BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER – AREA’s top picks for 25-27 September

Birmingham’s ‘Super September’ comes to a finale with the Birmingham Weekender and a stunning gathering of performance, visual arts and street food alongside the opening of the city’s revamped train station and shopping mecca; Grand Central.

BRB’s THE NUTCRACKER

22 November – 12 December
Birmingham Hippodrome
birminghamhippodrome.com 
0844 338 5000
Ticket prices: £16-£50

A child tiptoes like a ballerina towards a glittering Christmas tree, the guardian of the Christmas presents. Decorated in flittering candles and sugar sprinkled candy canes, the majestic tree enchants little Clara at midnight on Christmas Eve to come and play with her beloved Nutcracker doll. But suddenly Clara finds herself whisked away into the magical world of Christmas where she meets charming toy soldiers, beautiful snow fairies and wicked giant rats.

Valentine’s Day Inspriration

So, it’s the time of year when everyone gets dewy eyed and love struck – yes Valentine’s Day is coming. Not that we’re keen on falling in love with the ‘commercialism’ of it all but it’s good to have an extra excuse to party or wine and dine the ones we love, right? Here’s our pick of what to do, whether you’re coupled up or single and ready to mingle.

@BRB performs Cinderella 21/11-9/12 @brumhippodrome

Birmingham Royal Ballet performs Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome starting today 21 November until 9 December 2012. Here’s a trailer for the production which looks stunning.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Pointes of view & Romeo and Juliet

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Pointes of View: 22-25th September
Romeo and Juliet: 28th September – 2nd October
Birmingham Hippodrome
Ticket prices: both £15 – £45

The Birmingham Royal Ballet has a packed fortnight in the city this September, starting with Pointes of View: Concerto, The Lady and the Fool and In the Upper Room.  This is followed closely by Kenneth MacMillan’s brilliantly choreographed Romeo and Juliet – the all-time classic love story.  MacMillan also lends himself to Pointes of View, choreographing Concerto with sparkling displays of energy and virtuosity.