May mayhem in Southside

Birmingham’s Southside district has a host of activities taking place across its bustling venues this May.

HairsprayCome and join Le Truc for an evening of fabulous modern Jazz and vintage cocktails on Friday 3 May.

Visitors can enjoy live music from 9pm from the talented “Steve Ajao’s Quartet” and cracking cocktails from its award winning bar team.

The Old Rep Theatre will be shooting bolts of lightning with a spectacular production of Grease from Youth On Stage. On from Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 May, Grease follows the love story of two high school teenagers, good girl Sandy and greaser Danny in the summer of 1959.

The UK’s oldest running cinema, The Electric, will play host to two of the most iconic Sci-Fi flicks on its silver screen throughout the month. JJ Abraham’s 2009 remake of Star Trek and the original 1982 Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan will be on show from Friday 10 May. The new screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby will hit screens on Friday 17 May. From the uniquely imaginative mind of Baz Lurhmann, The Great Gatsby follows the journey of a young American chasing his own American dream.

The Electric Cinema will also be teaming up with Birmingham Hippodrome for its Electric Film Food Club on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 May. There will be a limited number of tickets available for a special screening of the classic 1956 film High Society complete with canapés and bubbles, followed by a superb main course and champagne themed dessert at Birmingham Hippodrome’s fabulous Circle Restaurant. Tickets can be purchased via The Electric Cinema website, so book early to avoid disappointment.

From Saturday 18 May – Sunday 16 June, step back in time at the National Trust Back to Backs and experience all that a ‘wash day’ entailed for a Victorian family living in a traditional Back to Back. Watch volunteers working hard in the brew house to get the families’ washing cleaned by hand in just one day. You can even have a go at filling the copper, beating the dolly or working the mangle yourself. Booking is essential, so call in advance to ensure you don’t miss out!

West End musical sensation Hairspray will take to the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 May – Saturday 1 June. Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, Birmingham Pride will return to Southside’s Gay Village for the biggest LGBT celebration of the year. This year’s wrist-banded event will see thousands of attendees flock to see the larger than life Carnival Parade starting in Victoria Square and finishing in the Village, parties in the dance marquee and village green, a fun fair and fabulous market stalls. Plus, headline acts performing on the main stage will include JLS, Paloma Faith, Bananarama, Stooshe, A*M*E, Rylan Clark and Lucy Spraggan. Southside’s gay venues will also be running entrainment and offers in celebration all weekend.

To find out more about Southside visit www.enjoysouthside.co.uk