B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall, has launched its new winter programme for 2023/24 which includes comedy, live music, dance and spoken word on its two world-famous stages.
The new season showcases an array of performances at Town Hall and Symphony Hall. From Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne to John Wilson and his Sinfonia of London performing Hollywood’s Greatest Hits, November sees a varied and exciting programme.
There is plenty more live music to choose from, with everything from the award-winning British Police Symphony Orchestra to Roachford, still going strong with 35 years of classics under their belts, gracing the Symphony Hall and Town Hall stages in December. And January sees the return of the Classic Rock Show, as well as Wet, Wet, Wet & Go West performing their seminal songs from a combined treasure trove of hits. Dazzled by dance? Strictly Come Dancing’s most celebrated couple, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, take to the Symphony Hall stage with their show Dancing in a Winter Wonderland with Aljaz and Janette (10 December).
Combining world-class choreography, fabulous costumes, and amazing sets with the greatest hits of Christmas, the Strictly legends will once again be joined by a supporting cast featuring some of the UK’s very best dancers and singers as they countdown to Christmas Day in this breathtaking spectacular. Crazy for comedy? B:Music is providing the laughs this winter with a plethora of comedy A-listers to choose from. Stand-up stars including Kevin Bloody Wilson (6 November), Lucy Beaumont: The Trouble and Strife (9 November), Eddie Izzard: The Remix (15-17 November), Adam Rowe: What’s Wrong with Me? (17 November), Russell Howard (18-19 November) and Babatunde Aléshé (26 January) will be taking to the Town Hall and Symphony Hall stages for the ultimate feelgood night out.
And for one night only it’s five comedians for the price of one at Town Hall, as Live at Christmas (13 December) returns for a spectacular all-star festive show. Headlining is the one and only David O’Doherty, star of 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and his own Channel 4 show Along for the Ride. Joining David in an astounding bill is Scotland’s comedy queen and breakout Taskmaster star Fern Brady, viral sensation Josh Pugh, fast-rising newcomer Kyrah Gray and the phenomenal Jen Brister as host.
Love live music? Join Cory Band on a spectacular journey of immersive music and dazzling multimedia entertainment in a first of its kind A Cory Trilogy – Episode I: The Curtain Rises (3 December). In their reimagining of Charles Dickens's timeless A Christmas Carol, Edwyn Scrooch is a mean-spirited conductor preparing his band for its ‘A Night at the Movies' concert. He is haunted by a mysterious ghost who shows him three classic Hollywood movies to encourage him to mend his ways.
Three movies - three separate annual Cory concerts - one epic trilogy! B:Music is proud to be working with The Amy Winehouse Band (pic - 21 December) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse releasing her debut album Frank to critical acclaim. Amy’s original band present an exclusive performance of the album played in full, track-by-track, performed by the musicians who stood alongside her on stages all around the world.
In this exceptional and unique show, the band led by her long-term Musical Director and bass player Dale Davis, and fronted by the incredible young vocalist Bronte Shandé, celebrate Amy’s era-defining music and live performances. Join the London Concert Orchestra with conductor Anthony Inglis for the annual New Year’s Eve Gala (31 December), a Symphony Hall tradition of great classics and fun to celebrate the New Year. Continuing the festivities, see in the new year with legendary DJ Gary Davies as he brings the UK’s most popular 80s radio show, BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 80s: The Live Tour (31 December) to Symphony Hall for a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
Alongside his producer Johnny Kalifornia, they will take the audience back to the best decade in music. Party along to specially curated mastermixes and watch as the brilliant Sounds of the 80s dancers recreate classic scenes from 80s films and music videos, with special guest singer Carole Decker (T’Pau) and more to be announced soon. Looking for family fun? Bring the whole family to Town Hall in November to experience The Gruffalo, The Tiger, and the Mermaid (10-11 November).
This delightful show is packed full of songs, puppetry, and audience interaction. Following their sell-out 2018 show, the UK’s best-selling author Julia Donaldson and a cast of four return with a brand-new show based on her much-loved books including The Smartest Giant in Town, The Singing Mermaid, The Highway Rat, and The Gruffalo. Every performance will be followed by a book signing with Julia Donaldson. Join Toscana Strings for The Snowman and The Nutcracker (17 December) and encounter these two family-favourites brought to life through music, dance, and a little help from the audience, in a performance which is perfect for all the family.
Or come to Town Hall to meet Timothy Pope, his dad, and his trusty Telescope as they embark on a thrilling quest to find the elusive Shark. Inspired by the beloved books by Nick Sharratt, a fresh, festive twist on the widely acclaimed touring production of Shark in the Park, the enchanting winter tale of Oh No! Shark In the Snow! (27 December to 7 January) is the exciting new addition to this fin-tastic series. Looking to learn? B:Music is bringing some world-class speakers with plenty of stories to its stages.
Fresh off the field after taking his final wicket, join one of England’s greatest cricketers Stuart Broad (7 November) as he divulges the highs and lows of a sensational 17-year long career, to celebrate the release of his new sporting memoir Stuart Broad: The Autobiography. Sunday Times bestseller Garth Marenghi is back on the road with his latest masterpiece Incarcerat (3 November) following the massive success of his long-lost novel Terrortome.
Other highlights of the winter 2023/24 season include musician, singer and songwriter Paul Young with his Behind the Lens tour (10 November), The Brand New Heavies: Live with the London Concert Orchestra at Symphony Hall (11 November), and the unique soulful vocals and infectious energy of Sister Sledge who performs at Town Hall as part of her Thinking of You tour (13 November).
