We spend our lives sitting in front of the TV. Living vicariously through our favourite soap operas, action movies and sporting events. But we wouldn’t trade all the drama and laughter for anything! Sometimes it’s good to give the old square eyes a rest now and again, however, but where do you go? What do you do? Well, there are plenty of ways to still experience your favourite films and TV shows in Birmingham without staring at a screen!
1. Pal around at The FRIENDS™ Experience
Could there be a better way to enjoy one of the nation’s favourite TV shows? Put down the old FRIENDS™ boxsets for a second and head on over to The FRIENDS™ Experience at the NEC. Grab your mates and relive your favourite scenes in Monica’s kitchen, Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Central Perk, and of course, the FRIENDS™ fountain. It’s just like you’ve stepped into the TV as you explore interactive sets, play with original props and get more photo ops than Ross has had marriages. Get your tickets to The FRIENDS™ Experience here.
2. Explore the underground world of the Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders may have ended, but our love for it in Birmingham has not been switched off. (Thank you Cillian Murphy for sharing with the world that Brummies sound sexy and look cool!) Not only is there a movie on the way, but apparently a theme park too. Until then, there are plenty of Shelby-inspired adventures to get up to in Birmingham. From escape rooms and walking tours to Peaky Blinders-themed events at the Black Country Living Museum, there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal with the gang. See here for all the brilliant Peaky Blinders activities to do in Birmingham.
3. Go greased lightnin’ at Secret Cinema
There’s not long left (it ends on August 13), but Secret Cinema is making its Birmingham debut by bringing the much-loved musical Grease to life for a UK premiere. This enduring musical is one of our favourite films and TV shows, and you can immerse yourself in all the fun in Birmingham, Outdoors at the NEC. Sing and dance to the film’s classic soundtrack, roam the corridors with the Pink Ladies, watch the T-Birds at work in the auto shop, or face off against the jocks on the sports field. All before an unforgettable evening, where audiences are treated to an enhanced screening of the much-loved musical film. Learn more here.
4. Go pink for Barbie
From old to new, this is the movie everyone is talking about at the moment (sorry Oppie). ‘Barbie, Barbie, Barbie,’ and ‘pink, pink, pink’. Luckily, Birmingham is the place to be when it comes to pink. From the hot pink burger bar Archie’s to the neon pink signs at Tonight Josephine, check out the pinkest places in Birmingham. But if you fancy tagging along to the ultimate celebration of all things pink, check out the Barbie-themed bottomless brunch this September.
5. Let loose at Coyote Ugly Saloon
‘You can try to resist, try to hide from my kiss. But you know, but you know that you can’t fight the moonlight.’ It’s time to jump on the bar and dance your heart out at the Coyote Ugly Saloon. One for 90s babies, this iconic bar lets you relive one of your favourite films. The original bar in New York actually served as the inspiration for the movie – not the other way around – so you know you’re getting the real deal here in Birmingham. Enjoy bottomless brunches, wild entertainment and more when you enter.
6. Walk through Birmingham’s iconic filming locations
If you want to get some exercise in, while still remaining close to your favourite films and TV shows in Birmingham, then we have the walking tour for you. It might surprise you to learn a number of spots in Birmingham have been featured as locations for Hollywood movies. Including Mission: Impossible (which is why you might have spotted Tom Cruise dining in the city last year), Ready Player One and Kingsman. Plus TV shows like Peaky Blinders (obvs) and Line of Duty have also used our streets. The Locationist’s walking tour will take you to locations you’ll never look at in the same way again, as well as teach you about the technical side of filming too – especially tackling the narrow streets of Birmingham.