Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, Slipknot, The Jonas Brothers and more: Top shows coming to the Midlands and Shropshire in 2020
Christmas parties across the world are over, but what events can we look forward to next?
From rock tours to comedy gigs and theatre shows - we take a look at some of the top shows coming to the Midlands and Shropshire in 2020.
Andre Rieu: 70 Years Young
When? January 4 to 5
Where? Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton. Cineworld Wolverhampton. Cineworld Shrewsbury
Maestro Andre Rieu is celebrating his 70th birthday with concerts around the world, all set to be screened at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn.
This exclusive cinema event will cover how his life and experiences are reflected in his concerts, with shows in Schönbrunn Vienna, Radio City Music Hall New York, Brazil, Mexico, the Coronation Concert in Amsterdam and Australia.
Special surprise guests will also join the celebration by sharing their birthday messages.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Ghost Stories
When? January 7
Where? The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Sensory horror show Ghost Stories comes to Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre this January for the first time ever.
Written by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, the mysterious show revolves around Dr Goodman, a professor of parapsychology delivering a lecture on ghost stories.
The script incorporates jump scares that echo similar scenes in celebrated horror films, including Don't Look Now, Halloween, Rosemary's Baby and Le Serpent.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra
When? January 14
Where? Birmingham Symphony Hall
Forty years on from his debut as principal conductor of the CBSO, Sir Simon Rattle returns to Birmingham with London Symphony Orchestra to perform the works of Berg and Beethoven.
The 64-year-old became Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra in 2017.
He is the patron of Birmingham Schools' Symphony Orchestra, and won the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2001.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Strictly Come Dancing Live
When? January 16
Where? Arena Birmingham
Enjoy all the glittering excitement of Strictly Come Dancing as the live tour comes to Arena Birmingham.
The sparkling line-up of celebrities and professional dancers will join new tour host and reigning Strictly champion Stacey Dooley, and the tour judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.
Audiences also have the opportunity to vote for the winner of the coveted Glitterball Trophy at the end of each show.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Moscow City Ballet: Swan Lake
When? January 17
Where? Birmingham Symphony Hall
The Moscow City Ballet visits Birmingham with their production of Swan Lake.
Swan Lake is a signature piece of Moscow City Ballet’s repertoire. The choreography, interpretation and stand-out virtuoso performances win consistently rave reviews.
The epic story of Prince Siegfried and his doomed love for Odette is accompanied Tchaikovsky’s haunting score.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Toyah
When? January 18
Where? The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Toyah is set to bring her headline tour to Wolverhampton to celebrate and perform material from her newly re-imagined double album In The Court Of The Crimson Queen.
The album contains lead single Sensational and Dance In The Hurricane as well as classics from her celebrated back catalogue.
Simon Darlow will also join Toyah on stage at some of the tour dates.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Asking For It
When? January 19 to February 15
Where? Birmingham REP
Landmark Productions and The Everyman's adaptation of Louise O'Neill's devastating novel about sexual consent makes its UK premiere at The REP following huge acclaim, including a sold-out season at Ireland's National Theatre, The Abbey.
One night in a small town in County Cork, where everyone knows everyone, things spiral terrifyingly and violently out of control and a young woman's life is changed forever. What will happen to Emma now? – her reputation in tatters, and her attackers believed.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
When? January 20
Where? Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2020 with its sell-out touring show, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
The show will feature Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony Hawks, Marcus Brigstocke, John Finnemore and host Jack Dee, with piano accompaniment by Colin Sell.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
The Bodyguard
When? January 21
Where? The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Featuring a whole host of classic songs, The Bodyguard returns to Birmingham for 2020.
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don't expect is to fall in love.
Alexandra Burke will perform the role of Rachel Marron at evening performances only, with Jennlee Shallow taking on the role for other performances.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Extraordinary Wall [of Silence]
When? January 22 to 23
Where? Birmingham Hippodrome
Ad Infinitum combine the company’s signature style of physical storytelling with the beauty of British Sign Language for Extraordinary Wall [of Silence] at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Helen, Alan, and Graham are told they are impaired and need fixing. As they begin to question the world around them, three powerful coming-of-age stories unfold, uniting in a struggle against violence, ignorance and oppression.
Connected through a shared past, they are transported to one pivotal moment in 1880 when a dangerous ideology was born: one that would impair the way the world views Deaf people for over a century.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Slipknot
When? January 24
Where? Arena Birmingham
After a cryptic first announcement, metal icons Slipknot revealed they would be bringing their UK and European tour to Birmingham in 2020.
The tour follows the release of the group's sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind, featuring singles such as Unsainted, Solway Firth and Birth of the Cruel.
Formed in 1995, the eight-piece is best known for a variety of songs, such as Psychosocial, Duality, Before I Forget, Unsainted, Snuff, The Devil in I, All Out Life, Wait and Bleed, Dead Memories, Spit It Out and more.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Kaiser Chiefs
When? January 25
Where? Arena Birmingham
Kaiser Chiefs will bring their UK arena tour to Birmingham to mark the start of the New Year.
The band have also announced the release of anthemic new song People Know How To Love One Another, the lead single from the Kaiser Chiefs’ forthcoming new album Duck.
The Brit Award-winning Leeds quartet are best known for hit songs such as Ruby, I Predict A Riot, Oh My God, Everyday I Love You Less and Less, Never Miss a Beat and more.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Krept and Konan
When? January 25
Where? O2 Academy, Birmingham
Rap duo Krept and Konan will perform in Birmingham during their UK and Ireland tour.
Casyo 'Krept' Johnson and Karl 'Konan' Wilson first rose to fame in 2013 with the release of mixtape Young Kingz.
In 2017 the duo made history when they became the first act ever to have two mixtapes, titled 7 Days and 7Nights, simultaneously enter the Top 10 of the Official UK Albums chart.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Dance To The Music
When? January 26
Where? Oakengates Theatre, Telford
Hosted by X Factor star and Dancing On Ice winner Jake Quickenden, Dance To The Music is set to light up the stage at Telford's Oakengates Theatre.
Dance To The Music is first and only dance show in the UK to portray the evolution of dance through musical eras and genres from the roaring 20s with the Charleston and tap dances, moving through every decade of dance and finishing with modern day ballroom and Latin.
The team of dancers celebrate more than 15 different styles of dancing, linked with a light-hearted script, humour and anecdotes.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Avenue Q
When? January 27 to 28
Where? Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Guess Q's back? Hit musical Avenue Q comes to Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn for 2020.
It's been called London's funniest show; a celebration of mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness.
The musical comedy follows the story of Princeton, a puppet down on his luck searching for an apartment, and a purpose, after receiving his B.A in English - what is he meant to do with that, anyway?
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Sandi Toksvig
When? January 27
Where? Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Sandi Toksvig is touring her new, one-woman comedy show - and its coming to Wolverhampton.
Sandi realises some people harbour an ambition to be a National Treasure but following a misunderstanding with a friend has decided instead to become a National Trevor – half misprint, half Danish comedian, novelist, actor and broadcaster.
Expect tall stories, fascinatingly funny facts, really silly jokes, a quick fire Q&A and a quiz.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
The Interrupters
When? January 28
Where? O2 Institute, Birmingham
California ska punk band The Interrupters head to Birmingham with support from Buster Shuffle.
The news comes off the back of the quartet's latest album, Gave You Everything, released earlier this year.
They are best known for songs such as She's Kerosene, Take Back the Power, Gave You Everything, Title Holder and more.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
The Jonas Brothers
When? January 29
Where? Arena Birmingham
The Jonas Brothers are back - and they're bringing their first European tour in nearly a decade to Birmingham.
The trio - made up of Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas - formed in 2005 and gained popularity from their appearances on the Disney Channel and are best known for songs such as Burnin' Up, Lovebug, S.O.S. and more.
They starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock and its sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Ed Byrne
When? January 30
Where? Birmingham Town Hall
Ed Byrne brings his brand new tour If I'm Honest... to Birmingham this January.
Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children.
A TV household name, in the past year Ed has appeared on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Pilgrimage, Top Gear and QI.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
When? January 30
Where? Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Embark on a thrilling night of adventure with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival joins the world’s best adventure film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote and stunning corners of the globe.
There are two shows, each with an entirely different selection of films - the red film programme and the blue film programme.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Sir Geoff Hurst
When? January 30
Where? Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
Sir Geoff comes to the Prince of Wales following a hugely successful tour in 2019.
He will talk amusingly and about his illustrious West Ham and England career, including the greatest moment in English football history, 1966.
VIP ticket holders will have a chance to meet him and have a photograph with him before the show. The second half will be a Q&A session with the audience.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Sam Fender
When? January 30
Where? O2 Academy, Birmingham
BRITs Critic's Choice winner Sam Fender will bring his headline tour to Birmingham.
He is best known for hit single Play God that featured in the soundtrack for FIFA 19.
The 25-year-old released his debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, earlier this year to critical acclaim.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
When? January 31
Where? Arena Birmingham
Monster truck fans will be able to throw themselves into a fully immersive experience as Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live heads to Birmingham.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will bring everyone’s favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life, combining Hot Wheels’ jumps and stunts with epic crashing and smashing to deliver a show for the whole family.
In addition to the trucks, each show will feature speciality acts like the superstars of freestyle motocross, world record attempts, and Megasaurus – the massive, car-eating, fire-breathing prehistoric robot who loves chomping on anything with four wheels.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Thy Art Is Murder
When? January 31
Where? O2 Institute, Birmingham
Australian metallers Thy Art Is Murder return to Birmingham next year with a new headline tour.
The tour comes in support of the quintet's new album, Human Target, released earlier this year.
Formed in 2006, the group is best known for songs such as Reign of Darkness, Make America Hate Again, The Purest Strain of Hate, Puppet Master, Death Squad Anthem and more.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Bombay Bicycle Club
When? January 31
Where? O2 Academy, Birmingham
Bombay Bicycle Club will play Birmingham as part of their new headline tour.
The tour comes in support of the group's upcoming fifth studio album, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, set to be released next month.
Formed in 2005, the London quartet are best known for songs such as Always Like This, Lights Out Words Gone, Shuffle, How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep, Home by Now and more.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Jimmy Carr
When? January 31
Where? Dudley Town Hall
Jimmy Carr has added a surprise fifth Dudley date to his current UK tour for 2020.
The hugely popular comedian is one of the world’s most recognisable stand-ups and is the host of programmes such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and Comedy Roast.
The 46-year-old, as well as appearing on Live At The Apollo, has also been on countless other comedy panel shows including A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Juice, QI and Room 101.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
