AROUND THE COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS JANUARY 2026
BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME
ANNOUNCES SPECTACULAR NEW SHOWS ON SALE FOR 2026
Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a line-up of new productions on sale for 2026.
In June Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh will present the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon as Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical is reborn. The acclaimed show returns to the city and will play an additional week at Birmingham Hippodrome from (Tue 23 Jun – Sat 27 Jun 2026).
Following its sell out success in 2024, Willy Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers (Tue 20 Oct – Sat 24 Oct 2026) returns to the Birmingham stage; telling the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth.
Direct from The London Palladium, the Hippodrome is thrilled to announce Sleeping Beauty as next year’s pantomime, starring panto legend Matt Slack (Sat 19 Dec 2026 – Sun 31 Jan 2027).
Shows already on sale include the Olivier Award-winning Sylvia (Tue 6 Oct – Sat 10 Oct 2026), starring powerhouse talent Beverley Knight. Fuelled by a soundtrack that joyously unites hip hop, funk, and soul.
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Loosely based on Bizet’s ever-popular opera, Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man (Tue 13 Oct – Sat 17 Oct 2026) has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire.
Later in October a spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi award-winning musical Cats (Tue 27 Oct – Sat 7 Nov 2026) arrives in Birmingham for two weeks only.
Families can enjoy two Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler stories brought to life on stage in 2026. Full of toe-tapping songs and puppetry, Tales from Acorn Wood (Tue 24 Mar – Sun 29 Mar 2026) comes to the Patrick Studio in March. In May a magical, musical adaption of classic picture book The Gruffalo (Wed 20 May – Sun 24 May 2026) will bring songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children and their grown-ups.
Continuing Birmingham Hippodrome’s commitment to supporting new works, the Patrick Studio will host several new productions and workshops in 2026.
The Hippodrome’s New Work & Artist Development Department will showcase new work from eight Birmingham-based artists with Origins Festival.
Tickets for new season shows will go on sale to Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 20 November at 11am and on general sale on Monday 24 November at 11am.
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty go on sale to Friends of Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesday 9 December at 11am and on general sale on Friday 12 December at 11am.
Tickets can be booked at
www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0121 689 3000.
COUNTY NEWS JANUARY
MEN VS WOMEN: WHO FEELS THE AUTUMN BUDGET PINCH? New research from national law firm Shakespeare Martineau shows that the Autumn Budget has amplified financial pressures differently for men and women, with survey respondents reporting contrasting worries across savings, retirement and household finances.
The survey of 2,500 UK adults – conducted immediately after the government’s budget on Wednesday, 26 November – reveals that men are more likely to take personal action in response to the Chancellor’s announcements, while women are more concerned about household finances.
For example, 23% of men plan to adjust their pension contributions, compared with 16% of women, while almost a quarter of men (24%) intend to delay retirement versus 17% of women. Men are also more likely to reduce the amount they invest in ISAs (23% vs 17%) and feel their overall tax burden will increase (57% vs 48% of women).
Conversely, 48% of mothers are worried about their children’s financial future, compared with 39% of fathers. Women are also more concerned about declines in disposable income (58% vs 51% of men) and rising living costs, which were cited as the biggest concern by 51% of women, compared with 45% of men.
Julia Rosenbloom, private wealth tax partner at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The Autumn Budget is clearly affecting men and women in different ways. Men are showing a greater tendency to take immediate financial action, such as adjusting pensions or delaying retirement, while women are expressing deeper concerns about household finances and long-term disposable income.
“This reflects both differences in financial priorities and in perceived financial resilience. Understanding these nuances is critical for advisers, employers and individuals when planning how to respond to changes in taxes, savings allowances and broader fiscal policy. It’s important for everyone – regardless of gender – to review their financial strategy, ensure their pensionand savings plans remain tax-efficient, and consider the implications for household finances in the years ahead.”
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
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