April What’s On For Kids In Birmingham

It is that time of the month once again where we look ahead to the next month at what is on in our city’s fantastic arts venues. I said last month that Spring was finally around the corner with its longer days and lighter evenings, and despite the wet weather (let’s face it this is the UK, it rather comes with the territory) it definitely feels like we have turned a bit of a corner into Spring, doesn’t it? At the time of writing, all of the events I have included below have ticket availability, though obviously this may well have changed by the time you read this post.

A concert hall is ready for the next performance. Imagine that this is taken just before the doors are opened to let the audience in for a wonderful evening's entertainment. — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In our fantastic city, there are always a lot of shows on every month for to choose from, many in different price brackets, and so I include a Table of Contents immediately below so you can have a quick look at all the events covered, and jump straight to the venue/show you are most interested in. In previous roundups I have included a link for each and every show on for each of the venues, but as this is making this post run very slowly, I am going to only include one link to each venue’s What’s On page. On this page you can find all of the shows listed with ticket booking information.

Birmingham Hippodrome

Home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Welsh National Opera, the Hippodrome is a fantastic large venue that hosts touring arts companies who put on big shows like musicals.

What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham Hippodrome

Wicked on 5 March – 7 April at various times

“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked has been casting its magical spell around the world for two decades.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

This award-winning musical flies back to Birmingham complete with all the spectacle and magic that make this “lavish, thrilling production” (Hereford Times) such an unforgettable and unmissable experience.

Please note this is recommended for ages 7+ and under 3s will not be admitted.

Some performances have limited ticket availability.

BYMT Animal Farm on 5 – 7 April at 2.15pm and 7.15pm

“All animals are equal… but some animals are more equal than others.”

Set in a world of fake news, party-gate, cancel culture and the curtailing of free speech, this is Animal Farm, reimagined.

With the disarming folk tone of the original story mashed up with contemporary musical theatre and pop, this brand new musical brings George Orwell’s epic novella into 2024.

British Youth Music Theatre is the UK’s leading creator of new musicals. This show will bring together young performers and musicians from across the country to share a well-known fable, retold by the teenagers of today.

Experience political pigs, singing horses, corrupt farmers and everyday workers, pitted together in choreographed protests.

Though Animal Farm was originally used as an allegory for Stalin’s brutal dictatorship, in this new musical version, it’s not hard to find similarities closer to home…

BYMT alumni includes: Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Charlotte Ritchie, Dean Johnson, Grace Mouat, Jamie Muscato, Amara Okereke, Mei Mac and Bradley Jaden.

Wicked on 5 March – 7 April at various times

“One of the most successful musicals of all time” (BBC News), Wicked has been casting its magical spell around the world for two decades.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

This award-winning musical flies back to Birmingham complete with all the spectacle and magic that make this “lavish, thrilling production” (Hereford Times) such an unforgettable and unmissable experience.

Please note this is recommended for ages 7+ and under 3s will not be admitted.

Some performances have limited ticket availability.

Please note that this show is recommended for ages 7+.

Mehek on 9 April at 8pm

Mehek is an enchanting exploration of the human heart – its desires, courages, and resiliences – masterfully brought to life by the artistry of Aakash Odedra and Aditi Mangaldas, the great South Asian dancers of their respective generations.

This captivating performance gives a voice to an unspoken and overlooked love story. Centred around a mature woman and a younger man, the dance delves deep into their intricate characters, challenging norms and redefining the very essence of love. Derived from the Hindi word for fragrance, the title alludes to the enduring power of memory and the essence of love itself. Aditi Mangaldas, dancing the first ever duet of her 50-year career, and Aakash Odedra weave a narrative that celebrates love in all its forms: raw, authentic, and infinitely resonant.

Aakash Odedra Company is an associate company of Birmingham Hippodrome.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.

Dear Zoo Live! on 11 – 16 April at 10.30am and 1.30pm

I wrote to the Zoo to send me a pet and they sent me a…
Ben and Sally are searching for the perfect pet, but instead the zoo sent a far too big elephant, a far too grumpy camel, and a far too jumpy frog. Whatever will they send next?!

Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents for nearly forty years. Lovingly adapted for the stage, his distinctive illustrations leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo.

With lots of laughs and audience interaction, Dear Zoo is the perfect introduction to theatre for young children. Join us and find out whether the zoo will send the perfect pet… in the end!

The Drifters Girl on 16 to 20 April at various times

Direct from the West End, The Drifters Girl comes to Birmingham Hippodrome as part of a major UK & Ireland tour.

Nominated for BEST NEW MUSICAL at the 2022 Olivier Awards, this smash-hit show has audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me.

Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved.

Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 10+.

U.Dance West Midlands 2024 on 20 April 6pm

Come and watch young dancers from across the West Midlands perform at this year’s amazing U.Dance Regional Platform. U.Dance is the national programme of events offering high quality dance opportunities to young people.

Each year, our nation’s young dancers can explore their creativity, learn more about dance careers, and experience the thrill and sense of achievement of performing. U.Dance West Midlands 2024 is hosted in partnership with U.Dance Regional and One Dance UK.

Jesus Christ Superstar on 22 – 27 April at various times

AN ALBUM THAT INSPIRED A REVOLUTION. A REVELATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. A REINVENTION FOR THIS MILLENNIUM.

Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerizing new production of the iconic global phenomenon, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR which comes to Birmingham Hippodrome for one week only. Starring Ian McIntosh (We Will Rock You, Follies, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Jesus, Shem Omari James (Dreamgirls UK Tour) as Judas and Hannah Richardson (Sting’s The Last Ship) as Mary. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades.

Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.

Don’t miss your chance to see this “gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”–The Guardian. BOOK NOW!

Please note this show is recommended for ages 10+.

Blood Brothers on 30 April – 4 May at various times

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of two twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright‘s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the “Standing Ovation Musical”, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail).

The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.

Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall is a wonderful purpose built concert hall, famous for its amazing acoustics. The Hall is part of the International Convention Centre on Centenary Square and next door to Birmingham Rep Theatre.

What’s On page and booking information: Symphony Hall

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac on 3 April at 7.30pm

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage in 2024 celebrating the very best of Fleetwood Mac.

Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

Giovanni: Let Me Entertain You on 4 April at 7.30pm

Running time 2 hours incl. Interval

Giovanni Pernice is back in 2024 for his brand new live tour, Let Me Entertain You

The Strictly Come Dancing champion and BAFTA winner is the epitome of live entertainment.

Giovanni will be joined by a world class cast of professional dancers and West End performers to bring you an unforgettable experience.

A show of non-stop action – prepare to be entertained.

Paddington in Concert on 5 April at 3pm

Guidance Film rated PG

Enjoy the beloved film with a live orchestra. Experience Paddington this Easter as you’ve never seen it before! The perfect holiday treat for all the family!

Watch the award-winning 2014 film on a giant HD screen, accompanied by the London Concert Orchestra playing Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live!

Based on Michael Bond’s much-loved books, cherished by families since 1958, the charming story follows the misadventures of a young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a home.

Taken in by the Brown family, who finds him lost and alone in Paddington Station, things are looking up for this rarest of bears. Until that is, he catches the eye of an ambitious museum taxidermist…

Boasting an all-star ensemble cast including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and Nicole Kidman, with Ben Whishaw and Imelda Staunton as the respective voices of Paddington and Aunt Lucy, Paddington was a beloved award-winning critically acclaimed box office hit on its release in the UK.

Kids Bop: Never Stop Live Tour on 6 April at 5pm

Sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop Kids as they perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage including “As It Was,” “About That Time,” “Anti-Hero,” “Green Green Grass,” “Trustfall,” and many more. This is the ultimate pop concert for kids (and the entire family), so don’t miss out on making memories that will last a lifetime! 

Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter on 8 April at 1pm

N Gade Three Pieces

J Gardner Five Dances

C Frances-Hoad Celebration Fantasia (Birmingham commission 2023)

D Bourgeois Serenade

C M Widor Adagio & Toccata, from Symphony No 5

Birmingham City Organist since 1983, Thomas Trotter is one of the world’s top-ranking virtuoso organists and was awarded the 2020 Queen’s Medal for Music. His fortnightly lunchtime concerts last around an hour and showcase the organ’s sublime delicacy and awesome power – as well as his own technical wizardry – in some of the most inventive programmes you’re ever likely to hear. Celebrating a milestone 40th anniversary in 2023, between 9 October and 8 April he’ll include in his recitals some of the many exciting pieces commissioned over the past 40 years.

Kazuki Yamada, Benjamin Grosvenor & the CBSO on 10 April at 2.15pm

Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.

An afternoon of gentle poems, wild dreams and even wilder piano playing.

Crazy in love: when Berlioz fell, he fell hard, pouring all his passions and fantasies into an epic, opium-fuelled orchestral showstopper. He didn’t call it “Symphonie Fantastique” for nothing! But that’s not the only good story we’ll be hearing today, as Kazuki Yamada evokes French poetry, and our good friend Benjamin Grosvenor takes the spotlight in Prokofiev’s firecracker of a Third Piano Concerto.

Free Jazz Fridays: Butcher’s Brew on 12 April at 5pm

Ray Butcher is a jazz trumpeter who has played jazz with many of the greats from the UK scene. He’s worked with Dr John, Mica Paris and recorded a solo on the song ‘God’s Great Dance Floor’ from the US chart topping and GRAMMY nominated release by Chris Tomlin ‘Burning Lights’.

He is joined by a great band from Birmingham:

Drummer Miles Levin, studied at the Guildhall, is the the son of the Tony Levin- who played regularly with Tubby Hayes.

Tim Amann, who studied History at Cambridge, is a composer and leader himself and has played with Art Farmer and David Murray among others.

Bassist Mike Green has performed with Jamie Cullum and is very much in demand around the midlands and beyond.

Sam Rogers (sax) is an agile improviser and has worked with many influential musicians over a long period and brings a great warmth to the band.

The band plays jazz, funk, blue note & Latin instrumental music.

Free Event.

Guidance 11-19

B:and Together is the B:Music programme for 11-19 year old musicians.

B:and Together Jazz and Gospel are regularly given performance opportunities, including chances to perform in our spaces at Symphony Hall such as the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space. They have also performed at a variety of venues & festival across the West Midlands, such as Midlands Art Centre, Music For Youth Festival and Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival

Sax In The City with The Notebenders on 13 April at 1.30pm

B:Music welcome back the Ladywood-based community big band to Symphony Hall to uplift with their unique mix of jazz and calypso music.

Free Event.

B:and Together Jazz Rehearsals: Spring Term 2024 on 13 April at 3.30pm

Guidance 11-19

B:and Together is the B:Music programme for 11-19 year old musicians.

B:and Together Jazz and Gospel are regularly given performance opportunities, including chances to perform in our spaces at Symphony Hall such as the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space. They have also performed at a variety of venues & festival across the West Midlands, such as Midlands Art Centre, Music For Youth Festival and Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival

The Damnation of Faust with the CBSO on 13 April at 7pm

Running time This concert will last just over 2 hours.

The road to hell is paved with incredible tunes…

What would you trade for your wildest dreams? Young Faust makes a wicked bargain, but he has one hell of a time finding out the price. Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust caused a scandal in 1846, and it’s still just as outrageous and as entertaining. Kazuki Yamada celebrates 50 years of the CBSO Chorus with the work they sang in their very first concert – and tonight the Devil really does have all the best tunes!

Champagne for Lulu on 15 April at 7.30pm

Since 15 year-old Lulu stormed into the UK charts with her iconic hit, ‘Shout’, she has established herself as a pioneer of popular culture and now, 60 years later prepares to celebrate her milestone 75^th birthday year with fans on her “Champagne For Lulu” tour.

Transcending generations with a lifetime of global success, which boasts accolades a Eurovision win, a Bond Theme tube, the biggest selling record in the US (‘To Sir With Love’ 1967), not to mention receiving an OBE, opening the closing ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a No1 duet with the biggest ever boyband since The Beatles, and still going strong as she performed two-nights at the Hollywood Bowl in Summer 2023 – Lulu continues to be at the absolute forefront of captivating live entertainment to this very day. And THAT’S why the UK proudly and ferociously heralds Lulu as one of our most precious pop icons – the glittering jewel in our entertainment cultural crown.

Champagne for Lulu” will be a massive celebration with guest performances and Lulu as you’ve never seen her. She goes beyond the bubbles, delivering the performance of a lifetime. Energetic, effervescent and emotional, this will be an experience to remember.

Celebrate the legend that is Lulu and her special guests at this 60 year anniversary party. Let’s get together and raise a glass of champagne for Lulu!

BIMM at B:Eats: Conor Douglas, Tia Lamb & Lily Clarke on 16 April at 1pm

Honor Douglas
Honor is an independent DreamPop Singer/songwriter from Derby, UK. Her style is often compared to the likes of Lana Del Rey, Florence & The Machine and The Cranberries.

Tia Lamb
Tia Lamb is an upcoming Indie Folk singer songwriter from Birmingham who combines atmospheric storytelling with spiritual elements to address real world issues. She is influenced by artists including Hozier, Lizzy McAlpine and Kate Bush, and shes no stranger to a crowd!

Lily Clarke
Lily Clarke is an indie-pop, singer-songwriter creating an nostalgic, atmospheric sound with her honest storytelling. While recording music the past year, releases are set for this year.

Free event.

Dresden Philharmonic on 16 April at 7.30pm

Dresden Philharmonic

Stanislav Kochanovsky conductor

Maria Ioudenitch violin

Mussorgsky Khovanshchina, Prelude

Shostakovich Violin Concerto No 1

Tchaikovsky Symphony No 6 ‘Pathétique’

This illustrious orchestra, over 150 years old, is a byword for artistic quality and musical integrity with conductors such as Kurt Masur and Michael Sanderling leaving their mark, and Brahms, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and Strauss all conducting their own works. It was given a huge boost with the opening of a fabulous new concert hall in 2017 and recently played the on screen role of Lydia Tár’s ‘Berlin’ orchestra in the award-winning film starring Cate Blanchett.

Stanislav Kochanovsky guest conducts the orchestra in a concert of heightened emotion that begins serenely enough with the shimmering Dawn over the Moscow River – the Prelude to Mussorgsky’s opera Khovanschina – that opens into a lush Russian melody. Stalin’s reign of terror heaped public damnation and personal fear on Shostakovich who kept his Violin Concerto hidden away until 1955. Astonishingly difficult, and with barely a moment’s rest for the soloist, the multi award-winning Maria Ioudenitch will be the perfect challenger. Then have your heart wrung out by Tchaikovsky’s final symphony and sign-off to the world. The bravado of the rousing March gives way to the emotionally-wrought finale and a double bass ‘heartbeat’ that fades aways into nothing.

Britten & Tchaikovsky with the CBSO on 17 April at 7.30pm

Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.

From the tranquil to the fantastical, each dream is as vivid as the next.

The frosty magic of the Russian winter inspired Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony: music so tuneful, and so fresh, that you can almost see your breath in the air! Anna Thorvaldsdottir dreams of the vast stillness of Icelandic nature. And the great Ian Bostridge – possibly Britain’s finest living tenor – leads a wild parade through Britten’s shimmering, magical musical dreamscape. This promises to be a truly gripping evening…

Celebrating Sanctuary: TwoManTing (Sierra Leone / UK) on 18 April at 1pm

Running time 1hr

Drummer Jah-man Aggrey, from Sierra Leone and guitarist Jon Lewis formed TwoManTing in 2004 when playing together as part of dance band, Le Cod Afrique, at venues such as Montreux Jazz Festival and WOMAD. The duo became a hit on the UK festival circuit with their brand of bouncy “Sunshine Afro-roots”. Using guitar, live loops and percussion the duo creates a highly danceable full band sound. They have performed extensively and their music is often featured on BBC Radio 3 and 6Music. Shows feature palm-wine, acoustic dub and highlife grooves with thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics. They have been a regular contributor to Celebrating Sanctuary’s programme for many years and we are delighted to welcome them back to celebrate their 20^th Anniversary.

Celebrating Sanctuary in partnership with B:Music

As we head towards Spring, Celebrating Sanctuary has more amazing World Music artists to bring you in our Lunchtime Concert series. Continuing throughout the year with local, national and international musicians, originating from around the world. This Spring we welcome back some favourites, with Sunshine grooves from Sierra Leone and UK, and Eastern European Contemporary folk from Ukraine. Stay tuned for more news about artists featuring in our Refugee Week takeover in June, from Zimbabwe, Haiti, Iran, UK.

Supported by Arts Council England

Free Event.

Classic FM Hall of Fame with the CBSO & John Suchet on 19 April at 7.30pm

Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.

The definitive countdown of Britain’s favourite classical music!

You love them, so we play them! The Classic FM Hall of Fame is the definitive countdown of Britain’s favourite classical music. Finlandia, Nimrod, The Lark Ascending… admit it, you’re humming them already! Classic FM’s John Suchet hosts, as conductor Michael Seal and the full CBSO present a whole evening of great melodies.

Nashville Sounds in the Round: Gasoline & Matches, Emilia Quinn, Chloë Chadwick, Jimmy Stanley & Ryan Nelson on 20 April at 11.30am

Nashville Sounds in the Round

Birmingham’s premier country songwriter night ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ in partnership with B:Music! Hosted by multi award-winning Gasoline & Matches, artists are invited to tell the stories behind their songs in a Bluebird Café style ‘In The Round’ session, stripping the songs back to their origins and transporting the audience right back to the writing rooms.

Gasoline & Matches

Gasoline & Matches are a high energy, multi-award winning, dual fronted British band combining close harmonies, melodic guitar licks and serious musicianship. Fronted by Birmingham natives Sally Rea Morris and Stephen Marks, they are fierce entertainers known for their tongue-in-cheek and much-loved song “Never Have I Ever” described by Bob Harris as “Clever, funny, totally original…and it’s Country!” They built momentum after multiple spins on BBC Radio 2, and never fail to get festival goers on their feet to participate in the infamous drinking game which inspired the song. As resident hosts of Nashville Sounds in the Round, their Bluebird Cafe style songwriter round at Birmingham Symphony Hall, it’s clear to see their contribution & influence on Country and Americana music in the Midlands.

Emilia Quinn

Unleashing Gritty Americana with Raw Passion. Emilia Quinn stands as a vibrant force in the realm of Americana music, crafting a distinct path within the genre’s fabric. With a voice that resonates as both powerful and raw, she defies conventions, infusing her melodies with a fiery essence that captivates audiences worldwide. Her music is a tapestry woven from the threads of traditional roots music, emboldened by a gritty twist that sets her apart. Emilia’s husky vocals serve as the vessel for storytelling, each song a journey through her soul, delivered with astonishing honesty and fervour. The embodiment of a modern firecracker, Emilia Quinn disrupts the contemporary landscape of Country and Americana Roots music. Her repertoire spans from anthems exuding unapologetic bravado to tender ballads that tug at heartstrings, creating a dynamic experience that resonates deeply with listeners.

Chloe Chadwick

Cheshire based singer/songwriter ‘Chloë Chadwick’ has been cooking up a storm in 2023 with her latest country & Americana filled music releases! On a mission in 2024 also, Chloe has even more new releases to come! Her unique stagecraft and grounded modesty provide a perfect balance for audiences who appreciate the beauty of music through not only her storytelling, but her performances of which are soulfully delivered. Over the years Chloë has shown grit, incredible drive and tenacity throughout her career spanning over 15 years in the music industry! Chloë has already kickstarted 2024 with a bunch of confirmed dates including a SOLD OUT show supporting Morganway in Yorkshire, a HEADLINE show just announced at the Camden Chapel, London in May, a ‘BCMA’ Writers Round in March, as well as appearing at this years biggest UK Country Music Festival ‘C2C’ at London’s 02 Arena. Chloë will be sharing the bill with International stars such as ‘Brad Paisley’, ‘Carly Pearce’, ‘Old Dominion’, & ‘Kane Brown’, to name a few!

Jimmy Stanley

An American country music singer from Eustis, Florida. He grew up there on rural road CR. 44a. He spent most of his child hood training horses on his parents horse farm. Jimmy attended Florida State University where he began to visualize a path in music playing small clubs around Tallahassee before making the move to Nashville in 2005. He immediately got a job at the world famous Bluebird Cafe where he studied some of the greatest songwriters and learned how a song was crafted. Jimmy has shared the stage with artists like Sam Hunt, Tony Arata, Ronnie Milsap etc. In 2012 he landed a featured role on ABC’s Nashville which later turned into a speaking role. Shortly thereafter he was casted for the soft scripted reality show called Crazy Hearts Nashville on the network A&E. After the first season Jimmy returned to touring and released his debut single “Say You Want Me” on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

Ryan Nelson

Hailed as “a legend” by Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther, Ryan Nelson has become a Nashville staple amongst artists and songwriters alike, with major cuts including Riley Green’s “When She Comes Home Tonight,” Meghan Patrick’s “Girls Like Me” and Jelly Roll’s “Too Far.” Known as a prolific writer and unmatched performer, Nelson breaks the mould with thought provoking lyricism and an unapologetically authentic on stage persona. The “Show Up Drunk” singer’s refusal to be anyone other than himself, along with his dedication to upholding the integrity of real music have solidified him as an artist in every sense of the word. Handpicked by Jelly Roll as an opener on his 2021 Work In Progress tour, the man himself dubbed Nelson “one of the best songwriters in Nashville.” His most recent single “Bad Tattoo” garnered support from CMT, Apple Music’s New in Country, Best New Songs, and more, in addition to his past placements on Spotify’s Fresh Finds, New Music Nashville and Next From Nashville. As an independent artist, Ryan Nelson embodies the spirit of persistence and defying the odds. With a slew of never before heard material on the horizon, both new and old fans of Nelson can expect the unexpected, while his longtime supporters already know they won’t be disappointed.

Jethro Tull: The Seven Decades on 20 April at 7.30pm

With Ian Anderson as ever central to the performance, this tour will encapsulate the seven decades in which Jethro Tull have written and performed music. Through their 23 studio albums, they have continued to push the boundaries of their music. With Ian’s unique and iconic flute playing paired with his distinct vocal, they are one of the most important and distinctive bands the UK have ever produced and Ian’s desire to continually innovate has ensured they remain as relevant around the world today as they did in the seventies.

Daniel Bedingfield on 22 April at 7.30pm

Guidance Under 14’s accompanied by adult

Global pop icon Daniel Bedingfield is thrilled to announce his UK live return in 2024 to celebrate over 20 years of classic album Gotta get Thru This. This highly anticipated tour, his first since 2005, will see Bedingfield revisit his chart-topping anthems that have soundtracked millions.

Bruckner 7 with the CBSO on 25 April at 7.30pm

Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Dark, dreamy and deeply poetic. Imagine the melody of your dreams.

That’s how Anton Bruckner came up with the opening of his Seventh Symphony – and when you hear it, you’ll understand why: this is music that scales sublime heights and heartrending depths. For guest conductor Markus Stenz, it’s a spiritual journey; so he begins by teaming up with the incomparable James Ehnes in Schumann’s dark, but deeply poetic Violin Concerto.

Free Jazz Fridays: Swing You Sinners 26 April at 5pm

Swing You Sinners is inspired by the collectivism heard in the early jazz recordings of Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Cab Calloway, and how these tunes can be brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century by a group of forward-thinking improvisers.

Born out of a love of Fleischer Studios’ dark, surreal animations which captured the spirit of depression-era New York City, the band revels in the same sense of anarchy and the joy of creativity which these animators first showed to the world in the late 20’s and 30’s.

Sam Wooster: Trumpet

George Crowley: Tenor Saxophone

Andrew Woodhead: Piano

Nick Jurd: Double Bass

Jeff Williams: Drums

Free Event.

Lost In Music on 26 April at 7.30pm

LOST IN MUSIC One Night at the Disco

Get ready to get LOST IN MUSIC!

The show that everyone is talking about, now even BIGGER!

Join us as we recreate the magical 70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of disco!

Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

Boasting a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles!

It’s the feel-good show of the year! Lose yourself with us and leave your troubles at home!

ECHO Rising Stars: Júlia Pusker on 28 April at 11am

Júlia Pusker violin

Lili BoulangerDeux Morceaux, for violin and piano

Debussy Violin Sonata

Eric Tanguy Trois pièces, for solo violin

Ysaÿe Poème Élégiaque

Brahms /Joachim Hungarian Dance No 11

Brahms / Kreisler Hungarian Dance No 17

Hubay Carmen, Fantasie Brillante

A true “aristocrat” of the violin is how Belgian newspaper La Libre referred to Júlia Pusker, while The Strad has praised her “magical simplicity”. The Hungarian violinist is being snapped up for concerto appearances with orchestras such as the Belgian National Orchestra and London Mozart Players alongside recital and festival performances and collaborations as a chamber musician.

She’ll show off all her skills in a terrific concert centred on music by, and for, violinists. There are contributions from virtuoso performer-composers Ysaÿe and Hubay, and arrangements of Brahms’s Hungarian Dances by Joachim and Kreisler, two of the greatest and most influential violinists of the 19^th century. The recital begins with two delightful miniatures by Lili Boulanger and Debussy’s wistful sonata. Júlia has also commissioned an exciting new work for her Rising Stars tour from leading French composer Eric Tanguy whose Second Violin Concerto she has recently recorded.

ECHO artist nominated by MÜPA Budapest

CBSO Symphonic Sessions: In C on 28 April at 5pm

Running time 4-5pm: DJ set by Echo Juliet, 5-6pm: live music.

Minimalism meets improvisation in this immersive performance on the Symphony Hall stage.

Audiences are invited to be part of something special this April. A fully immersive performance allowing you to get closer to the music than ever before: on the Symphony Hall stage. Grab a drink, sit down amongst CBSO musicians and allow yourself to be completely surrounded by sound.

Terry Riley’s In C is one of the earliest minimalist pieces, and with endless chances for improvisation, no two performances are the same. Today you’ll hear it performed by 35 musicians from the CBSO, a piece that builds on ever-changing textures and melodies, open fully to interpretation.

GRAMMY nominated composer Andy Akiho’s infectious Karakurenai and a DJ set from Echo Juliet makes this a Sunday afternoon not to miss.

Doors open at 4pm. Live music from 5pm.

Birmingham Town Hall

Symphony Hall’s sister venue, Birmingham Town Hall is just a little way down the road.

What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham Town Hall

There’s A Monster in Your Show on 6 – 7 April at various times

Running time 50 Minutes

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show.

Expect plenty of fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters, including Monster, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn, come to life in a show that is packed with playful moments to enjoy together.

There’s a Monster in Your Show… and he can’t wait to meet you!

Nitin Sawhney on 8 April at 8pm

Recipient of over 20 international awards – Nitin Sawhney returns to Town Hall following the release of his brand-new album IDENTITY which featured collaborations with Guy Garvey (Elbow), Joss Stone, Gary Lineker, I Am Rooze and many more. Nitin will be performing a selection of these newer tracks alongside favourites from his back catalogue.

Sawhney has recorded multiple albums, film soundtracks and compilations, encompassing over 70 film and TV scores and is established as a world-class producer, songwriter, touring artist, BBC Radio and club DJ, multi-instrumentalist, theatrical, dance, videogame and orchestral composer and cultural/political commentator. Holding 7 honorary doctorates from UK universities along with 3 fellowships, Nitin also sits on the boards of multiple charities and is a member of Oscars, BAFTA and Grammys.

Support: Olive Jones

Paul Lewis: Schubert Piano Sonatas 4 on 11 April at 7.30pm

Piano Sonata No 19 in C minor, D958

Piano Sonata No 20 in A major, D959

Piano Sonata No 21 in B flat major, D960

The last months of Schubert’s life saw his creativity flourish through an unstoppable flow of musical masterpieces including the famous string quintet and song cycle Schwanengesang (Swan Song). As his health declined further, he wrote three last piano sonatas, together, in the summer and autumn of 1828 just weeks before his death. Full of emotional intensity, there’s drama, passion, anger, humanity, beauty and melancholy throughout these works, along with signposts to his admiration for Beethoven (Schubert had been a pall-bearer at Beethoven’s funeral the previous year).

With his first Schubert recordings in the early 2000s, Paul Lewis anchored a reputation as a new authority in the composer’s piano music with Gramophone magazine describing him as “arguably the finest Schubert interpreter of his generation”. Performing and recording the piano sonatas has been a constant throughout Lewis’s career, much as the sonatas formed a thread throughout Schubert’s own life, each one transparent in its emotions.

In this final recital of the series, we have a chance to reflect on what led the composer Franz Liszt to declare Schubert “the most poetic musician who ever lived”.

The Billy Joel Songbook on 13 April at 7.30pm

The ultimate uptown experience returns! Hugely acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace is set to thrill audiences with his smash-hit award-winning show The Billy Joel Songbook this autumn after a sell out tour across the UK in 2022.

The Billy Joel Songbook pays homage to one of the most iconic musicians, singer-songwriters and composers of the 20th Century, and will once again see Elio and his incredible band celebrating the legendary US musician with a unique blend of pop, rhythm and blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.

Lamar: Closer Tour 2024 on 14 April at 7.30pm

Afghan Tradition & Folk, Indian & Western Classical Music Repertoire

Lemar will take fans on a journey through his illustrious career, featuring chart-topping hits, fan-favourites, and tracks from his latest album, Page in My Heart, as he is joined by his exceptional band in Birmingham Town Hall.

The Queen’s Cartoonists on 19 April at 7.30pm

The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from cartoons! Pulling from over 100 years of animation from around the world, The Queen’s Cartoonists bring animated films to life, perfectly synchronizing their performances with the films projected on stage. The band matches the energy of the cartoons, leading the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.

Projections of animated films dazzle the audience, while the band re-creates original soundtracks note-for-note, or writes their own fresh compositions to modern pieces, all the while breathing new life into two uniquely American forms of art: jazz and animation. Tying everything together is the TQC brand of comedy – anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers, stream-of-consciousness humour, and elements of a musical circus.

Lunchtime Organ Concert with Peter Holder, Westminster Abbey on 22 April at 1pm

G Handel Overture to The Occasional Oratorio

W Byrd Fancy in D minor

W Harris A Fancy

E Elgar The Severn Suite

J Weir Tree of Peace

W Walton Orb and Sceptre

Peter Holder was organist for the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He has held the post of Sub Organist at Westminster Abbey since 2017, prior to which he was Sub Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral. He “stole the show” (Daily Telegraph) when performing the organ solos in Janáček’s Glagolitic Mass at the First Night of the Proms in 2019 and returned to the BBC Proms in 2021 to play a solo recital in the Royal Albert Hall organ’s 150^thanniversary year. In addition to duties at Westminster Abbey, Peter can be heard in concert across the world, and is an organ tutor at the Royal Academy of Music, his alma mater.

His selection of music from across the centuries has more than a hint of regal connections, from Elizabethan composer William Byrd (in the 400^th anniversary year of his death) to Walton’s majestic Orb and Sceptre composed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and from Edward Elgar to Judith Weir, past and current Masters of the King’s Music.

Samara Joy on 25 April at 7.30pm

With her GRAMMY-Award winning and chart-topping album, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable Verve Records. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her fans like Anita Baker and Regina King and appearances on the TODAY Show, The Tonight Show w/Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and more, in addition to millions of likes on TikTok—cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star.

The New York Times praised the “silky-voiced rising star” for “helping jazz take a youthful turn” while NPR All Things Considered named her a “classic jazz singer from a new generation.” In February 2023, Samara Joy took home two GRAMMYs-Best Jazz Vocal Album and the auspicious Best New Artist award.

Average White Band on 27 April at 7.30pm

The Average White Band, one of the best soul and funk bands of all-time, are on their farewell tour!

Formed in London in 1972, the six-piece band somewhat incongruously, given their Scottish roots, took the influences of their R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Donny Hathaway and developed their own authentic sound which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere. The group’s consistently accomplished song-writing helped them to achieve several Gold-selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records.

Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons on 28 April at 7pm

Immerse yourself in the melodies of nature, as a chamber orchestra brings to life the music of Stardew Valley!

Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons is an intimate, immersive live concert featuring fresh arrangements of the most cherished songs from the game’s mesmerizing soundtrack.

Curated by ConcernedApe, the concert program will take you on a musical journey through the four seasons of the valley, its unforgettable festivals, and its beloved villagers.

Join us at Festival of Seasons and experience the magic of Stardew Valley like never before!

Charles Esten on 30 April at 7.30pm

Guidance U14s accompanied by an adult

Esten explores life, love, and the passing of time through the lens of a travelled and tested everyman, who has never lost his innate sense of wonder, or his wide-open soul over the course of his debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty. Working in tandem with hitmakers like Jon Nite, Eric Paslay, Gary Burr, Leslie Satcher, and more, Esten co-wrote all tracks on the album. Vividly detailed and filled with the emotional daring of a celebrated storyteller – both onscreen and onstage – Charles dives into wide-ranging themes of earth-shattering romance, big-picture reflection, and more.

Love Ain’t Pretty,produced by Marshall Altman (Frankie Ballard, Marc Broussard, Matt Nathanson) to sculpt a calm, controlled, and beautifully contoured sound, blending the forward momentum of Country Rock with Rootsy small-town charm, and a warm, soulful vocal, is a culmination of a lifetime of growth, and like its title suggests, it hasn’t always been pretty, but it has been a beautiful ride.

Multi-talent Charles Esten is a global entertainer. Known for his roles as Ward Cameron on the Netflix hit show Outer Banks and Deacon Claybourne in ABC/CMT’s Nashville, the artist-songwriter introduces his independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, on January 26, 2024. Already totalling over 14 million streams for his music to date, Esten is a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks.

He’s made over 160 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and performed multiple headline tours in the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, and the U.K.

CBSO Centre

The CBSO is a world class orchestra, right on our doorstep. They have performed all over the world, and are absolutely fantastic. The orchestra performs regularly at both the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham and in their own home just down the road and nearer the canal, the CBSO Centre. You will see above in the listing for both Symphony Hall and Town Hall that concerts by the CBSO are being performed at those venues this month, in this section I am talking only about the concerts that will take place at the CBSO Centre.

What’s On page and booking information: CBSO Centre

CBSO Centre Stage: Woodwind Ensemble on 18 April at 12pm

Running time This concert will last less than an hour.

Discover one of Birmingham’s best kept musical secrets: our series of informal afternoon concerts programmed and introduced by our musicians at the CBSO Centre

CBSO Centre Stage: Mendelssohn String Octet on 26 April at 2pm

Running time This concert will last less than an hour.

Discover one of Birmingham’s best kept musical secrets: our series of informal afternoon concerts programmed and introduced by our musicians at the CBSO Centre.

The Alexandra Theatre

The Alexandra Theatre is a Receiving House Theatre (it receives productions, and does not rehearse, desig, direct the show in house) in the heart of Birmingham.

What’s On page and booking information: The Alexandra Theatre

Shrek The Musical on 9 – 14 April at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey as they set out on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. With a heart-warming story and a cast of unforgettable characters, this musical extravaganza is a journey you won’t want to miss.

The show is set to a toe-tapping soundtrack featuring fabulous songs like ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ‘I Know It’s Today’. These tunes will have you humming all the way home. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, offering an award-winning show that promises a musical spectacular for big kids and little kids alike.

Our stellar cast is led by theatre legend Antony Lawrence as Shrek, whose ‘powerful voice fills the theatre and makes him instantly lovable’ (Twit Celeb Gossip). His previous credits include: The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Matilda the Musical, and We Will Rock You.

Ellen Kent: Madama Butterfly on 21 April at 7.30pm

Senbla presents Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv production, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Back by overwhelming public demand, this award-winning Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

Welcoming back the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian soprano Alyona Kistenyova and Ukrainian mezzo-soprano’s Natalia Matveeva and Irina Sproglis.*

Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera. Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them.

– THE INDEPENDENT

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Great Big Dance Off – West Midlands Heat on 22 April at 4pm

Primary and Secondary schools from across the region come together to compete for the West Midlands Champions for 2023.

Schools have been working hard to prepare their routines – who will progress to the National Finals in the summer.

The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is on 26 April at 7.30pm

This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with the slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!

This show will have you Dancing On The Ceiling, with songs from legendary artistes such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, The Isley Brothers, Edwin Starr and many, many more.

‘A totally fantastic Motown experience from start to finish, and this Royal Concert Hall audience just did not want the show to end’

– JAMES JARVIS, IT’S MUCH MORE

The ELO Experience on 27 April at 7.30pm

The ELO Experience have been bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage since 2006.

The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! 10538 Overture, Evil Woman, Living Thing, Diary of Horace Wimp, Don’t Bring me Down and of course Mr Blue Sky went on to become the soundtrack of our lives.

In 2016 Jeff Lynne’s ELO came back to prominence with the release of a brand new album – Alone In The Universe and a UK and World tour. The ELO Experience tour will include the greatest hits from an extensive and impressive back catalogue spanning over 45 years.

Blending rock rhythms with classical influences, ELO also released many classic albums such as A New World Record, Discovery, and Out of the Blue, and many sell-out tours which further established them as one of the most important and influential bands ever.

Please note: This production contains strobe and flashing lights, and haze effects.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 8+.

The Crescent Theatre

The Crescent Theatre is a smaller Theatre near Brindley Place. It has a 300 seat auditorium and a 100 seat Studio Theatre.

What’s On Page and booking information: The Crescent Theatre

MC Grammar Live – Stop! It’s Grammar Time! on 9 April at 2pm

MC Grammar Live – Stop! It’s Grammar Time!

Wowza! Multi Award-Winning rapping teacher, and World Book Day Ambassador, MC GRAMMAR is LIVE and in the HOUSE!

Grab your caps, shades and chains and get ready to rap, rhyme and dance along with National Teacher of the Year Award winner, and the star of Sky Kids smash hits “Wonder Rap” & “Rap Tales”. Stop! It’s Grammar time.

‘He is wonderful! Our kids want to watch him over and over again!’ Giovanna Fletcher

‘Social media sensation!’ BBC News

Stevie & Luther Show on 11 April at 7.30pm

Be the first to experience the brand new concert celebrating the million selling hits of Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross.

Feel the euphoria of all the non-stop golden hits: Superstition, I Just Called To Say I Love You, Happy Birthday, Dance With My Father, Never Too Much, Ain’t No Stopping Us, and many more.

Nat Augustin with his Live band will transport you back to those timeless golden, classics.

He has performed with Whitney Houston, Alexander O’neal,
Eurythmics, Janet Kay, Chaka Khan, Boy George and many more. He entertained us on Top of the Pops.

This show is unmissable!

Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.

The Addams Family on 23 – 27 April at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

This production contains pyrotechnic effects and stroboscopic lighting effects.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al. Join us, and The Addams, for a night of family fun!

“THE ADDAMS FAMILY” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 122-124 Regent Street, 5′ floor, London WIB 5SA. http://www.theatricalrights.co.uk

The performance on Thursday 25th will be a British Sign Language Interpreted Performance, which is suitable for all. While no changes are made to the performance itself, a sign language interpreter will be present to benefit audience members who are D/deaf or hard of hearing.

Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty – The Legacy Show 27 April 7.45pm

Europe’s only tribute to both Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Hear and see both bands classic songs along with The Traveling Wilburys and Stevie Nicks solo and collaborations plus Heartbreakers covers of the Byrds and Thunderclap Newman and many more.

A full two hour plus show from two titanic bands in one great evenings entertainment all performed by The Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty Legacy.

Midland Arts Centre (MAC)

MAC is a multi-purpose venue, meaning that there is an art gallery both a separate gallery space and one around the cafe areas, workshop spaces, a theatre, a cinema, and other performance spaces. It is also located in Canon Hill Park making it a great place for a day out. It is definitely worth having a look through their website to see if there is something for you and your child(ren) to enjoy. If you are heading to MAC in the near future, it is worth checking out my Venue Guide:

Venue Guide for Parents – Midland Arts Centre, or MAC

What’s On page and booking information: Midland Arts Centre (MAC)

Box Tale Soup: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on 7 April at 11.30am and 2pm

Drawing on the wealth of peculiar episodes from both Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy.

Carroll’s Wonderland floods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters. No matter how young or old, everyone will find their own moment of magic in Wonderland and make it safely home again – the only danger is, you may not want to leave!

TDE Jazz: Evan Parker 80th Birthday Celebration on 11 April at 8pm

Evan Parker is without doubt one of two or three great improvising jazz musicians in the world. He was a pioneer of the free jazz of the 1960s with players such as John Stevens and Derek Bailey in the UK and Peter Brotzmann and Alexander von Schlippenbach in Germany. Since then he has continued to be a major creative force within the music.

We are privileged to be presenting one of two concerts celebrating his birthday along with a drum ensemble led by Mark Sanders with Tymek Jozwiak, Miles Levin and Jim Bashford plus bass player John Edwards and fellow saxophonist Paul Dunmall. The first is in London at Cafe Oto.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 14+.

Kitchen Zoo: The Three Bears on 14 April at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Deep in the forest live Mammy, Daddy and Baby Bear. Each day the Three Bears head into the woods to collect interesting things to re-use in their home. Soon their cosy house is turned upside down by a colourful whirlwind that threatens to sit in their chairs, eat their porridge and sleep in their beds. It’s Goldilocks!

Bring your bears for an adventure in the woods, with original music, puppets and a tale you thought you knew.

Every show is relaxed so join us for this friendly and fun theatre experience for children aged 6 and under and their grown-ups.

Babies Adventures in Music (BAM 2024) on 190 April at 11am and 1.30pm

We can’t wait to see you at the return of our BAM concerts! Bring your baby for a bounce with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha.

This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each months’ sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow!

Performances feature harp, diatonic accordion, a range of stringed instruments, songs in different languages and lots lots more.

Suitable for babies 0-18 months and their families and friends

Performances are 30 minutes long

A spellbinding experience. Totally engaging for babies and toddlers

Audience review

Eliza Carthy Solo Show on 19 April at 8pm

Unarguably the queen of English folk

If there is one musician who embodies the dynamism and vitality of the current English folk revival, it’s Eliza Carthy MBE.

As the daughter of folk legends Martin Carthy & Norma Waterson, Eliza grew up immersed in the world of traditional music and from an early age was championed by John Peel, Andy Kershaw and Billy Bragg.

Beloved of staunch traditionalists and iconoclasts alike, Eliza’s music effortlessly crosses boundaries of genre and style. Whether solo or fronting a big band, performing a centuries-old ballad or a self-written song, her powerful, nuanced voice, fiercely beautiful fiddle-playing, and mesmerizing performances have influenced a whole generation of young musicians.

Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize, and winner of innumerable other accolades over her thirty-year career, Eliza has performed and recorded around the world with a diverse array of artists including, Paul Weller, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Patrick Wolf, and Jarvis Cocker. Describing herself simply as a modern English musician, she is one of the most impressive, engaging, and important performers of her generation.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 14+.

TDE Jazz: Black Top, Xhosa Cole, and Sofia Jernberg on 25 April at 8pm

Black Top are an improvising duo of Pat Thomas, piano and keys and Orphy Robinson, electronic vibes who build on all aspects of creative black music in their improvisations.

Here they will play with saxophonist Xhosa Cole and vocalist Sofia Jernberg, born in Ethiopia but now based in Sweden. Sofia moves between songs drawing on her varied background and wordless singing.

Please note this show is recommended for ages 14+.

Little Big Dance: Club Origami 27 April at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Rip, fold and scrumple!

Shall we see what we can make with a single square of paper?

As you scrunch the paper, see how your imagination begins to dance…
Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting family audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving.

Dance, fashion and live music meet the magic of origami to sweep us up on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.

Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman on 29 April at 7.30pm

It has been five years since the last offering from the popular husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman and their latest album proves a ‘tour de force’ of musical and lyrical surprises.

‘Almost A Sunset‘, their seventh album, is a collection of thoughtful, varied songs that range from re-worked traditional ballads to the off-piste storytelling style that has become their trademark.

Recorded at Devon-pace in their studio on Dartmoor over the course of a year, the couple explore favourite characters, childhood memories and deep emotion to pull together a collection of songs that demonstrate their musical versatility, a sharp interest in the world around them and their own unique perspective on the folk genre.

The orchestra is all on stage. they have tuned up and are ready to play. — Photo by AfroRomanzo on Pexels.com

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Part of Birmingham City University, Birmingham Conservatoire is a music school with a number of purpose-built concert venues, both large and small.

What’s On page and booking information: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Paul Dunmall Invites: Nikki Yeoh on 4 April at 6.30pm

Paul Dunmall Invites Nikki Yeoh, Olie Brice and Mark Sanders

This last session of the academic year features pianist Nikki Yeoh (pictured).

She might seem a surprising choice as she mostly plays in more structured settings, but last year Tony Dudley-Evans heard her play in a free jazz setting with Evan Parker and Mark Sanders and immediately suggested to Paul that she would be an excellent choice for the Paul Dunmall Invites series.

Running time approx. two hours and 30 minutes.

ConsTest on 6 April at 10am

ConsTest returns for another year of exciting music making.

Once more, brass bands compete for a plethora of different awards throughout the day, whilst trade stands and gala concerts are a sure guarantee for an entertaining day for audience members and players alike.

This year, the world famous Flowers Band will be featuring their award-winning ‘Alice in Wonderland’ set at the ConsTest Gala Concert in the Bradshaw Hall, whilst RBC students and ex-students continue the post-results party in Eastside Jazz Club. With the Fluorescent Brassolescents performing Arctic Monkeys’ greatest tunes and The Ambrassadors performing party bangers into the night, there’s not a second to be missed at ConsTest 2024.

Tenor horn, euphonium, baritone and tuba taster day on 10 April at 10am

If you love playing in your youth brass band, why not come and join us for this fun-filled day? All up-and-coming tenor horn, euphonium, baritone and tuba players aged twelve and over are welcome. The RBC brass department invites you to visit our amazing building and get a sense of what it’s like to study these instruments at the Conservatoire.

You will have the chance to work with our incredible tutors Helen Varley (tenor horn), Chris Robertson (euphonium) and Les Neish (tuba). Plenty of current RBC students will also be getting involved.

Activities will begin at 10am, and the day will feature warm-ups, ensemble playing, masterclasses and instrument-specific sessions.

We will round things off with an informal sharing for parents in Bradshaw Hall at 3pm.

Entry is FREE, and all standards are welcome.

Running time approx. six hours

Gildas Quartet on 10 April at 1.45pm

Hayden String Quartet No. 19 in C minor, Op.17 No.4 (H. 3/28)
Purcell Fantasias in 4 parts
Britten String Quartet No.2 in C, Op.36 (1945)

The Gildas Quartet, praised for their ‘energy, verve and refreshing approach’ have performed to critical acclaim at major venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall and live on BBC Radio 3. Their bold and explorative approach to performance has been recognised by the International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition, Graz, where they won first prize in the Audience Engagement Award 2018.

Determined to bring the visceral experience of string quartet performance to audiences at close quarters, the Gildas launched their immersive ‘Surround Sound Sessions’ project in Winter 2019. This series ranges from short one-work ‘pop-up’ concerts in unusual settings to full-length recitals, with the audience literally in the midst of the players, in surround sound.

Tom Aldren violin
Gemma Sharples violin
Christine Anderson viola
Anna Menzies cello

Karen Sharp: The Bridge on 11 April at 6.30pm

Arnie Somogyi invites Karen Sharp: The Bridge

Exceptional talent Karen Sharp takes centre stage at this gig, channelling the spirit of Sonny Rollins’s seminal recording, The Bridge at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Eastside Jazz Club. Sharp brings a fresh perspective to these iconic tracks, featuring timeless classics Without a Song, God Bless the Child, and the titular The Bridge.

A leading figure on the UK Jazz scene since 2000, Karen is well known and admired for her melodic, full-toned saxophone playing, winning the British Jazz Awards for best tenor saxophonist on numerous occasions and appearing as a nominee in the rising star category of the Downbeat Critics Poll for baritone sax in 2018 and 2019.

Immerse yourself in the brilliance of The Bridge, feeling the echoes of Rollins’s innovative recording through Karen Sharp’s inspired interpretation. This promises to be an evening where the rich history of jazz converges with the brilliance of one of the UK’s most talented saxophonists, creating an unforgettable concert experience.

The line-up features exceptional RBC alumnus Gareth Fowler, recently returned from New York, where he studied with world-renowned guitarist Rodney Jones at the Manhattan School of Music, and one of the UK’s most in-demand and dynamic drummers – Winston Clifford.

Karen Sharp sax
Gareth Fowler guitar
Arnie Somogyi bass
Winston Clifford drums

Running time approc. two hours and 30 minutes.

RPO: Dvořák Wieniawski on 12 April at 7pm

The Romantic Revival Orchestra
Conductor Leo Jaffrey
Maciej Rzepczyk violin

Dvořák Symphony No.6
Wieniawski Violin Concerto No.2

Plus new pieces by Mason Ma and Juliana Niu

The RRO is a newly formed orchestra, consisting of mostly current RBC students, and run entirely by RBC students, with support from staff and tutors.

Its focus is on romantic repertoire, alongside new and contemporary tonal compositions and is intended to be, in part, a platform for composers to express their emotions in a colourfully tonal and refreshing way.

The RRO was founded with a purpose in mind: to revive romantic music in the wider classical genre, in a relevant and modern style hence, Romantic-Revival. It isn’t about eliminating the experimental, atonal or similar works, but rather about giving new, romantic music a voice alongside that. Accessible music for all, brought to you by the young musicians of tomorrow.

Running time approx. two hours including 30 minute interval

RBC Spring Recorder Festival 2024 on 13 – 14 April all day

Saturday 13 April

The English Wind Consort – ‘Renaissance in Europe’
1pm, Recital Hall, £5

Kate Allsop recorder, cornett
Eleanor Carr dulcian, shawm, recorder
Liam Fleet dulcian, shawm, recorder, voice
Lewis Jones keyboard continuo
Tristan Lambert dulcian, shawm
Kira Thomas recorder, dulcian, shawm, voice
Mark Wilson dulcian, voice, recorder

The English Wind Consort will explore the musical and cultural exchanges between four important cultural centres in renaissance Europe – England, Spain, Germany and Italy, interspersing sacred and secular music, played on a fascinating and kaleidoscopic range of wind instruments from the period.

The English Wind Consort was established in 2022 after its founders met on the Historical Music course at Dartington Summer School. United by their love of early music and consort playing, they formed EWC with the goal of exploring and enlarging the consort repertoire. The core of the ensemble are all multi-instrumentalists and often play two, three or more different instruments per performance, exploring the timbral variety these families of instruments, in their various sizes, can offer.

The ensemble is underpinned by organ, played by continuo player Lewis Jones. Lewis is a specialist in Italian and Spanish sacred music of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and has in the course of his doctoral research transcribed hundreds of obscure pieces of repertoire. EWC has been able to explore this ‘new’ repertoire by giving modern premieres of pieces that have often not been performed for several centuries.

EWC have enjoyed a well-received first year of concerts, and 2024 plans include performances as part of the 400^th anniversary of Pembroke College, Oxford University and a summer tour to the Rhineland, Germany.

All About the Bass
7pm, Recital Hall, £10

Annabel Knight (bass recorders and flute) with Reiko Ichise (viola da gamba) and Robin Bigwood (keyboards)

A journey into the sonorous world of all things Bass, featuring a kaleidoscopic range of music from the past five hundred years. Virtuosic Italian and English Renaissance divisions brush shoulders with sensuous French viol music and eighteenth-century ‘galanterie’, alongside adventurous new works in the exciting field of amplified and square bass recorders.

Music by Bassano, Purcell, Marais, Alice Chance, Jessica Wells and Göran Månsson

Sunday 14 April

Festival Jamboree Concert
4pm Recital Hall, £5, Under 18s free.

Conductor Chris Orton

The concluding concert in the RBC Spring Recorder Festival, dedicated to RBC’s former Head of Recorder Ross Winters (1951- 2021).

This concert features a brand-new work for massed recorders by RBC composer-recorder player Riko Suzuki, showcasing talent from Birmingham schools and across the UK. The concert will also feature performances from former students and colleagues of Ross Winters, as well as contributions from some of the UK’s brightest young recorder talents.

RBC Spring Recital Festival 2024: Solo Masterclasses on 13 April 10am

Intermediate and Advanced Solo Recorder Masterclasses with Chris Orton, Lou Bradbury, Kate Allsop and Annabel Knight

Our Solo Masterclasses are open to individuals of any age and are appropriate for players from Grade 4/5 to diploma level. Perfect for those who are looking for new performing experiences and wishing to extend their skills or explore specific techniques. Our tutors are all highly experienced performers, ready to help you get to the next level.

Accompanists are available if required at additional cost of £15, but early booking is recommended.

Performance fee £20 for a 35-40 minute session. Observation free.

Intermediate (Grade 4-6)

Saturday 13 April

10am – 1pm with Lou Bradbury

2 – 5pm with Kate Allsop

Advanced (Grade 7 – Diploma)

Saturday 13 April

10am – 1pm with Chris Orton

2 – 4pm with Annabel Knight

4 – 5.15pm with Lou Bradbury

Fee £20. Booking essential. Closing date to register Friday 22 March.

Recorder Festival 2024: Playing Opportunities on 13 – 14 April all day

Saturday 13 April

All listed events on this page are free of charge, but pre-booking is required

10am – 11.15am Intermediate Pop-Up Recorder Orchestra with Annabel Knight

Grades 3 – 6, open to all ages, with some easier parts.

Perfect for those with moderate skills wanting to explore ensemble playing in a friendly environment, and brush up their sight reading and recorder-playing skills. Parts will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Bring your own instruments.

2.15pm – 3.30pm Advanced Pop-Up Recorder Orchestra with Chris Orton

Grades 6+, aimed at recorder players with previous experience and confident sight-reading skills. Parts will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Bring your own instruments.

2.15pm – 3.30pm ‘Bring a Recorder’ Workshop with Lou Bradbury

Aimed at new recorder players, this inspiring workshop is designed for those aged 7 and up and their teachers or carers. Perfect for developing early skills and enthusiasm for playing, participants should have their own recorders and preferably know a handful of notes including B, A and G. Ideal for beginners who have been playing for a term or more.

2.15pm – 3.30pm ‘Give it a Go‘ performance workshop with Heidi Fardell

If you love playing but struggle with performing, come along to a relaxed workshop and hopefully calm some of those negative performance thoughts – all levels and ages welcome. Bring a piece of music to play!

These events are free of charge but booking is essential. Closing date Monday 1 April.

Sunday 14 April

11am – 1pm Young Recorder Players’ Workshops with Annabel Knight and Sarah Jeffery

Keen players aged up to 21 and of around grade 5 and above are invited to attend a workshop dedicated to ensemble playing. Young recorder enthusiasts will discover new skills, meet other like-minded young players and work together on ensemble techniques and repertoire. We aim to send players away feeling inspired and full of new ideas. Players may be divided into groups according to age and experience.

Young Recorder Players’ Workshops are free of charge but booking is essential. First-come, first-served. Closing date to register – Monday 1 April.

4pm Festival Concert – Participation

Extra places now available.

*We are seeking players of all ages and levels* to be a part of a new work for recorders on the theme of time travel, written by RBC student composer-recorder player, Riko Suzuki. The work will form part of a bigger concert featuring promising young recorder players from across the country.

Rehearsals: Friday 12 April (5 – 7pm – local players) and Sunday 1.30pm – 3pm

Free of charge to participants including teachers.

Lunchtime Music: Handel, Doing, Verdi on 15 April 1.05pm

Jodie Lambert-Tandy soprano
Jonathan French piano

Handel Piangerò la sorte mia
Dring It Was a Lover and His Lass
Handel O Sleep, Why Dost Thou Leave Me
Verdi Saper Vorreste
Floyd The trees on the mountains
Duparc Chanson triste
Schumann Die Stille Strauss Die Nacht
Charles When I Have Sung My Song

Jodie Lambert-Tandy is a 22-year-old Welsh soprano who is currently completing her final year at RBC, under the tutelage of Louise Crane. Whilst studying at the Conservatoire, recent operatic performances include La Paix Les arts florissant, Frantik The Cunning Little Vixen and Soprano 2 The Enchanted Pig. She also played Belinda Dido and Aeneas, Boy 1 Die Zauberflöte, Soprano 1 Suor Angelica, Soprano 1 Acis and Galetea and Soprano 1 Patience in RBC’s Opera Scenes. She is due to perform in the chorus of Massenet’s Cendrillon in March 2024. Jodie recently performed Poulenc’s Gloria conducted by Richard Nicholson. Upcoming Events include, St John’s Passion, Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Little Organ Mass.

Running time approx. 55 minutes.

Free but ticketed event.

Nestico 100 on 15 April at 6.30pm

Nestico 100
RBC Repertory Big Band
Conductor Ed Puddick

To celebrate what would have been Sammy Nestico‘s 100th birthday, the RBC Repertory Big Band plays a selection of pieces by the famous arranger. Conducted by Ed Puddick, this performance will include a number of rare arrangements, as well as some of the charts made famous by the Count Basie Orchestra.

6.30 support – Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra
7.15 main set – RBC Repertory Jazz Orchestra

Running time approx. two hours

Tony Levin Drum Prize on 18 April at 6.30pm

Jean Toussaint saxophone
Arnie Somogyi bass

Jazz drum legend and much-loved Conservatoire tutor, Tony Levin passed away in February 2011. His legacy still very much lives on with us and one of the forms in which this happens is the continuation of the Tony Levin Drum Prize. Tony’s plan was that each student finalist would play a short set with fellow Jazz Department tutors to determine which student is most deserving of the accolade of ‘most swinging’.

Witness a high-energy concert and a spotlight on future careers in jazz drumming: a ‘happening’ as Tony would say.

The Central Band of the RAF and the RBC Wind Orchestra on 19 April at 7pm

Flt Lt Michael Parsons Director of Music

The Central Band of the RAF is delighted to be visiting RBC and sharing the stage with the RBC Wind Orchestra.

This concert will feature a varied and entertaining selection of music, including works by Tomlinson, John Williams and also featuring the world-class musicians of the RAF Squadronaires. It will conclude with a spectacular finale featuring the combined forces of both the RBC Wind Orchestra and the Central Band of the RAF.

New Music Triple-Bill on 20 April at 7.30pm

Fizzy Milk, SozialesSperrWesen and Sons of Viljems

Fizzy Milk is an indie/post-punk outfit, originating from the Lake District. They blend a classic punk line-up with synths, keyboards, and sample-based electronics – drawing influence from many genres. The music is composed by front man Tom Culling (AKA Tenbag Tom). Tom is a second year composer at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He is joined by Finn (The Human) Blake on guitar, Sophie Jolley on bass, and Harry Angell on drums.

SozialesSperrWesen is an experimental fusion metal outfit from Birmingham, UK. Their music is inspired by bands such as Meshuggah, Car Bomb and Frank Zappa and includes comedic and illusive elements both in the titles and in the music. The songs have been composed by RBC composer, Lukas Ohlemacher (bass guitar), who will perform them alongside jazz student, Wilfred Mckenzie (drums), and alumni Oren Velasquez Hirtenstein (guitar) and Maarten Benshop (guitar).

Sons of Viljems are a London-based duo, comprised of Andrea Giommi (guitar, vocals) and Nejc Haberman (bass, synth), immersing you in ambient cinematic soundscapes and captivating melodic storytelling with hints of Nu Jazz and drone sounds.

RBC Presents: Global Traditions on 21 April at 3.30pm

Ranagri
Sandyman and Dan Walsh
Tom Leader

With three intimate concert spots in the jazz club, this promises to be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Ranagri

Ranagri is an award-winning folk band from Ireland and England. With a unique blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, ﬂutes, whistles, harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and unforgettable.

Ranagri have played everywhere from Birmingham’s Symphony Hall to London’s Union Chapel, as well as appearing at the UK’s biggest festivals. As session musicians members of the band have appeared on albums by the world’s biggest stars, such as Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder!

This is a unique opportunity to see these top-drawer musicians in such an intimate setting.

“Echoes of Pentangle, Jethro Tull and new Celtic folk sounds cemented by strong contemporary songwriting.” RTE

“Joyous and thoughtful, with a depth that repays careful listening in spades. Makes for enthralling listening.” Folk Radio UK

ranagri.com

Sandyman and Dan Walsh

This outstanding and unusual pairing of tabla and banjo first appeared together in London in 2010 at a special concert at London’s Barbican Centre featuring musicians from all over the world. Having remained firm friends ever since, they occasionally get together for special events like this – to each push the envelope of what can be done with their instruments, and create spontaneous and innovative new music.

Sandyman, more commonly know as “DJ Sandyman UK” is an exceptional tabla player with a distinct blend of energetic beats, seamless transitions, and a deep understanding of crowd dynamics. Dan Walsh is a world-renowned banjo player and singer who has toured the world solo, as well as being an integral part of The Urban Folk Quartet, and a session player for Seth Lakeman, Joss Stone, The Levellers, Imelda May and countless others.

Tom Leader

Tom Leader is quickly gaining a reputation for his energetic and endearing performances. His laid-back style and uplifting songs almost disguise his virtuosic guitar playing that runs alongside an innate sense of groove and outright danceability! Having toured Europe extensively with Joe Broughton’s Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, Tom has gained the label of THE one to watch.

Lunchtime Music: Rachmaninoff, Ravel on 21 April at 1.05pm

Misong Yeo piano (pictured)

Rachmaninoff Suite from the Partita in E for Violin (J.S.Bach)
Ravel La valse

Elena Toledo violin

Programme and accompanist tbc.

Misong Yeo is young pianist from South Korea who has dedicated herself to classical piano. Misong is currently completing her Master’s degree in piano performance at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and broadening her repertoire under the guidance of Robert Markham and Anthony Hewitt. Having participated in various performance settings beyond solo work, including piano concertos, chamber music, choir, symphony and accompanying other instruments, she is becoming a promising and professional pianist.

Elena Toledo is a British-Cuban violinist in her fourth year of undergraduate study at RBC, where she studies with Caroline Pether. Elena recently performed as soloist for Bruch’s Violin Concerto with the Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra and has played in masterclasses with Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Krysia Osostowicz, Oliver Wille, Bradley Creswick, and Eugene Tzikindelean.

Elena is also a dedicated chamber musician and is regularly invited to perform at chamber music festivals, including the NOVA Festival, Dante Festival, and Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival. She has received chamber music coaching with Gábor Takács-Nagy, Christoph Richter, Oliver Heath, Thomas Riebel, and David Waterman.

As an orchestral musician, Elena frequently plays as an auditioned extra with the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester. She has performed many concerts, tours in the UK and Spain, and Live BBC Radio broadcasts with them, and has performed under conductors including Sir Mark Elder, Thomas Adès, Alpesh Chauhan, Jonathan Bloxham, and with soloists Nicola Benedetti and Steven Isserlis.

Running time approx. 55 minutes

Free but ticketed event.

Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra on 26 April at 6.30pm

The Afro-Cuban jazz Orchestra is a collaboration between the RBC Jazz and Percussion departments, playing a night of salsa music for dancing.

Over the past five years, this has become one of the best nights out in Birmingham.

Sinfonia of Birmingham: Oscar Winners on 27 April at 6pm

RBC Jazz Gala featuring Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra

Sinfonia of Birmingham
Conductor and narrator Michael Seal

Join Sinfonia of Birmingham as we perform music from winners of and nominees for the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Featuring music from Up, Star Wars, The Magnificent Seven, How To Train Your Dragon and ET.

Newman 20th Century Fox Fanfare
Williams Star Wars – Main Title
Powell How to Train Your Dragon – This Berk & Dragon Battle
Steiner Gone with the Wind – Tara’s Theme
Korngold The Adventures of Robin Hood – Robin Hood and His Merry Men
Barry Out of Africa – Main Title
Williams Schindler’s List – Main Theme
Williams Close Encounters of the Third Kind – Theme
Williams Jaws – Main Title
Seal Michael’s Magnificent Movie Music Mystery Medley
Giacchino Up – Married Life
Jarre Doctor Zhivago – Lara’s Theme
Bernstein The Magnificent Seven – Main Theme
Williams E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Adventures on Earth
Williams Star Wars – The Throne Room & End Title

Running time approx. two hours including interval

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Birmingham Hippodrome

Wicked on 5 March – 7 April at various times

BYMT Animal Farm on 5 – 7 April at 2.15pm and 7.15pm

Wicked on 5 March – 7 April at various times

Mehek on 9 April at 8pm

Dear Zoo Live! on 11 – 16 April at 10.30am and 1.30pm

The Drifters Girl on 16 to 20 April at various times

U.Dance West Midlands 2024 on 20 April 6pm

Jesus Christ Superstar on 22 – 27 April at various times

Blood Brothers on 30 April – 4 May at various times

Symphony Hall

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac on 3 April at 7.30pm

Giovanni: Let Me Entertain You on 4 April at 7.30pm

Paddington in Concert on 5 April at 3pm

Kids Bop: Never Stop Live Tour on 6 April at 5pm

Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter on 8 April at 1pm

Kazuki Yamada, Benjamin Grosvenor & the CBSO on 10 April at 2.15pm

Free Jazz Fridays: Butcher’s Brew on 12 April at 5pm

B:and Together Gospel Rehearsals: Spring Term 2024 on 13 April at 1pm

Sax In The City with The Notebenders on 13 April at 1.30pm

B:and Together Jazz Rehearsals: Spring Term 2024 on 13 April at 3.30pm

The Damnation of Faust with the CBSO on 13 April at 7pm

Champagne for Lulu on 15 April at 7.30pm

BIMM at B:Eats: Conor Douglas, Tia Lamb & Lily Clarke on 16 April at 1pm

Dresden Philharmonic on 16 April at 7.30pm

Britten & Tchaikovsky with the CBSO on 17 April at 7.30pm

Celebrating Sanctuary: TwoManTing (Sierra Leone / UK) on 18 April at 1pm

Classic FM Hall of Fame with the CBSO & John Suchet on 19 April at 7.30pm

Nashville Sounds in the Round: Gasoline & Matches, Emilia Quinn, Chloë Chadwick, Jimmy Stanley & Ryan Nelson on 20 April at 11.30am

Jethro Tull: The Seven Decades on 20 April at 7.30pm

Daniel Bedingfield on 22 April at 7.30pm

Bruckner 7 with the CBSO on 25 April at 7.30pm

Free Jazz Fridays: Swing You Sinners 26 April at 5pm

Lost In Music on 26 April at 7.30pm

ECHO Rising Stars: Júlia Pusker on 28 April at 11am

CBSO Symphonic Sessions: In C on 28 April at 5pm

Birmingham Town Hall

There’s A Monster in Your Show on 6 – 7 April at various times

Nitin Sawhney on 8 April at 8pm

Paul Lewis: Schubert Piano Sonatas 4 on 11 April at 7.30pm

The Billy Joel Songbook on 13 April at 7.30pm

Lamar: Closer Tour 2024 on 14 April at 7.30pm

The Queen’s Cartoonists on 19 April at 7.30pm

Lunchtime Organ Concert with Peter Holder, Westminster Abbey on 22 April at 1pm

Samara Joy on 25 April at 7.30pm

Average White Band on 27 April at 7.30pm

Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons on 28 April at 7pm

Charles Esten on 30 April at 7.30pm

CBSO Centre

CBSO Centre Stage: Woodwind Ensemble on 18 April at 12pm

CBSO Centre Stage: Mendelssohn String Octet on 26 April at 2pm

The Alexandra Theatre

Shrek The Musical on 9 – 14 April at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Ellen Kent: Madama Butterfly on 21 April at 7.30pm

Great Big Dance Off – West Midlands Heat on 22 April at 4pm

The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is on 26 April at 7.30pm

The ELO Experience on 27 April at 7.30pm

The Crescent Theatre

MC Grammar Live – Stop! It’s Grammar Time! on 9 April at 2pm

Stevie & Luther Show on 11 April at 7.30pm

The Addams Family on 23 – 27 April at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty – The Legacy Show 27 April 7.45pm

Midland Arts Centre (MAC)

Box Tale Soup: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on 7 April at 11.30am and 2pm

TDE Jazz: Evan Parker 80th Birthday Celebration on 11 April at 8pm

Kitchen Zoo: The Three Bears on 14 April at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Babies Adventures in Music (BAM 2024) on 190 April at 11am and 1.30pm

Eliza Carthy Solo Show on 19 April at 8pm

TDE Jazz: Black Top, Xhosa Cole, and Sofia Jernberg on 25 April at 8pm

Little Big Dance: Club Origami 27 April at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman on 29 April at 7.30pm

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Paul Dunmall Invites: Nikki Yeoh on 4 April at 6.30pm

ConsTest on 6 April at 10am

Tenor horn, euphonium, baritone and tuba taster day on 10 April at 10am

Gildas Quartet on 10 April at 1.45pm

Karen Sharp: The Bridge on 11 April at 6.30pm

RPO: Dvořák Wieniawski on 12 April at 7pm

RBC Spring Recorder Festival 2024 on 13 – 14 April all day

Saturday 13 April