Colmore Event Category: theatre

The Bet: A New Musical

“Which is the worst fate: the death penalty, or a life in prison?”The Bet is a dark, musical fable based on the short story by Anton Chekhov, exploring the balance of quality versus quantity of life.A young banker and lawyer meet at a party and find themselves trapped in a heated argument about whether the death penalty or a life sentence is a more humane punishment. In order to resolve their differences, they agree to a bet – the banker will stake his money, and the lawyer will stake fifteen years of his freedom. The story follows the men over these fifteen years as their bet unfolds, and exploring the question: how much is your freedom worth?This is a brand new musical with book, music and lyrics by Ellen King produced as a part of Brum Fest 2026

Under the Hammer

A painting by Johannes Vermeer is going “Under The Hammer” at an art auction, overseen by art detective agency the Company of International Artists. Your contacts are Agents Kahlo and Dali. But wait… mysterious intel suggests that all is not right.The game is afoot!Can you crack the case? Keep an eye on the details and read between the lines in this fine blend of theatre and improv, escape room and “who-dunnit”, inspired by real-world art crime cases!As a new recruit of the Company of International Artists you’ll need to tackle puzzles, decipher codes and review key evidence to solve a case of art forgery before the culprit evades justice!Don’t forget to don your best trench coat, deerstalker or artist smock for the occasion – attendees are welcome (but not obliged) to come dressed as their favourite detective, a famous artist or a completely original sleuth persona…

Under the Hammer

A painting by Johannes Vermeer is going “Under The Hammer” at an art auction, overseen by art detective agency the Company of International Artists. Your contacts are Agents Kahlo and Dali. But wait… mysterious intel suggests that all is not right.The game is afoot!Can you crack the case? Keep an eye on the details and read between the lines in this fine blend of theatre and improv, escape room and “who-dunnit”, inspired by real-world art crime cases!As a new recruit of the Company of International Artists you’ll need to tackle puzzles, decipher codes and review key evidence to solve a case of art forgery before the culprit evades justice!Don’t forget to don your best trench coat, deerstalker or artist smock for the occasion – attendees are welcome (but not obliged) to come dressed as their favourite detective, a famous artist or a completely original sleuth persona…

Princess Sparkles

Step into the not-so-glittery world of Princess Sparkles, a professional princess-for-hire who’s very available, a teeny bit unstable, and just that little bit too much. Appearing at five-year-old birthday parties somewhere near you, she’s flustered, running late, and it seems more than just her costume is coming apart at the seams.Want to feel like a child again? Ever worked with children? Ever wondered why people warn against it?Prepare to be hurled into a chaotically fun-filled birthday extravaganza complete with games, “magic,” and stories gone wildly off-. But beware: she is definitely not Elsa, and this party might not be suitable for children… or adults… or anyone, really.As her crown slips, so does her grip on reality.Lily Maryon’s debut show is an unhinged hour of character comedy with a theatrical twist, casting the audience in the role of the children as Sparkles fights to keep the party and herself together.

A Simply Beastly Murder

I say! There’s been a murder! The Famous Five grew up and grew apart. When D*ck, now a hardened PI, gets in over his head, he turns to his sister Anne for help. But this isn’t Kirrin Island anymore. Do they have what it takes to solve the crime? A British Film Noir, full of gangsters, intrigue, and lashings of tinned pineapple.Nominated for the Funny Women Awards. With additional voices by Alistair McGowan.Supported by Fenton Arts Trust and Barnsley Civic.Rachel E. Thorn writes for BBC Radio (Dead Ringers, The Now Show). She’s been nominated for the Kenneth Branagh Award, the Female Pilot Club, the Key Mellor Fellowship and the BBC’s Alfred Bradley Award.

Adult Panto [Unscripted]

Now in its fifth filthy year, The Adult Panto Tour is c*mming back to Birmingham, and this time, it’s totally[UNSCRIPTED]! – “Oh yes it f!?ing is!” This balls-to-the-wall panto smashes in the backdoors of your favourite pantomimes! With every character, scene, and even the title decided live by you, the audience. You’re in control, Daddy. From outrageous characters to downright filthy humour, no two shows are ever the same. Strap-on for a wild night of improvised madness, rude songs, and naughty nonsense as we ride you all the way through pantoland – where anything can happen (and probably will!)

Adult Panto [Unscripted]

Now in its fifth filthy year, The Adult Panto Tour is c*mming back to Birmingham, and this time, it’s totally[UNSCRIPTED]! – “Oh yes it f!?ing is!” This balls-to-the-wall panto smashes in the backdoors of your favourite pantomimes! With every character, scene, and even the title decided live by you, the audience. You’re in control, Daddy. From outrageous characters to downright filthy humour, no two shows are ever the same. Strap-on for a wild night of improvised madness, rude songs, and naughty nonsense as we ride you all the way through pantoland – where anything can happen (and probably will!)

A Sudden, Disturbing To Do List

Phoebe is 28, a journalist, has OCD and is the queen of lists. On her mirror, on the fridge, all over her hands and…everywhere basically. Her favourite lists are: 1) shopping, 2) favourite stationary, 3) least favourite numbers, 4) past jobs ranked in order of wanting to staple her earlobes to the table, 5) the missed opportunities folder in her emails. She’s pretty sure keeping them is her healthiest habit, propelling her on towards being the most productive, best version of herself. So, when her lists are spawning lists and lists and lists and becoming an overwhelming listathon, and a pink fluffy monster appears under her duvet and starts spooning her while she sleeps: she’s sure there isn’t a problem.Phoebe wonders if she needs her space: but the monster is a really good cook, plus they do all her washing for her. So why is she suddenly listing all the ways she might die?

Bottom’s Up: Burlesque & Cabaret

Step into a dazzling world of glitz, glamour, and cheeky charm in Birmingham’s bawdy burlesque spectacular.