What’s in Grace’s Satchel?
A very busy 2026 for Birmingham Hippodrome… and yes, I nearly dropped my letters when I saw the line-up.
Right, lovelies — I was halfway through my delivery round when Birmingham Hippodrome plonked a whole stack of 2026 announcements into my hands. And let me tell you, this satchel has never felt heavier with headline news. So, settle in, because Brum is about to have an absolutely theatrical year.
Miss Saigon takes off… again!
Just when you thought the city had soaked up every last tear from the current sold-out run, Michael Harrison (with a little help from Cameron Mackintosh) is bringing a brand-new production of Miss Saigon back to Birmingham (Tue 23 – Sat 27 Jun 2026).
Expect the soaring score — The Heat is On, The Movie in My Mind, Last Night of the World — blasting through the auditorium again. If you see a postwoman floating by clutching a letter and weeping dramatically… it’s probably me.
Blood Brothers returns — get the tissues out
Willy Russell’s heart-wrencher Blood Brothers is back (Tue 20 – Sat 24 Oct 2026). Twins separated at birth… tragedy… fate… social divides… Honestly, it’s like every episode of EastEnders rolled into one but with better music and fewer Mitchells.
Panto Alert: Sleeping Beauty (with Matt Slack!)
Direct from The London Palladium, Sleeping Beauty is your panto treat for next year (Sat 19 Dec 2026 – Sun 31 Jan 2027), starring the one-and-only Matt Slack. Get ready for chaos, glitter, and jokes your nan laughs at harder than the kids do.
Sylvia returns with Beverley Knight (praise be)
Already on sale is the Olivier-winning Sylvia (Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct 2026), with Beverley Knight reprising her award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose as Sylvia. Hip hop, funk, and soul — choreographed by Kate Prince. Basically: bring a portable fan because the talent will be that powerful.
Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man parks up in Brum
A greasy 1950s garage, a mysterious stranger, and a score you’ll recognise within half a breath… Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man (Tue 13 – Sat 17 Oct 2026) is back to stir up trouble. Think “Bizet… but with burgers.”
Cats — the Jellicles are coming
Yes, the tails, the leaps, the iconic Memory moment — a brand-new production of Cats arrives for two weeks only (Tue 27 Oct – Sat 7 Nov 2026). Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie. I’m already practising my Jellicle crawl on my lunch break.
For the little ones (and the grown-ups who still love a good puppet)
Two Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler favourites are dancing their way into 2026:
• Tales from Acorn Wood (Tue 24 – Sun 29 Mar 2026, Patrick Studio) — puppets, music, and guaranteed “Awws.”
• The Gruffalo (Wed 20 – Sun 24 May 2026) — songs, silliness, and a monster who’s somehow more adorable than terrifying.
New stories sprouting in the Patrick Studio
Birmingham Hippodrome is championing fresh voices — and there’s plenty brewing:
Please Do Not Touch (Thu 29 – Sat 31 Jan 2026)
Casey Bailey’s new play follows Mason, an activist who digs into the true history behind museum objects… until he ends up in a Young Offender Institution. Stirring, political, and absolutely one to watch.
Mona Loser (Tue 10 – Sat 14 Mar 2026)
A new musical in workshop form from the minds behind Two Strangers…. Think Mary Shelley, social media fame, and a pop score with bite.
Wish List (Thu 23 – Sat 25 Apr & Thu 30 Apr – Sat 2 May 2026)
A pop-rock musical about life, loss, and what it means to truly live — told through a boy who’s given up and a girl running out of time.
Origins Festival (Mon 11 – Sat 16 May 2026)
Eight Birmingham-based artists showing off 18 months of graft, innovation, and creativity. This is where the future big names start — bookmark that.
Accessible Performances
There’ll be a full range of Audio Described, Captioned, BSL-interpreted and Relaxed performances. The Hippodrome really does make sure everyone gets a seat at the table (or in this case, the stalls).
Booking Info
• Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome: Thu 20 Nov, 11am
• General sale: Mon 24 Nov, 11am
• Sleeping Beauty Friends’ booking: Tue 9 Dec, 11am
• Sleeping Beauty general sale: Fri 12 Dec, 11am
Book via their website or call 0121 689 3000.
