First Word WolvesShropsStaffs August.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2022 14:03 Page 1
News from around the region
Smash-hit musical back in Birmingham The Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I is heading for Birmingham early next year. The hit show will stop off at The Alexandra in the week commencing the 27th of February. Set in 1860s Bangkok, the story revolves around the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist king brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Stand-out numbers from a muchloved and hugely familiar score include Whistle A Happy Tune, Getting To Know You and Shall We Dance. For more information and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com/birmingham
All’s Well in Shrewsbury A one-day event focusing on how to look after your mental and physical health is making its debut in Shropshire next month. Visiting Shrewsbury Quarry on 3 September, The Wellbeing Festival will provide information on a wide variety of subjects, including fitness, nutrition and mindfulness. To find out more, visit wellbeingfestival.co.uk
Noel Coward classic at the New Vic Theatre Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre next month gets its autumn season under way with a brand-new stage version of Noel Coward’s 1945 film, Brief Encounter. Adapted by Emma Rice, the show is described as a playful production which adds ‘joyous musical numbers and physical comedy, while still maintaining the truly classic romance of the original’. Brief Encounter shows at the New Vic from Wednesday 7 to Saturday 10 September. To purchase tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk
Shaken, not stirred at Lichfield Cathedral Lichfield Cathedral is certainly pulling out all the stops when it comes to offering summertime entertainment. Not only does the venue currently have a beach installed on its West Front, it’s also playing host to a candlelit evening of James Bond movie themes, taking place on Saturday 20 August. To find out more and book tickets, visit kindadusty.co.uk 04 whatsonlive.co.uk
‘Spectacular’ light trail coming to Shugborough
Twelve days of Tilt in Digbeth
A ‘spectacular’ after-dark light trail will this winter weave a 1.5km route around the historic grounds of Staffordshire visitor attraction Shugborough. The trail will be available to walk each night during the four-week run-up to Christmas (from 25 November) and then through until New Year’s Day. Visitors will also be able to enjoy mulled wine and festive street food in the venue’s courtyard.
Birmingham’s popular aerial & physical theatre festival, Tilt, returns for 12 days this month at the West Midlands Circus & Creation Centre in Digbeth (Monday 1 to Friday 12 August). The event’s organisers are promising jawdropping athletic performances, national and international circus artists and industry masterclasses from world-class teachers. For more information, visit tiltfestival.com
Immersive experience explores Islamic prayer
Dudley Town Hall receives summer refurbishment Dudley Town Hall is receiving a stylish refurbishment over the summer. The upgrade includes redecoration of the main auditorium, the existing bar and the banqueting suite, replacement of the stalls chairs and refurbishment of the balcony seats. The work is in addition to the creation of the soon-to-open Brooke’s Bar & Bistro. The venue is currently closed for the refurbishment but will reopen early next month.
An immersive theatrical experience exploring the subject of Islamic prayer is this month being presented at Birmingham Hippodrome (25 August - 3 September). Waswasa - Whispers In Prayer is a Birmingham 2022 Festival commission by award-winning local artist Mohammed Ali. Commenting on the show, he said: “We hope this multi-disciplinary performance will give the audience a window into the Islamic world and in some small way bring communities together.”
