You might think our Birmingham is one of a kind, but there are actually 18 other Birminghams in the world. Now, Joe Lycett, in his self-appointed role as the second city’s ambassador, is on a mission to visit some of them – with the launch of a brand new four-part Sky Original series, ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’.
To coincide with the show’s debut this month, Joe invites the Birmingham public to put themselves forward to meet a “Brummie from another Mummy” via a live portal in Victoria Square. The Brum Hole, a one-day experiment linking Birmingham UK with Birminghams across North America, will be installed on April 22.
In ‘Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham’, the comedian has visited everywhere from Canada’s Saskatchewan province, down the East Coast, through the Midwest and into the Deep South, exploring collective Brummie cultural commonalities and forming official ‘Friendship Agreements’ with as many Birminghams as he could.
Joe himself won’t be present at The Brum Hole, but this is your chance to make a newfound friendship of your own, with participants selected to take part able to have a chat with a foreign bab via The Brum Hole. You have until Monday, April 14, to apply, and you must be available for filming on Tuesday, April 22.
Joe Lycett said: “I’m delighted Sky are producing this unique opportunity to speak with other Brummies around the world. In my experience, they are kind, charming and interesting folk, unless they’re called ‘Alison Hammond’. I was not responsible for the title ‘Brum Hole’ and do not enjoy saying things like ‘have a look in my Brum Hole’.”
How do I apply for The Brum Hole?
To secure a slot at The Brum Hole, submit your entry by emailing BrumHole@multitudemedia.co.uk and detailing what you’d do with your time. Whether you fancy a chat or to sing a song, you’ll have to talk to your fellow Brummie for roughly 15 minutes, so your application must demonstrate your friendliness, sense of humour and a willingness to embrace the weird. Plus, anyone chosen will take away an exclusive Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham friendship bracelet for their diplomatic efforts.