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Leading the way
02nd September 2011. Posted by Sam Dowling. Trackback
On Tuesday evening I dusted off my tiara, put on my highest heels and headed across to Birmingham Hippodrome to attend a new networking event, Leading Ladies.
Organised by three trustees of the Birmingham Hippodrome Development Committee, including Rewired’s MD Ruth Pipkin, the event offers Birmingham’s leading ladies the chance to not only network in the beautiful theatre but also attend some of its fantastic performances.
Being a massive theatre fan I jumped at the opportunity and was thrilled to discover that the first event also included tickets to the opening night of a brand new stage adaptation of the black and white classic, Top Hat. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the 1930s film (and I must confess until Tuesday I was one of them!) it’s a romantic comedy starring silver screen legends, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The film sees famous American tap dancer, Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire) arrive in London for his first West End show and meet the irresistible girl of his dreams Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers). Like many romantic comedies of the day, Top Hat relies on mistaken identities as the audience watches Jerry follow Dale across Europe in an attempt to win her heart.
Despite its popularity, the rights to turn it into a stage performance had not been available, until now! During a pre-show talk especially for the Leading Ladies, Kenny Wax, the show’s producer described the difficulties he faced trying to make his dream a reality, but I for one am glad he didn’t give up. Strictly Come Dancing’s Tom Chambers and triple Olivier Award nominee Summer Strallen take the principal roles, effortlessly capturing the audience with a number of fantastic song and dance routines.
The performance received a standing ovation and the first Leading Ladies event went down equally as well, especially given the fact that we were able to meet the dashing Tom Chambers, who’s charm I admit left me feeling slightly weak in the knees!
(Photograph Karen Strunks)
The event however isn’t just about networking and nibbles, it also has a more serious purpose and that’s trying to help raise awareness and funds to support the Birmingham Hippodrome’s Stage Appeal.
As one of the country’s best loved theatres, Birmingham Hippodrome has seen many famous performers including Joan Collins, John Barrowman and Nigel Havers grace its stage. The last time the stage was replaced was nearly thirty years ago and is now in desperate need of a little TLC. The theatre needs to raise £1 million to rebuild the stage by the end of 2012 and needs the support of events such as Leading Ladies to help raise awareness of this. If you’re interested in helping then visit http://ow.ly/6jJKL and see how you can get involved.
I’m off to brush up on my tapping dancing skills….