First Word WolvesShropsStaffs July (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2021 15:54 Page 1
News from around the region
Curious Incident returns to Midlands theatre Olivier and Tony Award-winning West Ender, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, will visit Birmingham Hippodrome next year as part of a 10th anniversary UK and Ireland tour. The hit show, which has so far been seen by more than five million people worldwide, stops off at the venue from 29 March to 2 April. A programme of activity, including discussions on depictions of neurodivergence in fictional characters, will be available online to coincide with the production’s Birmingham stop-off. For more information about the show, visit birminghamhippodrome.com
Darren Day to star in Chicago at the Grand Stage and TV star Darren Day will play the character of lawyer Billy Flynn when hit West End musical Chicago tours to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in the autumn (25 - 30 October). Darren, whose previous theatre credits include tours of Summer Holiday and The Rocky Horror Show, will be joined in the production by Faye Brookes (Kate Connor in ITV’s Coronation Street), singing star Sinitta and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo... For more information and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com
Drayton Manor unveils new animal enclosures Drayton Manor Park's zoo has introduced three new and improved animal enclosures for 2021, creating enhanced habitats for some of its much-loved residents and an immersive experience for visitors. The zoo’s meerkats, Radiated tortoises and African birds will be the beneficiaries of the trio of new enclosures. Commenting, Chris Mitchell, head of zoo operations at Drayton Manor Park, said: “We have paid careful attention to the needs of our animals, whilst ensuring we offer our 04 whatsonlive.co.uk
guests the best visitor experience possible by creating better viewing and seating areas and opportunities to learn about the animals.” Drayton Manor’s 15-acre zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world, including a number of critically endangered species.
Lichfield’s L2F Festival seeking songwriters Lichfield’s L2F Festival will make a welcome return in October, complete with a songwriting competition. The competition is open to anyone with an unpublished, self-penned song that broadly fits into the global folk tradition. Ten entrants will be invited to perform their song at the Folk Farm Festival Picnic on Sunday 5 September, with four of those then being invited to the L2F Festival weekend. For further details and an entry form, visit lichfieldarts.org.uk/product/l2f-song-writingcompetition
A Shropshire summer festival of stories & songs Shropshire arts promoter Arts Alive is this month bringing together a host of talented performers for a Summer Festival Of Stories & Songs. The event takes place on 9 & 10 July at the SpArC Theatre in Bishops Castle. Commenting on the festival, Arts Alive’s live events programmer, Cerin Mills, said, “These events will bring together such a wealth of talent from across the British Isles, as well as some local gems. We’re limited on numbers,
to comply with Covid rules, so don’t delay in buying your tickets, and join us for a live, inperson cultural experience!” For more information, visit artsalive.co.uk
Tony Hadley brings 40th anniversary tour to Stoke Tony Hadley has announced a new UK tour for 2022 including a stop-off at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on Sunday 13 March. The former Spandau Ballet star will appear at the venue along with his Fabulous TH Band, performing hits from across his 40-year career. For more information and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com/venues/victoria-hall
Snow White in Stafford for the festive season Stafford Gatehouse will present a pantomime production of Snow White this Christmas. Promising ‘sparkling costumes, glitzy scenery, spectacular special effects, live music, dazzling dance routines and a laughout-loud script’, the show runs at the venue from 10 to 31 December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk
