The week-end of September 15^th and 16^th September was Birmingham’s arts Fest- a celebration of all the arts in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. The Ugly Sisters, Peter & Nigel were invited to represent the Birmingham Hippodrome for the third year running, and to make certain everyone knows that the Hippodrome Theatre will reopen its doors on the 13^th of November, with a special Gala night with the Birmingham Royal Ballet presenting “The Silver Gala”.

The new building is looking incredible- without doubt it will reopen as the most up to date and beautiful in the country, with its stunning Victorian auditorium refurbished standing alongside the spacious new foyers, restaurants and studio theatre, the Patrick Centre for Performing Arts, which seats 206. Backstage is an artiste’s dream, with newly built dressing rooms that lead out onto a vast glass atrium, and state of the art backstage and technical facilities.

DanceXchange, the National dance agency for Birmingham and the West Midlands now has a new home within the Hippodrome complex, with three studios providing and promoting dance for all ages and interests.

The Sisters busied themselves promoting this year’s pantomime “Dick Whittington” at the Hippodrome, which runs from the 22^nd of December until the 24^th of February. This year it stars Brian Conley as “Dick” with Anna Brecon “Lady Tara” from Emmerdale, Birmingham’s own Don Maclean as Sarah the Cook and a fabulous supporting cast.

The week-end was, despite the weather, a great chance for the people of Birmingham to see what is on offer in their region, with stands and displays covering all forms of the arts. Three large open air stages presented music and dance during the two days, with everything from brass bands, salsa music and ballet on display. Characters from different productions mingled with the crowds, and it was good to see there were lots of activities for children on offer- after all, these are the audiences of the future!