Alison Brinkworth

National World • 1st July 2024

I saw cheapest musical - here's why everyone wants to see it(contains affiliate link)

Even before this London West End musical starts, there’s a spark of something different about new rom com Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and it’s not just the long title.

Birmingham Live • 12th April 2024

I saw Unfortunate in Birmingham and it's the sassiest musical since SIX

I first saw this Disney parody musical when it was a small, unknown Edinburgh fringe production visiting Birmingham Hippodrome’s intimate Patrick Centre. Even then you could tell Unfortunate was destined for bigger things.

Birmingham Live • 27th March 2024

I saw Minority Report sci-fi at Birmingham Rep and now I'm full of dread for AI

Tom Cruise movie Minority Report made this Philip K Dick sci-fi tale even more famous but now Birmingham's The Rep theatre has adapted it for stage.

Birmingham Live • 18th March 2024

I saw RSC’s Ben and Imo and it's a revelation on LGBTQ musical genius

Aside from composer Benjamin Britten's classical music, I wasn't aware of his passionate nature and sincere love for a male tenor despite it being then deemed as illegal in 1940s and 50s England.

Birmingham Live • 6th March 2024

I saw Bonnie and Clyde musical as UK came to region and it made me blush

To say that new musical Bonnie and Clyde is hot is an understatement, it simply sizzles.

Birmingham Live • 27th February 2024

I saw new Officer and a Gentleman musical tour and it left me feeling confused

Richard Gere's romantic yet hard-hitting movie An Officer and a Gentlemen is as iconic for its often morose depiction of US Navy training as it is for him sweeping Debra Winger up in his arms. Well, this new musical is as far from that as you can get.

Birmingham Live • 22nd February 2024

I saw Sleeping Beauty ballet and it glitters beyond belief

When it comes to bling, that's nothing compared to this other Tchaikovsky epic.

Birmingham Live • 22nd December 2023

I swapped Netflix for orchestra movie night and I've never felt more festive

Taking a break from Christmas films on Netflix and Amazon Prime, I swapped them for a movie night of a different kind.

Birmingham Live • 13th December 2023

Review RSC The Fair Maid Of The West - 'happy hour in rowdy pub comedy'

This new RSC comedy embraces you in a warm hug as soon as you get through the historic doors of Stratford-upon-Avon's Swan Theatre.

Birmingham Live • 24th November 2023

I saw Women Of The Windrush and it sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions

Filmmaker Shirley J Thompson put the spotlight on women from the Windrush generation back in 1992 with eye-opening, honest interviews.

Birmingham Live • 9th November 2023

Review RSC The Box Of Delights : 'Magical nostalgic Christmas adventure'

This Christmas, the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC) is putting on a winter's tale of a different kind.

Birmingham Live • 8th November 2023

Review Ainadamar in city - 'Flamenco and passion in captivating political opera'

Set amongst a backdrop of revolution in Spain, Ainadamar opera feels eerily relevant to current times

Birmingham Live • 1st November 2023

Rupert Everett in Voyage Round My Father review: 'Hollywood star oozes class'

A-list star Rupert Everett has a sheen about him that comes from decades on stage and screen.

Birmingham Live • 26th October 2023

Agatha Christie And Then There Were None review 'most gruesome finale I've seen'

When it comes to Agatha Christie, this chilling tale is her creme de la creme. The Mousetrap may be the longest running on stage but And Then There Were None is the world's best-selling mystery.

Birmingham Live • 24th October 2023

James Martin Live tour reviewed - 'like Saturday Morning show on steroids'

TV chef James Martin does warn the audience 'this will be like my Saturday show on steroids' but even I wasn't prepared for the riotous, frenetic two hours that followed.

Birmingham Live • 5th October 2023

Ailey 2 tour review - best dance in world putting Strictly in shade

Review of acclaimed American choreographer Alvin Ailey's dance company

Weekend Notes • 11th November 2020

Women in Lockdown Short Film

The award-winning Birmingham theatre group led by the comedian behind Mrs Barbara Nice, is releasing its new short film.

Weekend Notes • 8th October 2020

Van Gogh Alive at Birmingham Hippodrome

You may know Vincent Van Gogh's famous paintings of sunflowers and starry nights but this new immersive art exhibition puts them into a whole new perspective.Birmingham Hippodrome's first major show since lockdown is this UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive that takes over the cavernous auditorium of the theatre.Gone is the stage and seating in the stalls with the large space filled with huge screens (and even the floor) to display projections of Van Gogh's mesmerising artworks.Dramatic well-chosen cl

Weekend Notes • 14th July 2020

Fix It Time to Breathe - Free Online Discussion Events

A series of free online community discussions are taking place in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and arts organisations leading it wants you to get involved. Fix It: Time To Breathe has been launched by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Lightpost Company.

Weekend Notes • 20th June 2020

Free Midsummer Festival - West Midlands

A free one-day Midsummer Festival to celebrate arts and culture in the West Midlands is to mark the Summer Solstice by steaming a range of exciting performances.