Birmingham Hippodrome to celebrate International Women's Day with free events

During the day people can visit the theatre’s Gallery Two to see illustrations from up-and-coming female artists from Birmingham. The exhibition, Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women who Dared to Dream, depicts 30 of Birmingham’s most awe-inspiring women from the recently published book by The Emma Press, and will be on display until Thursday, April 18.

Visitors can also pop along to the Makers’ Market to pick up a unique piece of jewellery, ceramics or artwork from some of the city’s creative female artists and makers, such as Vicky Neville and Karen Beard.

Elsewhere in the building, heritage volunteer Sophie Lewis will be hosting a talk about exceptional women who have contributed to the Hippodrome’s success.

During the evening there will be an eclectic mix of performances to enjoy, from free contemporary pop-up performances to world-class opera on the main stage, such as the Welsh National Opera’s Roberto Devereux.

In the foyer Fresh Fridays, a weekly free pop-up performance programme, will feature a full-length performance from critically acclaimed theatre company NOVAE Theatre at 6pm. After receiving rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, It’s Not a Sprint is a one-woman show looking at the highs and lows of life as a millennial.

Hit the Ode, a monthly poetry night in the Patrick Studio also has an International Women’s Day special. The night features readings from actor, writer, poet and co-founder of NTD Productions Rosie Fleeshman alongside music project AGĀMA, and international writer Malika Booker.

Associate director Chris Sudworth commented: “We’re really excited by everything we have on offer throughout the building for International Women’s Day - on our stages, in our galleries and foyers.

"In keeping with the #BalanceForBetter theme, our programme focuses on highlighting the difference that pioneering and powerful women make in the city and beyond, to make the world a better, fairer and more equal place.

“We hope to welcome guests to our building on International Women’s Day for a celebration of great people and we hope to inspire some future female leaders.”

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