Birmingham Hippodrome's New Stage

Over six to eight weeks, the Hippodrome was closed as its own team of technicians, plus contractors, surveyors, builders, electricians and many more, have worked around the clock ripping up and replacing the theatre's 30 year old stage with a brand new performance space.

 

Heart's Mel Hancock managed to take a look while they were renovating:

 

 

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive, said: ''All of this essential work enhances enjoyment for patrons, increases our energy-efficiency, and improves working conditions for performers, musicians, technicians and the front-of-house team. It also ensures we can continue presenting the finest touring productions from around the world for decades to come.

 

''Our Stage Appeal has raised funds to help with the huge costs and our sincere thanks are due for the many generous donations from grant-making Trusts, from businesses and from individuals - including almost £113,000 collected from audience members. Nearly £800,000 has been raised so far. 

 

Birmingham Hippodrome's stage was last refurbished in the early 1980s. Since then more than 650 different productions have been presented, with regular heavy use of the stage, six days a week, over 50 weeks per year. It is estimated that around 10,000 performers and musicians, plus 4,000 crew members use the space every year.

 

The new 2012/13 season will include The Phantom of The Opera, Hairspray, Disney's The Lion King, and the pantomime Robinson Crusoe & The Caribbean Pirates starring Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph.