Express & Star

Blue Man Group's artistic director speaks ahead of UK-exclusive Birmingham shows

'It will be like being a child again, where everything is new and you wonder how it works'.

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Blue Man Group

That is how the Blue Man Group's show has been described ahead of the troupe's exclusive performance in Birmingham this month and next.

The show, which features performers dressed in blue masks and black clothing, is being shown at the International Convention Centre between December 28 and January 6.

Ahead of the show, artistic director David Bray spoke exclusively to the Express & Star about what is in store.

What can people expect?

"One of the biggest issues trying to explain the show, there is too much to go away with," said David.

"It is a fun, colourful and dynamic tribal experience that really just brings people together.

"It culminates in one big party with theatre and circus and superhuman skills.

Blue Man Group at the former NIA in Birmingham back in 2009

"Imagine what it is like for a four or five-year-old child walking around Birmingham city, and thinking how does that work, how did that get put there?"

David says the performance focuses on social commentary, technology and our place in society.

As artistic director, his role is to direct the show, which runs for around one hour and a half.

The Blue Man Group was formed in 1991 and has been shown around the world, including Las Vegas, London and Tokyo.

Three performers will take to the stage when the show opens this month.

Birmingham is the only UK venue making up their current tour, which is taking place around Europe and culminating in Frankfurt, in Germany, on April 16 to 21.

But why has England's second city been chosen as the only UK stop?

"We chose Birmingham because it is the cultural centre of England," said David.

Blue Man Group at the former NIA in Birmingham back in 2009

"There is a much further reach here. We held the show in London 10 to 12 years ago. We was there for a couple of years before we went to Tokyo next."

David is a former Blue Man performer himself.

He joined the group in 2005 where he trained for the role in New York, and opened the show in London during Autumn.

Since then he has performed in Europe, the US and Asia.

Blue Man Group

In June 2013, he joined the Artistic Direction department of Blue Man Productions, and makes up part of the Blue Man training team.

Tickets cost between £28 and £58.

To purchase them, visit www.thsh.co.uk/event/blue-man-group