Autumn in the city looks good

THERE is a packed season in store at Birmingham's numerous entertainments venues this autumn.

From ballet to jazz to musicals, all tastes are catered for across the second city in September and beyond.

At the Alexandra Theatre, award-winning musical Legally Blonde takes over from Tuesday, August 28, to Saturday, September 1, telling the well-known story of Elle Woods.

When her boyfriend Warner dumps her she decides to follow him to Harvard Law School with hilarious results.

Based on the film starring Reece Witherspoon, Legally Blonde is directed by Tony and Olivier award winning Jerry Mitchell.

The following week, Motown fans are in for a treat with a celebration of 50 years of number one songs in a brand new arena show.

The non-stop Magic of Motown spectacular features 36 massive hits from all the greats including The Supremes, Temptations, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richard.

There are 16 sparkling costume changes plus amazing choreography and an all-star cast. Comedy is on offer on September 27 as comedian Alan Davies present his Life is Pain show.

After more than a decade since his last stand-up show and a successful tour of Australia last year, the must loved star of Jonathan Creek and QI makes a long awaited return to live stand-up.

Over at the Hippodrome, flair, energy and innovation combine for three original modern ballets in Opposites Attract from Wednesday to Saturday, September 26 and 29.

Lyric Pieces, Take Five and Grosse Fuge - jointly commissioned by International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012 and Birmingham Royal Ballet - include romantic musical miniatures by Edvard Grieg, the music of Dave Brubeck and

choreographer Hans van Manen's most famous work.

Ballet makes a return from October 2 to 6 in Swan Lake, the timeless story of good, evil and the all conquering power of love.

Undoubtedly one of the most famous of all classical ballets, Tchaikovsky's work is presented by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

A magnificent gala concert is on offer at Sunday, September 2, at Symphony Hall.

The 2.30pm event is a who's who of brass bands featuring Black Dyke Band, Cory Band and the Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Then on Tuesday, September 4, Dave Stewart celebrates the release of his new solo album The Ringmaster General with his Ringmaster Tour.

The singer, songwriter and guitarist will perform songs from the album as well as material from his critically acclaimed 2011 album The Blackbird Diaries.

For booking and more information about these shows and more, for the Alexandra call 0844 871 7627, for the Hippodrome call 0844 338 5000 or visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or for the Symphony Hall and Town Hall, visit www.thsh.co.uk or call

0121 345 0600.

Regional entertainment »