The all-new Birmingham Rep will not open its doors to the public until 2013 – but that doesn’t mean it won’t host exceptional theatre in coming months. The Rep will continue to host productions in a series of venues and has a number of high quality productions lined-up.

Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot will play at The Old Rep from March 13-17 and Ian Brown will direct the playwright’s funny and poetic masterpiece.

Hollywood star John Malkovich will star in a stage play for baroque orchestra and singers called The Infernal Comedy on May 26. The piece is based on the real-life story of convicted serial killer Jack Unterweger and Malkovich’s monologues will journey through the life and mind of the notorious Viennese womaniser, writer and killer. The Infernal Comedy will be performed at Symphony Hall as part of Symphony hall’s 21st Anniversary celebrations, supported by the REP.

Jennifer Tuckett’s highly-anticipated Kidnapping Cameron will be presented at The Old Rep from July 18-21. The production follows the story of Lucy, a disillusioned teenager, who decides to kidnap the Prime Minster and hold the Government to ransom.

Birmingham Hippodrome, meanwhile, will stage an eclectic programme featuring contemporary dance, classical ballet, opera, West End musicals, big name comedians and popular entertainment.

The King and I comes to the Hippodrome

A busy programme will feature such events as STOMP and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Hobson’s Choice, in February; Welsh National Opera and a new production of the hit musical Oliver in March and April; comedian Dara O’Briain in April and a version of The King And I in May.

The Town Hall and Symphony Hall also has a sophisticated programme in store. Spokesman Lyle Bignon said: “From January onwards, there’ll be plenty of entertainment at both venues for audiences to choose from, such as a major Royal Opera House concert on 11 January at Symphony Hall, regular performances of children’s show Room on the Broom until 13 January at Town Hall plus a whole host of comedy, pop, rock, folk, world, jazz, spoken word and performances from some of the world’s best orchestras right through 2012.”

Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, meanwhile, has a programme of popular theatre, dance and comedy with plenty to look forward to in coming months. Our House, the musical celebrating the work of 1980s pop stars Madness, will play from January 27-28; On Golden Pond will play from January 31-February 4 and Sister Act will run from February 7-18.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre will promote a varied selection of artists – though plans are already advanced for the Shakespeare Festival, which will run from June 28 to July 14 and feature Romeo And Juliet. Other highlights will include This Happy Breed, the Noel Coward classic, which will be perfomed by Stafford Players from February 7-11.

The Garrick Theatre, at Lichfield, also has plenty of highlights with performances by Alistair McGowan; father and son broadcasters Jon and Dan Snow, Sir Bob Geldof, Morag McLaren and more besides.

Visit the theatre websites:

Birmingham Rep
Birmingham Hippodrome
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Birmingham Town Hall
Birmingham Symphony Hall
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Andy Richardson