Preview - Coppelia and The Wiz in Birmingham

Magic, mayhem and the original living doll will enchant theatre-goers this week at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The city centre venue will host a dazzling production of Coppelia by the Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), with performances from June 14-18.

BRB spokesman Simon Harper said Coppelia answered the question: What is at the heart of a woman?

He said: "Eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius wants to know, and he's planning to bring his mechanical doll, Coppélia, to life – he just needs the right spell.

"When Dr Coppélius leaves Coppélia on his workshop balcony she's soon causing quite a stir in the village. Particularly in the heart of redblooded young lover Franz, and the jealous mind of his real-life fiancée, Swanilda – who's mistaken the mannequin for a crying, talking, sleeping, walking rival.

"With a wild mix of abracadabra, and some mischievous maidens, comic chaos is riotously unleashed when humans and automatons collide in Dr Coppélius's spooky toyshop.

"Peter Wright's enchanting production of this joyous and witty ballet is an ever-popular celebration of love, with a sparkling score and breathtaking choreography. Coppélia is guaranteed to lift the hearts of all the family."

Coppelia is part of a major programme for the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2011 – 2012 at its home theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome.

Mr Harper added that the BRB was looking forward to an exciting programme.

He said: "Birmingham Royal Ballet is fortunate to be part of a great English tradition of excellence and creativity, which has resulted in a unique style and repertory dating back to the 1930s.

"The company has spent the last 20 years in Birmingham strengthening and augmenting this. Given the current economic climate this is likely to be a tough year for the company, but Birmingham Royal Ballet is prepared for this."

The autumn programme will also feature Beauty and the Beast, Autumn glory and The Nutcracker.

Meanwhile, a super soul musical will play out at The New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until June 18 with The Wiz, which is being produced by Birmingham Rep and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The Wiz is a funny, bold and iconic African-American re-telling of The Wizard Of Oz made famous by Motown Productions' cult movie starring Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as The Scarecrow and Richard Pryor as The Wiz.

The production is set in modern day Birmingham with Dorothy as a feisty, opinionated woman who is full of attitude. Dorothy is played by former X Factor contestant Treyc Cohen from Staffordshire.

The 27-year-old Tamworth-based singer, a former student at Walsall college, was chosen from thousands as Cheryl Cole's 'wild card' act during last year's live shows.

Having got through to the final 16 performers for the live final, Treyc was eliminated during a sing-off with controversial contestant Katie Waissal.

By Andy Richardson