Same Same but Different at Birmingham Hippodrome's Patrick Studio

If you enjoy contemporary dance with an ethnic twist, Same Same but Different is a great family show. It has been created with a number of primary schools in Birmingham and mixes colour, dance and story together.

The show began with the three performers inside large pieces of colourful material. Children watching had their imaginations captured as we watched the dancers move into different shapes and configurations. When the performers eventually popped out they were surprised to find the audience watching. They greeted us with waves and high fives which immediately drew the audience into the performance.

Highlights of the performance were the acrobatic movements performed by the dancers Aakanksha, Laura and Mickael. As they tumbled and twisted to the music the audience was left to interpret what they were showing with these movements as they explored the times when we feel different and the times that we belong. The title of the show ‘Same Same but Different’ may be familiar to some. It essentially means similar but not the same thing and was a fitting title for the theme of the show.

The dancer Mickael bought beat box and breakdance to the performance. This was well received by the children watching. But eventually he became the comic stoodge. His bones creaked as he struggled to play the guitar and he was left out when the other performers danced with bells and he sulked. He ended up getting the biggest laughs though as he was rocked, folded and tickled by the other performers once back inside his colourful material at the end of the show.

After the show, as a bonus, we headed out into the foyer to take part in a printing workshop. Little Lady really enjoyed this and used stamps, paint and sequins to produce a colourful banner. The Hippodrome frequently offers additional free workshops linked to performances. These are great in turning a shorter theatre trip into a day out. The workshops are often very popular and sometimes have to be booked so check the website carefully for details.

Special thanks to Birmingham Hippodrome for inviting us to their press performance.

Same Same but Different runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 23^rdFebruary and is suitable for ages 5+ Tickets £10, concessions £8 and family tickets available.

Relaxed performance Tuesday Sat 23 Feb 11am & Tue 26 Feb 1pm £7.

https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/same-same-but-different/

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