup of tea or coffee and join us for creative, crafty fun all week long from 10.30am - 4.30pm...and all for free too!

Looking ahead to an enchanted winter, Birmingham Royal Ballet's evergreen production of The Nutcracker returns from Fri 24 Nov - Wed 13 Dec featuring sumptuous sets, lavish costumes, a magical Christmas tree, an army of toy soldiers, an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and a magical Sugar Plum fairy.

For the perfect excuse to escape the shopping crowds, join us for a seasonal extravaganza to remember at our all new Frost Fair on Sat 16 Nov. Bring your senses alive with festive indoor market, seasonal Food and drink, local musicians, creative crafts and much more as the Hippodrome Foyers come to life with festive cheer and an added sprinkling of winter wonder from 10am - 6pm. And the best part is, it's absolutely free to attend!

Cinderella, the most magical panto of them all arrives in Birmingham from Tue19 Dec - Sat 28 Jan starring soul-diva Beverley Knight as The Fairy Godmother, Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac as Prince Charming, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Buttons, pop and television star Suzanne Shaw as Cinderella, comedy duo The Grumbleweeds and the most faaaabulous Ugly Sisters in show business, Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall. Featuring all the ingredients of a perfect panto, this year's festive spectacular features a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and some dazzling special effects so don't leave it too late...book your tickets to the ball today!

Meanwhile in our studio, Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to play host to its first Patrick Centre Christmas show, The Snow Dragon, from Tue 19 Dec - Sun 7 Jan. Join Billy the Goat and the legendary Snow Dragon on a magical winter adventure filled with toe-tapping songs, enchanting storytelling and lots of laughs from the company behind the hit children's productions The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale. Suitable for ages 3+

Tickets for all of the above shows are available now. To book, call 0844 338 5000 or visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com for details.

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