FRIDAY 27th MAY 2011
Birmingham Hippodrome breaks box office records
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The UK’s most popular single theatre Birmingham Hippodrome has proved that, despite the economic challenges, theatre is as popular as ever. Figures announced today demonstrate that the diverse range of productions on offer at the Hippodrome during the 2010/11 season proved hugely successful with 523,219 attendances across 392 performances.
This latest result has cemented the theatre’s position as the busiest single theatre in the country and the most popular visitor attraction in Birmingham city centre. It is also the highest recorded paying audience at the Theatre since it reopened almost a decade ago following an award-winning multi-million pound redevelopment.
Commenting on the outstanding attendance figures and Birmingham Hippodrome’s performance generally, Chief Executive Stuart Griffiths said:
Admissions for our 2010/11 year that has just ended were very encouraging. Despite the downturn in the economy, it is clear that huge numbers of us still enjoy attending the theatre and place great importance on it - even with tighter budgets. Our success in attracting so many visitors has resulted in Birmingham Hippodrome contributing over £45m in economic impact to our local economy- something for which we are very proud.
On the stage itself, Birmingham Hippodrome’s record-breaking year included the première of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s new production of Cinderella, directed by David Bintley, which celebrated the 20th Anniversary year of the company’s residence in the city.
During 2010/11, Birmingham Hippodrome’s reputation as a centre for international dance was further enhanced as it played host to a range of productions including New York’s Mark Morris Dance Group and Havana’s Ballet Nacional de Cuba featuring ballet superstar Carlos Acosta – both part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham, a four-week celebration co-produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and DanceXchange.
Birmingham Hippodrome also secured a string of awards during the year including The Creative Industries category in the inaugural Birmingham Post Business Awards; a Special Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Midlands & North) for Stuart Griffiths; and Event of the Year at the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards for International Dance Festival Birmingham.
Birmingham Hippodrome continues to play a major role in the cultural life of Birmingham. It is a key driver of the new Southside Business Improvement District (BID) which will see considerable investment in the southern part of the city centre adjacent to the redeveloped New Street Station.
The Theatre has recently published a revised Prospectus laying out its aims and ambitions for the future and has launched a new £1 million capital appeal to fund a new stage in 2012. The appeal was launched at a Gala Dinner held on 14 May on the stage itself, hosted by Christopher Biggins. The event raised over £40,000 to kick-start the fundraising effort.
