In anticipation of the arrival of Pepperland, today an authentic 1960’s Volkswagen Campervan arrived outside the landmark Birmingham Council House in the city centre.

Passers-by were also treated to a dose of flower power as Lonely Hearts Club Band members handed out bunches of flowers to spread to love.

Inspired by The Beatles’ ground-breaking 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Mark Morris Dance Group’s Pepperland arrives at Birmingham Hippodrome on 26 & 27 March.

Those that spotted the branded vehicle during its visit to the city are encouraged to tweet their photos of the campervan using the hashtag #PepperlandVan for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the critically acclaimed production.

Presented by co-commissioner Dance Consortium, Pepperland is legendary choreographer Mark Morris’ unique tribute to the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic LP. Hailed as the first-ever ‘art rock’ album and widely regarded as the best rock and roll album of all time, it spent 27 weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart and 15 weeks at number one in the USA. It won four Grammy Awards in 1968, including Album of the Year, the first rock LP to receive the honour.

Mark Morris is renowned as an intensely musical choreographer and is undeviating in his devotion to music. The New York Times said Morris is the “most successful and influential choreographer alive and indisputably the most musical”. Since founding MMDG in 1980, he has created almost 150 works for the company, many of which are widely considered masterpieces.

Pepperland features an original score by composer Ethan Iverson, inspired by some of the album’s most enduring hits: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; With a Little Help From My Friends; A Day in the Life; When I’m Sixty-Four; Within You Without You; and Penny Lane. Iverson’s fresh arrangements of the original tracks will be performed live by MMDG Music Ensemble – Pepperland‘s unique chamber music group – and is interspersed with six original Pepper-inspired pieces that complement Morris’ profound understanding of classical music styles of allegro, scherzo, adagio, and the blues.

Pepperland comes to Birmingham Hippodrome on 26 & 27 March 2019. To book tickets click here.

Pictures by Joe Bailey, Fivesixphotography