May brings an exciting mix of theatre to Birmingham, from fantastic book-to-stage adaptations such as Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns at The REP, as well as re-imaginings of classic theatre such as The Old Vic’s production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons which is being broadcast at the MAC courtesy of National Theatre Live!

A Thousand Splendid Suns

This May brings the European stage premiere of Khaled Hosseini’s spiritual novel A Thousand Splendid Suns at The REP. After housing a hugely successful run of Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Hosseini’s debut The Kite Runner in March last year, The REP now brings the sequel courtesy of Ursula Rani Sarma. Set in 1992 in war-torn Afghanistan, the story follows themes of family, war, and has been described by Hosseini as a “mother-daughter story” which also explores female identity. Judging by the popularity of Hosseini’s works, this stage adaptation will surely not disappoint.

Thu 2 May – Sat 18 May, The REP (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP, times and prices vary, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Shylock

Shylock may not have been centre stage in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice but cut to today and he has his own play. This production extracts the Jewish moneylender from Shakespeare’s tale and throws him into a world of his own amongst characters from Pontius Pilate to Max Reindhart. As one of only two Jewish men in all of Shakespeare’s works, this play explores his identity not only as a victim, a villain, and an all-round fascinating character, but also as a Jew. Celebrating Shakespeare’s mix of comedic genius and creative flare whilst at the same time facing Jewish stereotypes, Shylock is hilarious, moving and thought-provoking all at once.

Wed 8 May, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH, £11 – £13, www.macbirmingham.co.uk

NT Live: All My Sons

Desperate to see Arthur Miller’s All My Sons featuring Sally Field and Bill Pullman but can’t get down to The Old Vic in London? You’re in luck, as the MAC is broadcasting the show live from London this May. Set in America in 1947, the play sees Miller dissecting the American dream. Kate and Joe Keller (Field and Pullman) have raised two sons and founded a flourishing business but struggle to keep their successes afloat when long buried truths emerge, and the perfect façade begins to crack.

Tue 14 May, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH, £15.25 – £17.25, www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Fresh Fridays: Orpheus

Fresh Fridays at the Birmingham Hippodrome offer new and exciting pop-up performances raging from music and comedy to dance and drama. Orpheus is a spoken word theatre piece presented as part of the A Matter of Life and Death Festival, telling an ancient story of love, loss and adventure in the modern world. Merging a world where ancient gods and dive bars meet, this show promises to captivate audiences and is completely free so don’t miss out.

Fri 17 May, Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB, times and prices vary, www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

The second book-to-stage adaptation at The REP this May is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, based on the novel by Louis de Bernières and adapted by Rona Munro. Directed by Olivier and Tony-Award nominee Melly Still, fifteen actors bring the best-selling novel and smash-hit Hollywood movie to the stage complete with specially commissioned music.

Wed 29 May – Sat 15 Jun, The REP (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP, times and prices vary, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Image: The REP, www.birmingham-rep.co.uk