The Color Purple - Birmingham Hippodrome

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Tue 13 Sep 2022 - Sat 17 Sep 2022

The hit stage adaptation of Alice Walker's The Color Purple returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this September. Premiered at Leicester Curve in 2019, the show, produced by the Hippodrome and Made At Curve, is on stage in Birmingham between September 13-17.

Telling the story of Celie, a young black woman growing up in the Deep South of America in the early 1900s, Walker's tale is one of oppression, sexism and brutality but also one of sisterhood, friendship, independence and hope.



Taking the part of Celie, Me'sha Bryan says her character is a 'beacon for hope'. "Celie is one of those people who doesn't realise how important she is to everyone around her. She's like the glue that brings everybody together and is the centre of the community without even knowing it. She is kind, loving, loyal and hopeful to the end - an inspiration to those who have hit rock bottom, enabling them to realise that the only way is up."

And she feels the book has important messages for its audiences. "There are so many different layers in The Color Purple," says Me'sha. "The story speaks of love and different types of love - love between siblings, love between parents and children, love between lovers, love for your community, love for your friends and most importantly for Celie, self-love. So, clearly, love is huge in the show along with hope, faith and friendship. Years ago, my mom borrowed a copy of the film from one of her friends and, as she was watching and giving her usual running commentary, I remember the rest of my family being drawn into the living room by the powerful, compelling, uplifting story and rooting for the wonderful characters that Alice Walker had brought into being. I knew then that The Color Purple was something special and I'm truly privileged to be tasked with portraying Celie."



Bree Smith plays Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer who befriends Celie. "Shug is an iconic black female character that represents lots of aunties and just the realness of what a woman is, mixed with her sexual nature and sexuality, her voice, and her dress sense," says Bree. "She's just an iconic character."

Anelisa Lamola is Sofia, a black woman who is prepared to fight her corner. "I'm excited to delve into the more feminine side of Sofia," she says. "I feel many people play Sofia angry and don't give her a lot of shade. I want to add a bit of sex appeal to her – really exploring her feminine side and also keeping her very fierce and feisty."

And she adds: "I can relate to the show, having had similar experiences growing up. There are specific themes in it that, as a black story, really resonate with my upbringing. So doing a show like this is incredible, and I feel honoured to be in it."

For more information and tickets see www.birminghamhippodrome.com

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!date 13/09/2022 -- 17/09/2022
%wnbirmingham