Features

A new project, ‘The LGBTQIA+ Cultural Barometer’ aims to measure and understand the current climate surrounding LGBTQ+ culture programming and creatives in the UK, and the impact of backlash. Led by Curious Arts, in partnership with Birmingham's Fatt Projects (Adam Carver), and Marlborough Productions, the research project has shared its first insights, providing “a snapshot into an ongoing and intensifying situation”.

The award-winning musical Kinky Boots, tells the story of Charlie Price, who tries to save his family's shoe factory by partnering with drag queen, Lola, to create high-heeled boots with more endurance than those currently on the market. The musical was based on the 2005 film of the same name but the story was mostly inspired by true events that took place in Northamptonshire.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s 2025 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, has received a brilliant three nominations at the UK Pantomime Awards.

A major exhibition of work from pop art icon, Andy Warhol, is coming Wolverhampton Art Gallery from May 2026.

Wolverhampton-born emerging music artist, Sofie Anné is set to headline her début solo concert this March at The Grand Theatre, and joining her are two fellow Wolves artists: Wolverhampton-based grime artist and rapper, Reepa; and the UK’s first transgender rapper, Nate Ethan, who was also born and bred in the city.

Story Time with Mama G is one of many shows coming to Leicester Comedy Festival this year.

Birmingham and West Midlands actors have been announced among the cast for an upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Rep Theatre.

Rare works by widely-regarded pop artist and filmmaker, Andy Warhol, have gone on display at Nottingham's Lakeside Arts Gallery.

2026 is fast approaching, and with it comes a new year of great productions in Birmingham and across the Midlands. We've picked just a few of our favourites in theatre, dance, musicals, drag and cabaret that would make great Christmas gifts or, of course, a treat for yourself. ★ Fiddler on the Roof at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ( 9th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026 ) “Completely sold out at the Barbican in London, this is a rare opportunity to catch this critically ac

Drag star, La Voix, has been announced in exciting new casting for the UK tour of the hit musical, Annie. La Voix (the drag persona of Christopher Dennis) will play Miss Hannigan across several venues including The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, which plays in June 2026.

Wolverhampton-born singer, songwriter and performer, Beverley Knight MBE will reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, alongside alongside Sharon Rose as the title character, Sylvia Pankhurst in the touring production of the Olivier-nominated musical, Sylvia.

Joe Lycett’s celebration of all things Brummie, the International Day of Birmingham, is returning for its second year in 2025.

A lost miniature portrait, which until now has never been seen by the public, is thought to depict William Shakespeare’s secret gay lover and the subject of his erotic sonnets.

Natalie Brookes, a Northampton-based trans folk musician and composer, is launching a new EP centred around promoting queer musicians on the folk music scene.

As part of an LGBTQ+ community comedy project, The Rep Theatre, Birmingham are hosting a free comedy masterclass with renowned comedian Angie Belcher. The event will be held on Saturday 16th August 12pm-4.30pm

Queer Voices’ a new LGBTQ+ poetry open mic is set to launch in Worcester next week. Taking place on the fourth Thursday of each month, starting from Thursday 24th July 2025, the event is an open mic poetry and spoken word night celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity, expression, and community.

Labour MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome, has said she is proud of her party’s pledge to tackle violence against women and girls but is ‘appalled’ by their stance on trans rights. She hopes, however, to be able to push from within the party to influence change on trans rights, and move the party forward.

This year's Durham Miners’ Gala will feature a ‘Pride bloc’ during its banner march for the first time in the event’s history.

Queer Labour MP, Nadia Whittome, has said that the UK’s asylum system needs a “complete overhaul” during a meeting with an LGBTQ+ refugee in parliament.

Walsall Pride have announced the line-up for their Pride Picnic in the Park; a celebration that will feature music and entertainment.