For over 100 years Birmingham Hippodrome has presented the best in arts and entertainment with world class opera and ballet, popular musicals, international dance, comedy and drama together with the best pantomime on the planet.

 

The turn of the decade has been a challenging time for many. However, total attendances at Hippodrome performances in the last year have been the highest since we re-opened in 2001 following our award-winning redevelopment, confirming our position as the most popular single theatre in the UK.

 

A diverse and exciting programme has been backed by our production partners, sponsors and donors and most importantly by our patrons. From the production based on the music of Queen to Joan Collins as Queen Rat; from the Calendar Girls to Birmingham Royal Ballet’s new Cinderella, Birmingham Hippodrome keeps on delivering a programme which is true to our lyric theatre and music hall roots.

 

Our continuing success on stage has meant that we have been able to invest in the 

plans we set out two years ago in our first Prospectus. International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 won bigger audiences as well as awards; we chaired a successful campaign to establish a Business Improvement District for Southside; and we have started to make a mark on the streets with our Six Summer Saturdays programme.

 

We have expanded our role in promoting the city, taking leadership roles in business and tourism as well as campaigning alongside other cultural organisations. By any measure – awards, box office statistics or media profile – Stuart Griffiths and his team can be proud of their achievements. I’d also like to express my thanks to my fellow Trustees. Just like actors and dancers, though, we are only as good as our last performance.  So, we need to continue to innovate and invest on and off the stage.

 

As the city transforms around us securing more tourism and investment, Birmingham Hippodrome will keep providing A Stage for the Best in the World. To grow the business and achieve the ambitions set out in the following pages, we will rely on partners and supporters more than ever before. 

 

I hope you find this Prospectus of interest and that you will support us by playing an active part in some of our next moves.

 

 

If you can assist us in our efforts to rebuild our stage and enable new generations to enjoy performances at Birmingham Hippodrome, please get in touch. There are opportunities for businesses, individuals and Trusts to play a part in securing the theatre’s future, and all expressions of interest are welcomed.