Two Pigeons Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I have just received my supporters priority booking form for 2016/17. I am not sure if the information is embargoed but I think it is pretty much general knowledge that the season will open with Bintley's new production of The Tempest and that both Nutcracker and Cinderella are being given. There really isn't that much else but my main source of disappointment is that there is only one triple bill and not a hugely inspiring one at that. I know that this is a sign of stringent finances and even I must accept that mixed bills seem to be obstanately uncommercial (unless they include Carmina Burana for some reason) but there is no Ashton, Balanchine or Macmillan and I am very sorry about that. No doubt the official announcement will be made very shortly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 Glad you've got your brochure! Mine still hasn't arrived... I agree with your comments about the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulcinella Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I'm really disappointed with this season, 4 full length ballets of which the only one I'm really interested in is The Tempest and one rather uninspiring triple bill with, I assume, one new ballet as it's one I've never heard of. There is no brochure, just a letter and booking form. Booking dates are: 12 April - Full season renewals 26 April - Other subscribers renewals 9 May - New subscriptions 19 May - Single tickets 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM1 Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 The announcement from the BRB website: https://www.brb.org.uk/post/2016-17-season-announced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 The one good thing about this is that Ruth Brill's work is being showcased. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Q Fan Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 I hope BRB brings Cinderella or Coppelia to The Lowry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toursenlair Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 didn't they use to do two different programs in their autumn season and again in their February season? This season sounds definitely like retrenchment. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 Indeed! The retrenchment of all retrenchments. Given the success the company had with A Month in the Country this new season is such a let down. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMM1 Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 In the last 10 years there have mostly been either 2 or 3 mixed bills at Birmingham Hippodrome a season, but this is not the first time in that period that it has gone down to one. We must hope that it goes in cycles and future seasons will have more. However it should be remembered that although BRB gained grant money for extra touring around England they have lost grant money for performing in Birmingham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 But they usually tour what they are performing in Birmingham in the Spring and Autumn seasons. Also as this year's midscale is all new, it will probably be the same rep at the alternate venues next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trog Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I received my brochure last night and I've managed to book. Have gone through the torture of their phone system, which includes having to listen to several minutes of Mary Poppins (gosh how annoying are those songs?) I booked. I then received an email, to say booking are open and the email says I could have done it all online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted April 12, 2016 Author Share Posted April 12, 2016 I agree Trog. I rushed my booklet into the post yesterday afternoon. Admittedly I am not that bothered but I wanted to preserve my booking rights just in case the season after next is a bit more interesting. I found the leaflet less than easy to follow and had to read it at least twice to extract the information I needed. Today, like you, I got the e-mail saying my tickets were reserved and all I had to do was to log in to my account (again, easier said than done) and I could have booked and paid for the over the internet. This is not the first time I have been left with the clear impression that the otherwise normally excellent Hippodrome Box Office and the less than impressive BRB publicity department just don't seem to communicate. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Pigeons Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 As an update I had a phone call from the Hippodrome around 7.00 last night. They confirmed that I had been allocated my current subscription seat on the aisle of the side block in the stalls. They rang me to say that this was not a top price ticket and I was due a refund. I am somewhat amused that I have what I consider to be one of the very best seats in the entire theatre at a cheaper rate than one in the middle in the stalls where you take pot luck over how much of the stage you can actually see. So, I do not view the new season with any great anticipation but I am hanging in there in the hope of a more interesting season after next. I am a bit peeved that having finally got hubby to the ballet and him saying he'd go again the company is not presenting anything I would force him to sit through. Heigh Ho! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynette H Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Perhaps we are seeing the results of budget cuts from Birmingham City Council. They cut their arts funding by 25% fir the coming year. BRB were among the losers. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-city-council-slashes-arts-10567577 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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