B:Music unveils new winter programme for 2024/25 season

B:Music, the Birmingham music charity responsible for Symphony Hall and Town Hall, has launched its new winter programme for 2024/25 which includes comedy, live music, dance and spoken word on its two world-famous stages.

The new season showcases an array of diverse performances at Town Hall and Symphony Hall. From Steps superstar Claire Richards to Escape to the Chateau’s Dick and Angel, November sees a varied and exciting programme. There is plenty of live music to choose from, with artists including The Bootleg Beatles and folk royalty Kate Rusby gracing the Symphony Hall and Town Hall stages in December. And January sees the return of the legendary soul group The Drifters as well as comedian Stewart Lee with his brand new show Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf. 

Embark on a dazzling journey into a festive wonderland as Strictly Come Dancing’s one and only Anton Du Beke brightens up Christmas with his new show Christmas with Anton Du Beke. The Ballroom King and Strictly Come Dancing judge joins forces with his live band, vocalist Lance Ellington, and a troupe of dancers, to bring a magical evening of music, dance and laughter to Symphony Hall (17 December).

B:Music is providing the laughs this winter with a plethora of comedy A-listers to choose from. Stand-up stars including Henry Rowley: Just Literally (5 November), Grace Campbell: Grace Campbell is on Heat (9 November), Rhod Gilbert: Rhod Gilbert and the Giant Grapefruit (15-16 November), and Stewart Lee: Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf (24-26 January) will be taking to the Town Hall and Symphony Hall stages for the ultimate feelgood night out.

And for one night only there are five comedians for the price of one at Town Hall, as Live at Christmas (12 December) returns for an all-star festive show. Headlining is the multi award winning Sara Pascoe, star of Live at The Apollo, Qi, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and many more. Joining Sara in the line up is Taskmaster champion Lou Sanders, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Viceland’s Jamali Maddix, master character comic Steen Raskopoulos, and Ivo Graham as host.

Playing over a dozen guitars, Pat Metheny (14 November) offers songs from his past and recent recordings, Dream Box/MoonDial, all given further dimension by the rare storytelling Pat shares with the audience.

Metheny's versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument and his body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, and ballet pieces.

B:Music is also proud to be working with The Amy Winehouse Band, the original musicians who stood alongside Amy on stages all around the world (18 December). In this unique show, the band, led by her long-term musical director and bass player Dale Davis and fronted by young vocalist Bronte Shandé, will bring an unforgettable experience and celebration to the Town Hall audience.

Join the Nuremburg Symphony Orchestra with conductor Jonathan Darlington at Symphony Hall on 17 November. Opening with Weber’s operatic overture, the orchestra welcomes star soloist Federico Colli on piano. The Symphony Hall audience can expect a spirited performance from the musician of Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto.

Bring the whole family to Town Hall in December to experience The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra (15 December). The show includes a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra, and even a visit from the Snowman himself.

Join Toscana Strings for The Snowman and The Nutcracker (1 December) and encounter these two family-favourites brought to life through music, dance, storytelling, and audience participation in a show which is sure to captivate young imaginations. Or join the tea-guzzling tiger at Town Hall in the family show The Tiger Who Came to Tea (26 December to 5 January).

B:Music is bringing some world-class speakers with plenty of stories to its stages. Join BBC Gardeners' World presenter and gardening writer, Monty Don, as he shares his passion for gardens and the unique role they play in human inspiration and wellbeing (18 November).

Or join Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor at Town Hall as they recreate the match that gripped a nation – the 1985 World Snooker Final (23 January). A record-breaking 18.5m TV viewers stayed up to watch the clash and this is your chance to see the rematch with snooker royalty as the final frame from that special night is recreated. Snooker legend John Virgo is host and referee for an evening guaranteed to include his famed snooker impressions.

Other highlights of the winter 2024/25 season include the all-star cast of Austentatious taking over the Town Hall stage in period costume with live musical accompaniment (24 November), the hilarious live stage show Dan and Phil: Terrible Influence at Symphony Hall (13 and 22 January), and the international smash hit tribute show Thank You For The Music which brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the Town Hall stage (31 January).

To see the full programme and to book tickets, visit the website.

Pictured: The Amy Winehouse Band