Pop Voices and Boogaloo Babes member Anya Small, The Mayor of Solihull Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE, and Solihull Council Councillor Wazma Qais
A variety performance showcasing the best musicians and performers that Solihull has to offer will help celebrate the grand reopening of The Core Theatre.
‘We are Solihull’ will be the first performance in the main auditorium since August 2023, following the completion of remediation works to the roof.
Hosted by The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Shahin Ashraf MBE, to celebrate her year in office, the variety performance brings together an eclectic mix of music, dance and spoken word – alongside a special VIP guest – which reflects the diversity of the borough.
The event takes place on Sunday 4 May at 7pm with tickets available here.
Standard tickets are priced at £25 while VIP tickets cost £50 and include access to a VIP area with exclusive performances, grazing boards and up to three complimentary drinks per person.
All proceeds will raise money for the three Mayoral Charities: Marie Curie, OASIS Mental Health Support (formerly Solihull Mind), and Social Life Opportunities (SoLO) – which supports children, young people and adults with learning disabilities.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities at Solihull Council, said:
“The Core is the cultural heart of Solihull and the theatre is its heartbeat, so to see the main auditorium reopen again after this extended closure is fantastic and the Mayor’s charity event will act as a wonderful curtain raiser.
“We are excited for The Core to welcome back its loyal and supportive audiences who can expect a diverse and thrilling calendar of shows and performances over the coming year, including top tribute acts, musicals, film, comedy and productions from local theatre societies.”
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE, said:
“Being the first citizen of our wonderful borough has allowed me to witness first-hand the vibrant communities that define Solihull, and this event will be a real celebration of the best of our borough, reflecting our fantastic talent and diversity.
“As well as an evening of spectacular performances including a very special local VIP guest, this event will also help give back to the borough by raising money for three fantastic local charities which are very close to my heart.
“We have all been looking forward for the main auditorium at The Core to reopen and I am proud and excited that We are Solihull will help to celebrate its return.”
We are Solihull includes talented Ukrainian singer Mariia Zoria who has represented Ukraine at Solihull Refuge Week for two consecutive years and whose powerful voice and heartfelt delivery embodies a deep sense of Ukrainian culture.
Amara Latchford’s soulful voice and clever lyricism will thrill audiences with high-energy performances which span a range of genres including pop, rang and ballad-driven anthems.
Vintage vocal harmony trio the Boogaloo Babes will sing a repertoire of songs from the 1930s to the 1970s, while popular community choirs Sing Solihull and Pop Voices – who have performed in New York, Paris and the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in 2022 to name but a few – will also be on the billing.
Audiences can also experience pop-up poetry on demand from poet Emily Holtom – the creative lyricist behind Verse & Vows, who mesmerises audiences with her unique skill to handcraft a poem on the spot from just an idea, memory or even a single word.
Six-piece cover band 2 Weeks’ Notice will close the evening’s entertainment, performing classics from the eighties.
A selection of theatre and dance groups and societies from the Solihull area will also be performing.
To celebrate the return of pantomime to The Core this year, Morgan Brind will be in costume as a pantomime Dame, acting as compère.
A We are Solihull visual arts exhibition showcasing the incredible creativity of young artists from local schools and colleges will also be on display at The Core’s Courtyard Gallery from Wednesday 30 April until Saturday 17 May.