Birmingham Hippodrome has announced the director and cast for their highly anticipated new musical, The Jingleclaw, which is set to entertain young audiences this festive season.

Written by Robyn Grant and Tim Gilvin, The Jingleclaw tells the story of Astrid, a young girl with a big heart and even bigger ideas.

In a cosy village nestled in the snowy mountains, the Shnootnoot Winter Festival is fast approaching. Astrid is busy practising to play with her school band. Everyone wants her to keep in time, but Astrid just wants to march to the beat of her own drum.

Meanwhile, deep in the Winterwood, The Jingleclaw awakes, a mischievous monster who can’t STAND festive cheer and music.

Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to have appointed talented director Anthony Lau to direct The Jingleclaw, which is the first in a series of musicals for children produced by the theatre, as part of the UK’s first in-house new musical theatre department.

Anthony said: “Nurturing the next generation of theatre makers and goers is so important, and it’s brilliant that Birmingham Hippodrome recognise this and see the value in investing in great work made especially for them.

"I’m incredibly excited to be directing The Jingleclaw and to be a part of the Hippodrome’s innovative My First Musical programme. Robyn and Tim are supremely gifted writers with a knack for the mischievous and, with The Jingleclaw, we’re setting out to make a new musical for the whole family.

"We can’t wait to share the magic of a musical with them. With bats. And a power ballad. And a naughty, cuddly, monster who can’t stand festive cheer.”

Birmingham Hippodrome established its New Musical Theatre department in 2023 and The Jingleclaw is their first production. The New Musical Theatre department is led by Creative Director, Chris Sudworth, and Head of New Musical Theatre, Deirdre O’Halloran.

Chris said: “It is so exciting to see this talented cast come together under Anthony’s direction, bringing the fun and silliness of Robyn and Tim’s writing to life.

"We also couldn’t have a more mischievous, playful performer in the title role than Birmingham’s own Alexia McIntosh – who Hippodrome audiences will remember from SIX and our 2021 panto, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

"Early rehearsals have been hugely energetic and entertaining. I can’t wait for our first new musical, The Jingleclaw, to bring the fun and festive cheer to the Patrick Studio.”

The cast is a stellar lineup of talented performers who are set to bring the The Jingleclaw to life. McIntosh will portray Jingleclaw, the endearing and mischievous creature at the heart of the story. Olivier nominated and What’s On Stage winner, Alexia is back at Birmingham Hippodrome representing her West Midlands roots after a fantastic 4 year West End run playing and originating the role of ‘Cleves in the worldwide smash hit SIX the Musical. 

Isabella Gervais will take on the role of little Astrid, Mpilo May will play Dad, Miiya Alexandra joins the cast as Jacob, Astrid's loyal friend and Alex Cardall will portray Hans. 

Sue Appleby completes the cast and will bring the delightful character of Mrs. Whimsy to life.

The Jingleclaw plays from Thursday 12 December to Saturday 4 January 2025 in the Patrick Studio. Tickets can be booked at birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000.