Solihull’s sur-really good!
Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement will be celebrated with the opening of a brand-new exhibition – ‘Surreal Solihull’ – in Solihull town centre on Thursday 6 March.
And to get everyone in a sur-really good mood, there’s a packed programme of free performances, tours and workshops for the opening night and weekend on Thursday 6 March and Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 March.
What is Surreal Solihull?
‘Surreal Solihull’ takes as its starting point the work of Solihull’s pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgwater who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s.
As well as featuring several art works by Emmy Bridgwater, 29 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist artworks which will be shown for the first time at the free entry exhibition on Solihull High Street from 6 March – 31 May 2025.
Thursday – the surreal fun starts!
On Thursday 6 March the surreal fun starts with performances on the High Street from 7 – 8.30pm. These include a dance performance by local professional dancer Rob Hemming, a devised music and dance piece by musician Kris Chase Byrne, and an imagined meeting between Frida Kahlo and Emmy Bridgwater performed by theatre company Itzatna.
Saturday – music, dance and drama
On Saturday 8 March, meet the exhibition’s curator, author and writer Ruth Millington, at 11am by Metro Bank on the High Street for a 30-minute personal tour of the exhibition.
Then at 1pm on the High Street, and 3pm in Touchwood, join musician Isaac Boothman as he creates an array of sounds in a musical tribute to surrealism. There will also be a dance duet featuring dance artist Nicola Nevitt, a two woman show by local theatre makers Skylar Mabry and Kelly Casey and a one woman show by Rupinder Kaur.
Saturday – fun family workshops!
There are also workshops for families at The Core on Saturday. Poet Adrian Johnson invites family groups aged 6 years and over to join in with some surreally good fun and games at 10am and 2pm. Create mini dreamscapes inspired by Solihull and share new poems written on the day plus specially commissioned new pieces including a swinging little number inspired by Touchwood icon – Gordon the Monkey! Families can also join Alison Penn for a fun dance workshop at 1pm exploring all things surreal through games, dance and movement.
Please note – both Adrian’s and Alison’s workshops need to be booked in advance via The Core Library booking page
Sunday – the grand finale!
On Sunday 9 March, there will be performances on the High Street from 12noon and in Touchwood from 2pm. Help theatre makers Amber Gollay and Annie Brighton make a puppet for a performance based on a surrealist game, Vivi Bayliss will present a dance solo, Amy Leigh Sandford will share her reflections on surrealism based on conversations with the public and Disorderly theatre will present their new piece ‘Lobster Phone’.
Throughout the exhibition’s run, visitors can scan QR codes (or type in links) to listen to a new composition based on Emmy Bridgwater’s dreamlike artworks by musician Natalie Roe and see a dance film featuring local dancers Alison Penn and Millie Best.
Want to find out more?
‘Surreal Solihull’ takes place from 6 March – 31 May 2025 on Solihull High Street.
To find out more, including information about all the artists and performers involved, please visit – Surreal Solihull – Outdoor Exhibition
‘Surreal Solihull’ has been developed thanks to funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and in partnership with Solihull Council, The Mayor Gallery in London and the Emmy Bridgwater Estate.
