Midlands Rainbow recommends: 2025 Shows

2025 is fast approaching, and with it comes a new year of great shows in Birmingham and across the Midlands. We've picked just a few of our favourites that would make great Christmas gifts or, of course, a treat for yourself.

Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana at Wolverhampton Grand (13th - 14th January). A Cuban take on the festive classic ballet. 

Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco at Wolverhampton Grand (31st January), Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (6th March) & Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent (13th March). A brand-new live vocals Queenz show, which takes on Disco music. 

Send in the Clowns: C*ck of Ages at The Old Joint Stock (29th January - 1st February). "This time the Clowns are taking on the ROCK (and sometimes roll) MUSICAL, with a celebration-cum-assassination of the hardcore rockin’ world of musical theatre, in their most outrageous show yet, C*CK OF AGES. Expect unique takes on RENT, Rock Of Ages, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You, Hair & Grease amongst others."

Kate Butch: Wuthering Shites at The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham (28th March & 23rd April). "Fresh from the runway of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, comedy crossdresser Kate Butch has written a jukebox musical based on the songs of Kate Bush kind of like if Mamma Mia! had a nervous breakdown but now she needs your help to get "BUSH!" to Broadway. Join the 'great comedian' WhatsOnStage as she runs up that hill, with stand-up comedy, live vocals, lip sync extravanganzas and more cloudbusting than you can shake a stick at." 

Calamity Jane at Birmingham Hippodrome (18th - 22nd March), Nottingham Theatre Royal (25th - 29th March), Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (17th - 21st June), & Wolverhampton Grand (9th - 13th September). "Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables) and begins its UK and Ireland tour in January 2025."

Chicago at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (14th - 19th April) & Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (23rd - 28th June). "Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids." 

Six at Birmingham Hippodrome (11th - 15th March), Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (15th - 19th April) & Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (15th - 19th July).  "From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves but their lipstick is rebellious red." 

& Juliet at The Curve Theatre, Leicester (17th - 22nd February), Theatre Royal, Nottingham (14th-19th April), Birmingham Hippodrome (22nd April - 3rd May), & Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (12th - 17th May). "Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?"

Dear Evan Hansen at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham (17th - 21st June). This musical returns to Birmingham due to popular demand, find out why it was so popular by reading our review before booking your tickets! 

Mary Poppins at Birmingham Hippodrome (16th July - 23rd August). "Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs." 

Moulin Rouge at Birmingham Hippodrome (15th October - 15th November) "Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind."

Cabaret at Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse (booking until 4th October 2025). Treat yourself to a trip to London to see this classic musical, starring Billy Porter as Emcee and Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles from 28th January. 

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