As it's own space. I wanted to add the The Patrick Centre for the performing arts to yelp. Accessed…read morethrough the upper floor in Birmingham Hippodrome's main foyer, this is a 200-seater auditorium more intimate experience than the huge show space of the Hippodromes main theatre. Jord M and I won tickets to see Beautiful Thing at The Patrick Centre thanks to Vicky O (Our Birmingham Community Manager and thanks to the team at Birmingham Hippodrome for the Tickets!) We were here on press night! Which meant a free programme and drinks in the VIP Lloyd room before the show and during the interval. Within five minutes of our arrival, I saw actress Charlie Brooks by the stage door, and resisted having a photograph rather than crashing her conversation. My night was already made!! If you don't know Beautiful Thing, is a 1993 play by Jonathan Harvey, about two teenage boys finding love on a south London council estate. Although current for the time it was made, it is really now a play set in the 1990s with lots of nods to the culture of the day. 1990s copies of The Guardian, Hello! magazine, reading the problem page in gay magazines and finding gay venues in classified directory all add to the authenticity of the time. Charlie Brooks who plays Janine Butcher in EastEnders is BRILLIANT as Sandra, a single, hard-working mother with a string of ex boyfriends. She is funny, warm and much more loveable than the hard faced character she plays in the soap. I was really excited to see her in this role made famous in the film by Linda Henry who is Shirley Carter in EastEnders. Her son Jamie is played by the great Sam Jackson from Skins, and he really is believable as Sandra's child who is starting to want to explore his own sexuality. Acting-wise there is lots of crossover with BBC EastEnders. Their neighbour's son Ste is played by excellent Thomas Law who played Peter Beale version 4 in EastEnders. His awkward sexual awakening, and the homophobic violence from his family, remind you that this was first performed a year after being homosexual was declassified as a mental illness in the UK (in 1992.) Sandra's hippyish boyfriend, Tony, is played smoothly by Gerard McCarthy who played Kris Fisher in Hollyoaks. Tony is "right on" about too understanding about everything and you feel like he is a bit of a yes man. And finally the cast is rounded out by the talented Vanessa Babirye, as the other neighbour Leah. Leah's obsession with the music of Mama Cass provides the even more retro soundtrack to the play. While this is really Jamie and Ste's love story for me the performance of Charlie Brooks stole the show. If you get chance to see it around the country then GO SEE IT!

Been to The Patrick Centre before to watch my daughter do a Street Dance performance when she…read moredanced at Dance Xchange. That must of been about 6- 7 years ago now. So it really was a delight to have the opportunity to go back this week. I was lucky enough to win a ticket to see Mark Bruce's #Dracula on Thursday 16th October 14. Planned on taking a few pictures but the ususal rules applied re flash photography. Tucked inside the grandure of Birmingham Hippodrome shairing the same welcoming reception area and bar space the excitement before the show builds. When its time to take your seats you walk into a theatre that is inviting in the sense that actually do feel part of the performance because of the size of the studio. I decided to sit on the front row. Less than 5 minutes into the performance I began hiding my face in my scarf as Dracula emerged on stage looking hauntingly devilish under the darkness and very dim lighting. (I had to self talk myself into - this is a show Shaz, its not real hahaa) oh the power of the mind! I was gripped! The music, the choreography, the make up, the story line, the acting and the singing was wonderful. The scenes where the vampires feasted on the necks of their victim was really done well as 'fake' blood dripped from their mouths and chests and splashed all over the stage (front row bonus). The dancers/actors were all at arms length, I really felt part of the story. As mentioned above the studio is a lovely size, the access to the facilities of Birmingham Hippodrome and the link through to Dance Exchange makes this a unique establishment sited in the midst of the bustlin Hurst Street.

So I must admit that I haven't yet watched a performance at Dance Xchange - which I will rectify -…read morebut I attend a ballet class there every week and I love it! I did ballet for about 13 years, so, after 6 year break, I attend the improvers class. At £6 for 1 hr 15, which often runs over, it is very good value for money. The teacher Andrea is just amazing. She points out such simple little changes in my dancing that make a world of difference, and I have never done better pirouettes! There are also teenage, beginners and advanced classes, so anyone can give it a go. Above all, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, so it is the perfect un-intimidating place to try something new!

Birmingham Royal Ballet has to be one of the biggest jewels in Birmingham's cultural crown…read more Although the company itself has been around since the 1930s, it's only been a Birmingham-based ballet company since 1990. Since then, it's won critical acclaim from all over the world for its performances, as well as its Education and training programmes. One the UK's top ballet companies, its performances always dazzle, and its commitment to this art form is evident, with ambitious excellence at the heart of all their productions. Their medical team also runs The Jerwood Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries, which contains state-of-the-art diagnostic and fitness equipment.

It was a great show, we saw hamilton, good quality sound and comfortable seats, we had a nice tub…read moreof popcorn and the staff were friendly and helpful, hamilton is a great show and white it's in town I recommend you see it!

I was here last night for a freinds birthday to watch a play called The Curious Incident of the Dog…read morein the Night-Time. We have both read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. At first glance it didn't look like much, the stage setting looks simple, minimalistic. Then suddenly the play begins with thunder-like music and flashing strobes of intense light. a dog is seen in the light that has been killed with a garden fork (i dont want to give too much of the plot away) but as the story unfolds, it morphs into an impressive display of modern technology! Experienced through the eyes & ears of a teen suffering from Aspergers syndrome, be prepared for moments of sensory overload with blinding bright lights, 3D mapping visuals & intensely loud noise. The main character Christopher is intelligent, honest, & funny even when he doesn't intend to be. Christopher uncovers secrets about his mom & dad when the dog next door is murdered, & what ensues is a two-hour mystery that asks questions about truths & lies, & the ramifications of your choice to do one or the other. Certain scenes are difficult to watch, and even heartbreaking, it really does hit home and allows you time to think too...perhaps because don't we all have somewhat dysfunctional families?! Heavy topics are explored, but I like feeling that weight, so I definitely recommend this great British play to everyone. Hats off to the actors who played the characters and for entertaining us. Be sure to stay till the end.. as the end is not the end until the confetti falls. SPOILER ALERT: watch out for the adorable puppy towards the end of the play! Tickets price was £37.50 excluding bf also free parking 6pm-8am around hurst/ kent street area if your lucky to find a spot.

I have been there numerous times. I went to the Rahat fateh ali khan concert, unfortunately…read moresecurities ego got the better of them. the security decided to call the police on people having fun, causing a major disturbance during the concert. personally security took it too far!

Birmingham Symphony Hall is, without a doubt, the best classical concert venue in the Midlands -…read moreblessed with a superior local orchestra (one of the best outside of London) and conductor, fine acoustics, and a nice, traditional concert atmosphere. You would never expect such a traditional-looking venue when you approach and enter the larger building that is the Convention Centre. When I visited in February they were tearing down the front of the Convention Centre, not interfering with the concerts. And I can't blame em, the old front sure was ugly enough. ;) - It's located a 10 minute walk from the New Street area. A pity that my latest concert, though featuring an attractive programme and an internationally recognized soloist, was rather sparsely attended: The place was half-empty. How is it possible that a 1+ million town cannot fill a symphony hall on any given night? Weird.

I went to see 'Holmes Alone' a production by 'Don't go into the cellar' company, which was…read morebrilliant! The theatre is at the tope of the Joint Stock pub. Whilst its isn't very big, it is still a much bigger venue that I expected. There is a small bar/refreshment area at the top of the stairs as you arrive and the staff and friendly and welcoming. Tickets for events can be bought for any production whilst there as shows going on (and this avoids booking fees). I would recommend a visit here:)

This is an atmospheric performance venue located above The Old Joint Stock pub. It is an intimate…read moreand snug little theatre that has played host to established performers such as Stewart Lee and Reginald D Hunter. The programme includes a wide range of comedy, music and plays. It isn't a grand theatre like the pub below, rather an adaptable and modern performance space. The theatre can also be hired for corporate events and meetings. There is also a small exhibition space. They are currently hosting an "Alternative Shakespeare" season. My main thought is that it is a shame that some of the pub's wonderful grandeur hasn't rubbed off on the theatre. It is a hidden gem that could perhaps do with a bit more sparkle.

I have seen many different exhibitions here, but this weekend was Marvellous Machines by Russell…read moreEmmett. Worth popping down if you can! The building is easily accessible, staff are friendly and helpful and the size of the room means that you can spend maybe an hour here, but don't get too overwhelmed by the information as some exhibitions can make you feel. Prices obviously vary, but this one was £5 well spent:)

The Gas Hall is the where Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery houses its major temporary exhibitions…read more It is a large, bright and grand space that is a work of art in its own right. That said, it makes a good blank canvas for many of the exhibitions that come and go. I was amazed to visit a couple of times last year and see the transformation from the gloomy Home of Metal exhibition space to the sparkling magnificence of Lost in Lace. The Gas Hall exhibitions normally involve paying an admission fee. The admissions desk staff are really helpful and will answer any questions you may have before handing over the cash. I have always found the exhibition attendants to be incredibly helpful and genuinely thrilled to answer questions - I review exhibitions there quite often and tend to ask LOTS of questions! They have always been patient and enthusiastic. There are lockers for bags and coats opposite the ticket desk and some well maintained toilets. Check online before visiting to find out what is on and how much it will cost.

It may have had something to do with the choice of play or the fact that I visited the Old Rep…read moreduring an unseasonal heat wave, but I find it hard to get too excited about the place. Yes, I like the fact that it is a bastion of high culture in a pretty seedy part of town. It just lacks a bit of sparkle. The 383 seat theatre is home to Birmingham Stage Company and stages an eclectic mix of dramatic productions. It also played home to the Birmingham Repertory theatre company during The Rep's recent refurbishments.

When I go to the theatre I like to be wowed instantly from the moment I walk in. I think that the…read morefeeling you get when you walk in is as important as the quality of script as it's this feeling that will be carried with you into the show. If you walk in to a venue with characteristic features and show lighting, you instantly feel inspired and excited about the show in hand and that feeling translates into the crowd and overall atmosphere. Unfortunately I didn't get that feeling when I walked in to the Old Rep theatre, in fact, it was quite the opposite. As the venue itself is quite small, I was hoping that the atmosphere would be intimate and enjoyable but it felt quite segmented at times. Overall, the venue isn't the most inspiring so use the creative flare in you to push that aside and focus on the amazing show you're about to watch and you'll have a great night.

Free museum in Birmingham city centre focusing on contemporary art. It's in a very grand building,…read moreso I thought the museum would be big too, but it wasn't. Well there is a lot of empty space, and not that much to see. Few different rotating exhibitions, I saw some on the rave scene in the 80s and also racial violence from the 60-90s. On the way out I accidentally insulted one of the artists, but he just brushed it off.

We visited this museum yesterday and we really liked it. Both the exterior and interior of the…read morebuilding are beautiful. The museum has a terrific selection of paintings from the 15th, 16th & 17th centuries and a particularly good selection of Pre-Raphaelites. There's a *gorgeous*/large Edwardian tea room and also a separate café (the latter is small and attractive). The gift shop isn't very large, but it had some nice items. Also, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the guards; she was very friendly and kind-hearted.