Entertainment
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Reviewed – Tommy at the Birmingham Rep
The musical Tommy arrived at the Birmingham Rep last night, in a new production by the inclusive theatre project Ramps on the Moon. This version of the iconic rock opera from The Who featured the epoymous lead, the ‘deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball’ being played by an actor who also happens to be deaf, the excellent William Grint, and the use of Grint, and other actors who have disabilities, added a new power and poignancy to what is a classic piece of musical theatre. A new opening scene, featuring news footage, showing how people with disabilities are facing additional cuts to benefits and support…
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La Cage Aux Folles – Sequins, Feathers and Laughs Galore
La Cage Aux Folles is one of the classic modern musicals and it was in barnstorming force at the Birmingham Hippodrome last night, receiving a glorious standing ovation for an audience that had laughed, cried and been charmed by John Partridge and Adrian Zmed in the lead roles. The story of love and acceptance seems more apt than ever in our modern society where politicians like Dindon seem to becoming more and more prevalent. La Cage Aux Folles is the most glitziest, glamorous nightclub/revue on the French Riviera, and Albin, as Zsa Zsa is it’s most famous (drag) star. In a happy relationship with club owner Georges for over 20…
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Funny Girl – Just Incredible At The Birmingham Hippodrome
Last night I was in the audience at the Birmingham Hippodrome to watch ‘Funny Girl’. I left feeling privileged to have watched one of the great modern theatre stars playing a role that she has made her own. Sheridan Smith is sensational as Fanny Brice, and ‘Funny Girl’ is a masterpiece. I was mesmerised from start to finish. ‘Funny Girl’ is the story of the rise of 1920s star Fanny Brice, and of her love story with the gambler and con man Nicky Arnstein. Fanny is a theatre natural, a funny girl who can also bring the house down with the beauty of her voice. Told that she was not…
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Tekkerz Kid and It’s Romello launch Infinity Nado at The Entertainer, Bullring
Yesterday was a very exciting day in Birmingham for hundreds of kids enjoying the beginning of their half term holidays. You Tube stars the Tekkerz Kid and It’s Romello were in town to launch the latest Infinity Nado Battle set, and to challenge the Nado fans of Birmingham to try and beat the two brothers in a game. The kids of Birmingham rose to the challenge, making a journey to the Bullring, more specifically to The Entertainer to meet their pint sized heroes and maybe, just maybe, beat them at a game of Infinity Nado. I went along to The Entertainer myself to see what the game is all about.…
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Gangsta Granny – Live on Stage at the Wolverhampton Grand
David Walliams is a literary genius when it comes to children’s literature. I have just finished reading ‘Demon Dentist’ to my little boy Joe, so it is fitting that this is also the week that I was able to see my first Walliams adaptation on the stage. ‘Gangsta Granny’ is his most popular book, and it was brought to life in thrilling and hilarious fashion at the Wolverhampton Grand last night, proving to be a treat for both the young, and they young at heart. Ben is twelve years old. His parents are a little obsessed with ballroom dancing, which leads to Ben dreading Friday nights, when he is forced…
