Listings for Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

Description

Attracting over 500,000 visits every year, the Birmingham Hippodrome, an unsubsidised venue, takes the title as the most popular single auditorium in the UK. As an independent, not-for-profit charity, Birmingham Hippodrome is not only a theatre but is also implements Hippodrome projects with the intention of engaging the region and enriching cultural life in Birmingham. It is also dedicated in diversifying theatre audiences and support creative talent in the UK.

With regards to the Birmingham Hippodrome as a theatre, it welcomes huge West End shows, stand-up comedians, presents Welsh National Opera’s repertoire, huge pantomimes and world-class international dance shows. It is also home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Dance Xchange; two leading organisations in the dancing world. Previously, the Birmingham Hippodrome has welcomes theatrical productions such as the Starlight Express, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Lion King, John Barrowman, Grease, Cats and Mary Poppins. Whilst visiting the theatre, you can also enjoy a delicious three course meal at the Circle restaurant - the Birmingham Hippodrome has everything you need for a perfect day out.

The Birmingham Hippodrome Seating

With a theatre capacity of 1,850, the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre boasts a relatively large auditorium and ticket prices can vary greatly. The Birmingham Hippodrome is split into the Circle and the Stalls.

If you are looking for premium tickets, then the best seats in the Birmingham Hippodrome auditorium can be found in the front - mid stalls, which provide an excellent view of the stage and an intimate theatrical experience. You can also find some great seats in the middle of the Circle in the section of the theatre closer to the stage. 

If you are looking for cheaper tickets, then these can be found in the Circle, which have slightly restricted views of the stage and particular to the sides of the theatre. There are also slightly cheaper tickets to the sides of the Stalls.  

The Birmingham Hippodrome Contact and Opening times

Lost Property

For lost items, please email

stagedoor-reception@birminghamhippodrome.com

Tickets & Information, Memberships, Restaurant Bookings

Box Office: 0844 338 5000

Groups: 0844 338 7000

Birmingham Hippodrome Access Line: 0121 689 1060 (local call charges apply)

Restaurant Reservations: 0844 338 9000

Online Booking Queries

0844 338 5050 

Conferences and Hospitality

0844 338 6500 

events@birminghamhippodrome.com

Administration

0844 338 5010

Stage Door

0844 338 5020

Opening hours 

The Birmingham Hippodrome Box Office is generally open from Monday to Saturday from 10am- 8pm. It closes at 6pm on non-performance days and most Sundays and Public Holidays. To check if the theatre is open or not, please call the main number.  

Useful information

Getting there

The Birmingham Hippodrome can be accessed by either car or public transport. The full Birmingham Hippodrome address is Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB.  

However, there are two entrances to the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre. There is also a public entrance on Thorp Street and if you are looking for the Patrick Studio, this is easily accessible from the Thorp Street entrance or level 3 inside the theatre.

Train: the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre can be reached from both Moor Street station and New Street Station which both have national rail services. If you are travelling from Moor Street Station, then this station is about an 11 minute walk from the theatre. Alternatively, Birmingham New Street train station is an 11 minute walk away from the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Car: The closest car park to the Birmingham Hippodrome is the Arcadian car park which is in the Arcadian Centre, 41 Bromsgrove St, Birmingham, B5 6NU. The Arcadian Car Park is opposite the front of the theatre which is opposite the theatres’ entrance. There are allocated bays in the car park for wheelchair users with easy access to street level. You can prepay for your parking for evening performances.]

Bus: if you are travelling to the Birmingham Hippodrome by bus, then you can take bus routes 2, 3, 5, 5A, 6, 16, 16A, 17, 24, 31,35, 37, 45, 47, 50, 58, 60, 61, 63, 80, 82, 87, 89, 97A, 120, 127, 128, 900, 957, and X64.

Access

The Birmingham Hippodrome is dedicated to providing access to all. It regularly shows a range of audio described, captioned or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted and Relaxed performances. The Birmingham Hippodrome access number is 0121 689 1060 (local call charges apply). Please call this number before your visit if you have any special requirements. 

Getting there

There are drop-off points on Inge Street, next to the main front doors or Hurst Street or Thorp Street, through Thorp Street reception and the main foyers. The best entrance is on Hurst street since bus and train stations are less than half a mile away. You can find disabled parking on Hurst Street and Thorp Street. There are disabled bays at in the Arcadian Centre Car Park which has easy access to street level and is very close to the Birmingham Hippodrome entrance 

Inside the theatre

You can access the main foyer area by either 6 steps or a ramp. The Patrick Studio is easily accessible from Thorp Street entrance or from Level 3 inside of the theatre.  

The Birmingham Hippodrome History

The Birmingham Hippodrome has undergone several renovations and names since its inception over 100 years ago. In 1895, an assembly room was built on the Hippodrome site however this building is extremely different to what the venue looks like today. The venue then transformed into the Tower of Varieties in 1899 when it was redesigned by architect F.W Lloyd. The Tower of Varieties had a moorish tower, a stage and a circus ring. However, this theatre failed and it was finally named The Hippodrome under the impresario Thomas Barrasford in October 1903. The current neoclassical interior that we can see today was built in 1924 by Burdwood and Mitchell and in 1925, the Birmingham Hippodrome was bought by Moss Empires.

In 1963 the Birmingham Hippodrome exterior was demolished and when the Moss Empires sold the Hippodrome to Birmingham city council in 1979, the Hippodrome was then leased to the non for profit Birmingham Hippodrome Trust who raised funds to greatly modernise the building. The Hippodrome was then rebuilt again in 2001 by Associated Architects and Law and Dunbar-Nasmith who built the attractive glass facade we can enjoy today. Within the theatre today, there is accommodation for the Birmingham Royal Ballet as well as more performance space. Lifts were also installed in the theatre to make it more accessible to accommodate patrons with access requirements.  

Photos of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

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Birmingham Hippodrome new season trailer 2020

Birmingham Hippodrome