Spring is already in the air on Westside despite the cold temperatures with the launch of Symphony Hall’s new season of exciting and entertaining shows.
The Spring programme, which actually starts in February and runs through until May, is packed with everything from comedy and dance to music and children’s favourites.
B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Symphony Hall and nearby Town Hall, has unveiled an outstanding collection of stars, from musical legends such as The Pretenders, Michael Ball and Lulu to Paddington Bear.
The fun literally kicks off in February with a string of stand-up stars starting with Jonathan Pie: Heroes and Villains on 2 February, and continuing with Stewart Lee: Basic Lee (3 February), Jimeoin: The Craic (9 February), and Ross Noble: Jibber Jabber Jamboree (24 February).
And the comedy feelgood continues into March with Leigh Francis bringing a host of favourite characters to Symphony Hall (31 March), from Keith Lemon and David Dickinson to Ant and Dec.
Fans of live music will be fully catered for over the course of the Spring season, starting with the Transatlantic Sessions (10 February) and ABC performing the whole of their classic album The Lexicon of Love, featuring hits Poison Arrow and The Look of Love (12 February).
Other noteworthy musical artists include Rick Wakeman (23 Feb), The Pretenders, still led by Chrissie Hynde (6 Mar), 10CC with their Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour (8 Mar), Michael Ball (25 Mar), Lulu, celebrating her 75th birthday year (15 Apr) and Jethro Tull (20 April).
For classical music lovers, the programme includes visits by the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra and China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the CBSO deliver the Best of Broadway, and the London Concert Orchestra perform the score of the 2014 film Paddington while the movie plays on a giant HD screen.
Dance fans can enjoy Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia as they celebrate the music of Swan Lake composer Tchaikovsky (28 March), while Giovanni Pernice returns with his brand-new live show, Let Me Entertain You (4 April).
For family fun, pop along to see Mystery and Mischief in Moominvalley (10 February) in Symphony Hall’s Justham Family Room & Jane How Room, or sing and dance along with the Kidz Bop Kids on their Never Stop live tour (6 April).
Other forthcoming highlights include Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo sharing their hilarious experiences of married life in coming to NewlyWeds: The Honeymoon Tour (21 April).
To see the full programme and to book tickets, visit www.bmusic.co.uk
