Alexandra Taylor: Writer

If it’s a bit of drama and escapism you’re after this festive season, then there’s no need to go too far afield, with a whole variety of theatre for all ages on your doorstep. If you fancy yourself as an amateur sleuth, don your trench coat and grab your magnifying glass for a Murder Mystery Dinner and Christmas disco at Highbury Hall on 6th December. Hunt for clues and interrogate the witnesses to see if you can solve the crime. Afterwards, with the murderer safely behind bars, you can bust some arresting moves on the dance floor. The £38.50 ticket includes a three course meal. For more family-friendly festive fantasy, the MAC is playing host to two Christmas shows this season. ‘The Snow Dragon’ is for ages 3 and over, and takes you into a magical, mysterious world of comedy and song from 26th November to 8th December. ‘Hansel and Gretel’ adapts the classic fairytale with live music and clowning, for ages 5 and over, from 3rd to 14th December. Both also have accompanying work...

From Black Sabbath to Laura Mvula, the Birmingham music scene is no stranger to international attention. But for every success story, there are many more struggling to make their mark. ‘Impact’ is a group dedicated to providing a platform for local musicians, to help them reach a wider audience.  Since 'Impact' began in 2008, their gig nights have hosted twenty two local bands across a range of musical styles, including folk/electronic trio ‘Malpas’; electronic performer ‘Arc Vel’, whose shows include mesmerising video projection; loud post-rock group ‘Sunrise Over Europe’ and folk quartet ‘Oh Stockholm!’. Founder members Mike Blaber and Ben Kyte told me how it all began. “It sprung out of the Oasis Church, which meets at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.” explains Mike. “We wanted to do something which celebrated Birmingham, give something back to the city and create a platform for creativity. As Christians, we believe that God loves music and that all creativity comes from Go...