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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands
SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON MAY 2017
Shropshire
SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL AT THE QUARRY PARK
ISSUE 377 MAY 2017
’ What sOn FILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTS I FOOD
shropshirewhatson.co.uk
thelist
inside:
Your 16-page week by week listings guide
LET’S ROCK
with Tony Hadley and friends in Shrewsbury PART OF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP
HORRIBLE HISTORIES
Barmy Britain visits Telford
TWITTER @WHATSONSHROPS
LUDLOW FOOD SPRING FESTIVAL a beer bonanza in South Shropshire
SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK
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Contents May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:53 Page 2
May 2017
Contents
Running Wild - Michael Morpurgo’s adventure story, let loose at the Wolverhampton Grand feature page 8
the list
The Noise Next Door
Million Dollar Quartet
BRB Triple Bill
Comedy quartet create ‘a superior kind of chaos’
Jason Donovan stars in Tony Award-winning musical
Birmingham Royal Ballet tour to Shropshire venue
Your 16-page week-by-week listings guide
page 22
page 29
page 35
page 51
inside: 4. First Word
11. Food
15. Music
@whatsonwolves Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine
What’sOn MAGAZINE GROUP
22. Comedy
24 Theatre
@whatsonstaffs Staffordshire What’s On Magazine
36. Film
38. Visual Arts
45. Events
@whatsonshrops Shropshire What’s On Magazine
Managing Director: Davina Evans davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703 Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704 Editorial: Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707 Sue Jones sue@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse abi@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys ryan@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281722 Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton rhian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers.
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Entertainment news from around the region
RSC’s hit show Matilda The Musical set to tour The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning production of Matilda The Musical is heading out on its first ever UK and Ireland tour next year. Adapted from one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, the stage musical - complete with music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin - has been delighting West End audiences for six years. A staggering 6.5 million people worldwide have so far seen productions of the critically acclaimed show, which has visited more than 50 cities and bagged an impressive 85 international awards. Beginning its tour at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, the production will stop off at Birmingham Hippodrome from 3 July to 8 September 2018. For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com
Staffordshire theatre to set sail for Treasure Island The New Vic Theatre will be setting sail for Treasure Island this Christmas. The Robert Louis Stevenson classic has been selected as the Staffordshire venue’s festive family show. It will run at the theatre from Saturday 18 November to Saturday 27 January. Commenting on the announcement, the New Vic’s Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, said: “The heart-thuddingly exciting fights, the drama of climbing a ship’s rigging, the lure of buried treasure and the danger of an island populated by pirates will all be brought to vivid life in front of and around our audience. What an adventure we’re going on!” Tickets for Treasure Island are now on sale and can be booked at newvictheatre.org.uk or by telephoning 01782 717962.
Ludlow weekend of song offers ‘rich feast of music’ An event focusing on British vocal music is making a welcome return this month. The Ludlow English Song Weekend takes place at the town’s St Laurence’s Church and in Ludlow Assembly Rooms from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May. Commenting on the event, its Artistic Direc4 whatsonlive.co.uk
tor, Iain Burnside, said: “Ludlow is the perfect home for this rich feast of music, performed by world-class singers. Favourite songs can be heard next to exciting new repertoire. Whatever your musical tastes, you will be welcome in Ludlow to hear music afresh and make new friends.” To check out the programme of events, visit ludlowenglishsongweekend.com
Spandau star in world record-busting attempt Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena will this Christmas host a festive family show that’s bidding to enter the record books. The company behind Peter Pan - Christmas In Neverland is hoping the production will be confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s biggest Christmas show. Starring Bradley Walsh and Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, the production features numerous ‘stunning’ special effects, including a lifesize Jolly Roger galleon which will ‘sail’ around the arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall. The show also includes a team of BMX stunt riders, six ‘thrilling’ aerial mermaids, a ‘crazy collection’ of trapeze and trampoline stuntmen and ‘the biggest, scariest animatronic crocodile you’ve ever seen’. Peter Pan - Christmas In Neverland runs at the Barclaycard Arena from 20 to 24 December. Tickets are now available from ticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 33 88 222.
On yer bike! in Wolves Wolverhampton is next month celebrating the 75th anniversary of Britain’s first ever road race, an event which was organised and championed by the city’s cycle racer and bike builder, Percy Stallard. Despite opposition at the time from the National Cyclists’ Union, Percy organised the historic 59-mile race for 40 cyclists, who rode from Llangollen to Wolverhampton on 7 June 1942. To celebrate the landmark occasion, the City Archives in the restored Molineux Hotel is hosting a special event on Saturday 3 June. Scores of restored Stallard bikes, a Sunbeam and other Wolverhampton-made cycles will be on show, presented alongside memorabilia connected to Percy and the groundbreaking race.
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First Word
Tale of revenge at Shropshire venue The country estate of Walcot Hall in Lydbury North, Shropshire, will next month open its doors to ‘passion, drama and darkly glorious music’ when it hosts a production of Verdi’s highly acclaimed opera, Rigoletto. Presented in the venue’s beautifully decorated ballroom on 9 & 10 June, the pre-Raphaelite-inspired production is performed by Opera A La Carte and tells a tragic story of vengeance and sacrifice. Commenting on the event, Lucinda Parish, co-owner of Walcot Hall, said: “It’s going to be a magical weekend suited to seasoned operagoers and initiates alike. Gates open at 5.30pm so that everyone can enjoy the grounds and gardens, as well as set up picnics. We have a drinks reception in the main hall, before indulging in an evening of entertainment which starts at 7.30pm. During the interval, there’s the option of a two-course dinner or a picnic in the grounds.”
Craig Charles brings Funk & Soul to Shrewsbury Popular television actor and DJ Craig Charles is visiting Shropshire this month with his highly rated Funk & Soul Club. The Coronation Street, Robot Wars and Red Dwarf star stops off at Shrewsbury’s Buttermarket on Friday 19 May. Gig-goers can expect a mixture of tracks which have usually been covered and remixed by current leading bands and DJs.
The Overtones to headline Shrewsbury’s flower show Organisers of the award-winning Shrewsbury Flower Show have announced that The Overtones are to perform at this year's event. Taking to the stage on the Saturday evening of the show, the much-acclaimed five-piece harmony group are promising to wow audiences with their eclectic mix of doo-wop, Motown, modern-day R&B and pop. Shrewsbury Flower Show annually attracts thousands of visitors to the town's picturesque Quarry Park. Delivering a diverse programme of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, the two-day event includes guest appearances by celebrity chefs and gardeners, workshops, a children's area, impressive floral displays, competitions and fireworks shows. This year’s arena entertainment includes performances by the Royal Signals’ motorcycle display team The White Helmets, sheep dog and duck demonstrations and birds of prey flying displays. Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place on Friday 11 & Sat 12 August. For more information and tickets, visit shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk or call 01743 234050.
Shropshire initiative welcomes all More than 30 Shropshire artists utilising a range of media will next month invite members of the general public into their workspaces. The Shrewsbury Open Studio initiative is making a return after a twoyear break. Taking place across the first two weekends in June, the event provides visitors with the chance to enjoy the talent of some of the county’s most well-regarded professional artists. For more information, visit shrewsburyopenstudios.co.uk
Take That musical tours to the region A new musical produced by and featuring the music of Take That is touring to the Midlands in the autumn. The Tim Firth-written show, The Band, will stop off at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from 28 November to 9 December. It will then return to the Midlands in 2018, showing at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 1 to 12 May. The production explores the experience of five young women who, having grown up adoring a boyband, decide in their 40s to try and meet their heroes. The Band will be played by Five To Five, the group who won BBC talent contest Let It Shine. For more information about the show and to book tickets, visit thebandmusical.com, atgtickets.com or birminghamhippodrome.com whatsonlive.co.uk 5
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By the water What better way to spend the lazy days of a hopefully glorious English summer than by settling back near the water’s edge with an ice-cold beer, soaking up the sunshine and chilling out in tranquil surroundings? Check out our selection of great local venues in which to do those very things...
The Boathouse
Plum Pudding
The Woodbridge Inn
Located by the River Severn, this popular outdoor spot boasts extensive views across Shrewsbury’s lush Quarry Park, and is a perfect setting from which to watch the boats and ducks go by. One of the town’s most historic pubs, The Boathouse is the go-to destination in the summer months, with its outdoor terrace the perfect place to soak up the sunshine while enjoying a G&T. Serving pub classics with a twist, the venue also hosts its very own annual gin festival, which this year takes place on 26 August.
The delightful village of Armitage is the setting for this authentic Italian eatery. With benches lined up along the canal, Plum Pudding promises a warm welcome to all, whether you’re stopping off for light refreshments or wanting to sample an authentic taste of Italy. Ranging from piattini (Italian tapas) through to mains of fish, meat and pasta - and not forgetting the scrummy desserts of tiramisu, zabaglione and lemoncello - there’s sure to be something to tempt your palate while you enjoy a summer’s day at the canalside.
New Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8JQ
Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire, WS15 4AZ
A mile downstream from the world’s first Ironbridge is The Woodbridge Inn, with its extensive lawns leading down to the River Severn. The interior of this historic venue features lots of interesting nooks and crannies, while outside in the southfacing gardens, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Ironbridge and its lush surroundings. A menu of classic British dishes is complemented by ‘more exotic’ offerings. It’s worth noting that the venue has featured in the Good Pub Guide for the past three years and the Michelin Pub Guide for the last two...
The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel A great place to rest those weary legs after a stroll around the majestic grounds of nearby Attingham Park, the Mytton & Mermaid Hotel is a grade II listed building which stands on the banks of the River Severn, approximately four miles from the centre of Shrewsbury. A popular destination for weddings and special occasions, this former coaching inn has charm in abundance and boasts three AA stars for its quality food and service. Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6QG
Ego Restaurant Technically, Ego doesn’t boast an outside area, but what it does have are bifolding doors which open up to reveal an al fresco feel, allowing customers to enjoy the sights
and sounds of the nearby Minster Pool and Lichfield Cathedral. Described as British/Mediterranean, the menu at Ego offers mouthwatering flavours reminiscent of holidays abroad, including gambas al pil pil and moules marinieres as starters, and Moroccan lamb tagine and Greek salad with lemon chicken for mains. New Minster House, Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PW
The White Hart A relaxed cafe bar by day and a modern British restaurant by night, The White Hart overlooks the River Severn at Ironbridge, albeit from the other side of the main road. That said, the outdoor area is popular, pleasant and the ideal place to stop off for some R&R while exploring the many delights
Coalport, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7JF of this charming and historic town. 10 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7AW
The Waterfront The Waterfront is one of Walsall’s most popular pubs - and why wouldn’t it be, given its close proximity to the cinema, the highprofile New Art Gallery and the attractive ‘water feature’ of the canal? Relaxed, easygoing and hospitable, the venue prides itself on providing comfort food that’s ‘big on flavour, big on the plate and big on value’. A great stop-off for weary lunchtime shoppers and chilled-out evening diners alike, The Waterfront has a special deal on food every day of the week. 4 Waterfront North Leisure, Walsall, WS2 8DH whatsonlive.co.uk 7
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FEATURE
wild thing Michael Morpurgo's Running Wild is let loose at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre It was one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history: in December 2004, somewhere between 230,000 and 280,000 people perished as waves of up to 100ft high engulfed the shores of South East Asia during the infamous Boxing Day tsunami. Yet amazingly, some survived – among them, a girl called Amber Owen who had been riding an elephant along the beach whilst holidaying in Thailand with her family. Unnerved by the strange activity in the water, the elephant pulled away from the shoreline and ran away before the tidal wave hit, saving Amber's life in the process. It was this real-life story that provided the inspiration for Michael Morpurgo's Running Wild, first published in 2009 and now coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in the form of a spectacular stage adaptation. But as Morpurgo himself explains, the seeds of the idea were actually sown much earlier. “The beginning of a story happens a long
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time before a story ever starts, often in a writer's childhood,” he says, describing his love of stories like The Elephant's Child and The Jungle Book when he was growing up. “Good writers have a way of blocking the way for other writers to follow, and I felt like (The Jungle Book) had blocked the story of a boy's adventures in the jungle, which everyone wants to write. But when I discovered this piece in the news, I thought, 'Stuff you, Kipling – I'm going to write this story!'” In the months following, details were slowly forgotten and changed: Morpurgo's novel actually follows the story of a boy called Will, who finds himself being carried into the depths of the Indonesian jungle. It wasn't until an earlier version of the show began to be publicised that the real-life Amber Owen realised her story had inspired a book and got in contact with the theatre. In a nod to this revelation, the new production visiting Wolverhampton this year will instead feature a girl called Lilly.
The gender-swap isn't the only major change the show has undergone since its inception: it's first outing was actually as a promenade performance by Chichester Festival Theatre in the Cass Sculpture Park. Bringing the show indoors has resulted in a whole new design, as well changes to the action for various practical and aesthetic reasons. “In Chichester we didn't have a set at all because the actual environment was our set, and one of the things that really excited me when I arrived was this enormous steel whale in the background of where we chose to do the tsunami scene,” explains the show's original director Dale Rooks. “When we go indoors, we'll have to be inventive with that again and find a way to make it work.” “(At Regent's Park) we had these huge bamboos on three revolves, but we were worried that an elephant on a revolve in an indoor theatre might look like a circus elephant, so we've completely changed it,”
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by Heather Kincaid
says current director Timothy Sheader. “The design now is the detritus of the tsunami which will be a constant reminder that this girl is not just having fun running through the jungle – she has survived one of the worst tragedies in our lifetime, and is looking for her family. So we'll be creating the canopy of the jungle with doors and wheels and bits of car, and using lamposts that light up green and bits of electric cable for the jungle vines.” “What's been hugely gratifying and very exciting is that the project keeps reinventing itself. We've had to keep thinking of new ways to tell the story,” adds playwright Samuel Adamson. But the biggest visual feast and the real stars of the show will come in the form of the incredible animals populating the jungle landscape, brought to life through the puppetry magic of War Horse's Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié. “I was a self-confessed elephant nut as a kid,” recalls Olié. “My bed was half-covered in elephant cuddly toys, so being asked to do a show about an elephant was fantastically exciting!” Scale was one of the biggest challenges faced by the designers: the puppet needed to be both visually impressive and practical, strong enough to bear the weight of a child but light enough not to put undue strain on the puppeteers over multiple performances. On tour, they've also had to be creative with her entrances – in some theatres, there's no room for Oona to be squeezed in backstage, so she has to make her way in through the auditorium instead! While Running Wild is a very different sort of show to War Horse, fans of the production and of Handspring Puppet Company's work certainly won't be disappointed – Oona is just as startlingly lifelike as her equine cousin, and she also shares the limelight with a family of friendly orangutans as well as a terrifying tiger prowling the forest floor. In order to achieve the realism for which Handspring's work has become famous, puppeteers are carefully trained to move together as one organism, as well as being taught how to imbue their puppets with distinct characters and feelings. “Breath is key – it's the main emotional indicator,” says Olié, explaining how it can be used to show whether an animal is excited, frightened or calm. “Focus is also important – what is the character interested in? There's also the issue of where the puppeteers' own focus is. They should always be looking at the
puppet and directing you to do the same.” It's the strength of the connection that this breathtaking attention to detail fosters between the audience and the animals that got Virginia McKenna interested in the project. An actor best known for her starring role in the film adaptation of Joy Adamson's Born Free, McKenna is also a prominent wildlife campaigner and co-founder of the Born Free Foundation, a charity that works to draw attention to the plight of animals in captivity, as well as those mistreated or hunted by people in the wild. “It actually all started because of an elephant and not a lion as many people think. It was the death of an elephant at London Zoo in 1968 that was the catalyst,” she says. “(Running Wild) is such a wonderful story because it turns on what animals feel and think. So many of us today have this 'us and them' attitude towards animals, but we are animals too. Through this young girl who goes off into the forest, we get to see all the things we have missed and been insensitive to, and also how much there's still time for us to learn.” On tour, the production will be working with the charity to help promote its message of better treatment for animals worldwide. The story also calls attention to the devastating
ecological effects of the poorly regulated palm oil industry, with high demand for the versatile product as an ingredient in household goods having put many species, including orangutans, at risk. But while concerns about the environment and human and animal welfare all play a part in the story, viewers shouldn't expect a dry lecture. “The message isn't nearly as important to me as the story,” says Morpurgo. “I hope that certain things come through, but I do not sit down to write something in order to promote a particular message. What you want for children is for them to work things out for themselves, and in this particular case, I hope that they will go away asking questions about what's happening in the rainforest, about planting palm trees and about what's happening to elephants. But it's not being thrust down your throat.” “It's got a message, but it's also a rollicking adventure,” Adamson agrees.
Running Wild shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 June, and is recommended for children aged six-plus (and grown-ups
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Food
Long Mynd hills restaurant brings brand new dining concept to South Shropshire foodies A South Shropshire eatery is introducing a brand new dining concept to the county. The Station restaurant, located in the Long Mynd hills, is providing its patrons with the chance to combine dining with authentic butchery every Friday night. Diners can go up to the butcher’s counter, choose their piece of meat and decide how they want it cooked. “Sourcing our meat couldn’t be more steeped in techniques of old, with a focus on top-qual-
ity produce from incredible local farmers,” explains The Station's owner, Richard Davies. “We love to use beef derived from mainly Hereford or Angus cattle, as we find that it gives us the best fat content and flavour. Only grain-fed beef can guarantee the very best quality Flat Iron steak, which we’ve become renowned for. Having owned a meat company and restaurant, we’re able to serve the very best quality meat, some of which is unrivalled around the world.”
squid was absolutely divine. I eat squid a lot, and I can safely say this was some of the tastiest I’ve ever had. The creamy shallot mayo served as the perfect accompaniment - I could’ve eaten the dish three times over. To start, I opted for the seared mackerel served with pickled beetroot, candied walnut and fennel. The strong flavour of the fish was complemented by the equally strong taste delivered by the fennel and beetroot. The candied walnut provided a sweet contrast, giving the dish an extra-flavour dimension. My partner opted for the black pudding scotch egg served with spiced ketchup. You can’t beat a good, homemade scotch egg, and this one was certainly up there with the tastiest.
REVIEW: Townhouse
Oswestry restaurant proves a worthy What’s On Readers’ Award winner Shropshire is home to an abundance of high-quality eateries, one of which is Oswestry’s Townhouse. And with the venue having recently won the Best Independent Restaurant In North Shropshire category in our What’s On Readers’ Awards, what better time to pay the team a visit and sample some of the delicious food they have on offer? Located inside a stunning Georgian property and featuring two
restaurant areas, a separate bar area and a large garden, Townhouse boasts a fusion of traditional and modern styling that certainly makes an excellent first impression. We were politely greeted, shown over to our table and taken through both the drink options and the specials for the evening. Whilst perusing the menu, we shared some salt-and-pepper squid with burnt shallot mayonnaise from the ‘nibbles and snacks’ section of the menu. The
For my main, I chose one of my favourites, the crispy pork belly. The meat was tender, full of flavour and cooked to absolute perfection. The creamed spinach and cauliflower accompaniments complemented the pork nicely, as did the sweet shallot sauce. The 14oz ribeye steak with sherry garlic butter ordered by my partner was served with triple cooked chips, grilled tomato and mushroom. The steak was phenomenal; it was cooked perfectly and provided a real melt-in-themouth sensation. We were really impressed. Why hadn’t we visited this place sooner?...
For dessert, I ordered the popcorn panna cotta served with salted caramel ice cream. Unfortunately the panna cotta wasn’t really to my taste; the ice cream, however, was delicious, and the presentation spot on. My partner opted for the doughnuts served with maple ice cream and cinnamon-and-apple compote. We both agreed that we would’ve preferred the doughnuts filled, but again, this was a personal preference and certainly not a criticism of the chefs - they clearly know their stuff! If you’re a lover of tastefully presented, contemporary food made with high-quality ingredients, then Townhouse is the place for you. The service was fantastic and, alongside the tasty food and stylish surroundings, certainly made for a very enjoyable evening. We’ll definitely be returning to the venue in the future - a very worthy winner of Best Independent Restaurant In North Shropshire indeed. Lauren Foster Food: Service: Ambience: Overall value OVERALL
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Townhouse 35 Willow Street Oswestry SY11 1AQ Tel: 01691 659499 whatsonlive.co.uk 11
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3 OF SHREWSBURY’S BEST RESTAURANTS! “makes the world a better place”
A warm welcome awaits you in all of our venues, whether you’re enjoying a pre-dinner drink in Havana Republic - our Cuban inspired bar, dining in one of our three excellent restaurants, or partying the night away in C:21 bar and club.
Cafe Bar & Restaurant BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO
www.thepeachtree.co.uk
Ramen Noodle Bar BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO
www.momonoki.co.uk
Bar & Restaurant BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO
www.havanarepublic.co.uk
18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6AE. Tel: 01743 355055 All located opposite the historic and beautiful Shrewsbury Abbey!
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Food
Gin emporium opens in Wolverhampton The owners of Wolverhampton’s Grain Store are inviting city residents to try out the recently opened ‘weird and wonderful new world’ of their Gin emporium and kitchen. “You can enjoy working your way through over 30 different specimens of juniper and botanicals,” says the venue’s Kelly Davis. “Over the summer you'll be able to relax and unwind on the stunning terrace, which features its very own bar, festoon lighting and unique seating areas. The kitchen delivers a range of innovative world cuisine blended with traditional classics to ensure there’s something for everyone. “Coming into the weekend, the tempo will increase with a brand new Shoreditch-inspired Friday Club, starting from 5pm every week. On Saturdays, our resident DJ will be bringing you the best in chilled house, disco and funk, making it the perfect social hub for all occasions.”
Foodies paradise at Weston Park The Great British Food Festival is this month visiting Weston Park on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border for the very first time. The popular event, which stops off in various locations throughout the summer, will feature an artisan food market comprising more than 70 stalls, numerous food challenges and competitions, live music, children’s entertainment and cookery classes, foraging walks and plenty of food demonstrations from top chefs, including BBC’s Great British Bake Off Luis Troyana (pictured) and this year’s runner-up Val Stones. The festival takes place at Weston Park over the spring bank holiday weekend, from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 May.
Popular Shrewsbury restaurant receives AA Rosette Shrewsbury’s Peach Tree restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence. The independent cafe bar is renowned for serving British and European classics with a twist. This latest accolade for the popular venue follows hot on the heels of a glowing review by the Observer’s restaurant critic, Jay Rayner. Commenting on the success, Executive Head Chef Chris Burt said: “This award is a testament to our wonderful kitchen and front-of-house team, and just goes to show that hard work, commitment and patience pay off.”
Historic Ludlow hotel set to become cheese and wine bar A historic Shropshire hotel once visited by Vice Admiral Lord Nelson is set to be converted into a restaurant, bar and shop for fine wines and cheeses. Ludlow’s black-and-white timber-framed Angel Hotel was built in 1555 and is now owned by Martyn and Jayne Emsen, who’ve made a change-of-use application to Shropshire Council. The couple, who also run the town’s Smoke House, Deli & Chicchetti Bar, intend to offer premium wines and cheeses, quality wines, and cheese and wine tasting ‘in a Dickensian-style setting’.
Finger-lickin’ chicken on Walsall waterfront With outlets already in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, a third branch of chicken eatery Piri Fino has now opened in Walsall. The new restaurant & cocktail bar is located in a landmark 19th century boatyard cottage at the heart of the multi-million pound Walsall Waterfront regeneration scheme. Commenting on his new venue, franchisee Sandeep Rana said: “This is authentic Portuguese piri-piri grilled chicken, as opposed to the Southern African version, and customers will quickly taste, appreciate and understand the difference. I bought into the Piri Fino brand literally on the bite of a burger - the 100% natural ingredients and extra care taken with flavours sat really well with me. After that first amazing taste, I knew it was the best food on the market.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13
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FEATURE
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by Heather Kincaid
Glynn Purnell The Yummy Brummie on living his childhood dream Ten thousand pounds prize money, 30 episodes, 16 competing couples, two judges and just one Yummy Brummie – it's a recipe that 7wonder is hoping will impress when it serves up a second helping of My Kitchen Rules UK on Channel 4. Last year’s debut season saw the Aussie import led by chefs Prue Leith and Michael Caines, but with the brand new Bake-Off piling plenty on Prue's plate, the company seized the chance to shake things up by handing over to Dublin's Rachel Allen and Birmingham's own inimitable Glynn Purnell. As filming for the series prepares to start here in the city, we spoke to the local legend about life in the limelight and claiming Birmingham's place on the culinary map. “I've met Rachel a few times at the Good Food Show,” says Glynn, “and she's been to my Bistro for a few cocktails before probably a few too many, as you do - but we've never worked together before. We just had a training session yesterday and apparently we work really well on screen together. She's lovely - obviously the better looking of the duo!” For the benefit of those who've yet to sample its delights, My Kitchen Rules is a kind of marriage of MasterChef and Come Dine With Me. Taking part in pairs, contestants are given fixed budgets and time constraints within which to plan their meals and prep their homes for visitors. Recurring and guest judges are then served home-cooked meals as if eating in a restaurant. In addition to the quality of the food, couples are also judged on presentation, service and décor - which Purnell says should be even more “glamorous” and “spectacular” this year. While developing a cooking show might seem like entering a market as saturated as a
block of butter, there's an extent to which it’s always a safe bet. No matter how much of it might fill their screens, people seem to love looking at amazing food. “Food is just everything, isn't it? Whether you're eating a sandwich or dining out in a Michelin-star restaurant, it's something that's always on the agenda. It's connected to every occasion - weddings, birthdays, even funerals. It's subjective as well, so what you like and what other people like are completely different, and I think that makes for good television. And whenever you see people making food, it makes you hungry especially nowadays with the big screens in HD, where you can see every drop of juice.” With two restaurants to run as well as three young kids at home, adding TV to the mix isn't always easy, but the chef is careful not to bite off more than he can chew. “It's all about having a balance of doing enough to keep people interested, and making time to stay focused on the restaurant. I’ve been able to set up shoots on my days off, and a lot of the show is filmed in Birmingham, which is fantastic, because it's obviously the centre of the universe. But I probably turn down more TV than I do. It seems like I do a lot, but I think that's just because I'm loud and people remember me more - and maybe partly because I drone on in a Brummie accent!” It’s largely thanks to Purnell’s influence that the Birmingham food scene has undergone such a radical shift in recent years. With six Michelin-star restaurants - more than any other UK city outside London - as well as thriving indie coffee shops and street food, it’s certainly a far cry from the ‘culinary desert’ that national papers were describing when he started out.
“I think Birmingham's always had a diverse food culture, with things like the Balti Triangle, but it was never really one that people would travel to experience. Twenty years ago, for us to be twinned with Lyon, which is the home of gastronomy in France, it was quite striking. When I opened Jessica's in 2003, almost all the restaurants were chains. I like to think I've contributed quite heavily to the fact that it's become a food destination.” Amazingly, it's been almost 10 years since Purnell left behind what he’d built up at Jessica's to set up on his own. Now, with his name above the door of two highly successful restaurants and emblazoned on the uniforms of ranks of staff, he's living his childhood dream. There's not much left to check off the list - though he jokes he might consider running for West Midlands Mayor but with two major anniversaries this year for the Bistro on 7 September and Purnell's on 7 July - there are certainly some celebrations to look forward to. “This year the Bistro is five years old, and I think the average independent restaurant lasts for three to four years, so to have kept it going this long is very positive. We'll probably have a bit of a party there with some regulars, and maybe a special menu running for the week. For Purnell's, I've got something really fun planned, but all I can say at the moment is that whether you're Mrs Jones living in a one-bedroom maisonette or whether you're a lord or lady, you'll have just as much chance of coming to eat here on the anniversary night!” My Kitchen Rules UK airs on Channel 4 later this year and is still looking for contestants. To apply, visit 7wonder.co.uk
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Gigs
Chris Wood Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 May
Traditional English dance music enthusiast Chris Wood is a folk musician and composer who plays fiddle, viola and guitar. He’s collaborated with a long list of artists, most recently Dizraeli, Billy Bragg, and Eliza and Martin Carthy in Simon Emerson’s Imagined Village. His eagerly awaited new album, So Much to Defend, will be officially launched at Cambridge Folk Festival this summer.
The Undercover Hippy Billy Rowan (aka The Undercover Hippy) brings together acoustic guitar, soulful vocals, infectious reggae rhythms and the lyrical delivery of an MC.
After seven years on the drum & bass circuit, he swapped the decks for an acoustic guitar and became a solo act. He’s here touring latest album Truth & Fiction to Wolverhampton, accompanied by a full live band combining keys, drums, bass, congas and backing vocals.
Ruby Turner
Hayseed Dixie
Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Sun 28 May
The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 6 May
The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sat 13 May
Iron Maiden Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 21 May
Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success during the early 1980s. Thirty-eight albums later - comprising 16 studio albums, 11 live albums, four EPs and seven compilations - the band are still continuing to impress their loyal fan base and selling out arena tours. “The whole band is really enjoying this tour,” says founder and bass player Steve Harris, “and although we love playing festivals and stadiums, it’s terrific to return to the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas. The songs from The Book Of Souls album and the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets have gone down really well, and fan reaction has been amazing. And we know our fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older songs too, which we will continue to do.”
Ruby’s major break came in the mid-1980s when she was asked to join Culture Club at the height of their fame. The soul, gospel and r&b singer has released 17 albums of her own and also contributed to releases by the likes of Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Winwood and Mick Jagger. She’s also one of the main singers in Jools Holland's R&B Orchestra, featuring on numerous tracks on his albums.
Martin Simpson The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 7 May
In the late 1980s, guitarist Martin Simpson waved a fond farewell to his successful career on the British folk circuit to start a new life in the States. While there, he improved his blues technique and worked with some famous names. He’s now back home on this side of the pond, where he’s best known for his work alongside the likes of June Tabor, Steeleye Span, The Albion Band and Richard Thompson. A virtuoso guitarist, Simpson’s exploration of the innovatory always gives his audience something to chew on.
Although they’ve produced some pretty unforgettable and comically crude songs, including I'm Keeping Your Poop In A Jar and She Was Skinny When I Met Her, Hayseed Dixie are probably best known for their rollicking rockgrass covers. Co-founder, guitarist and frontman John Wheeler names Motorhead’s Ace Of Spades as his favourite, but it’s the music of AC/DC with which they’re most closely associated. Kiss, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Queen are others to have received the Hayseed Dixie treatment. Having played over 1,000 gigs in 30-plus countries, it’s fair to say they’re a muchloved act, so bag yourself a ticket asap.
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Classical
The Halle Orchestra feat. Joseph Moog Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 12 May
Since its first concert in 1858, the Manchester-based Halle has been a real force to be reckoned with. The orchestra is renowned for its affinity with English music - particularly the works of Elgar and Delius. Stephen Bell here conducts a programme that includes Sibelius’s Karelia Suite, Valse Triste and Finlandia, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a selection from Peer Gynt. The concert further benefits from the talents of rising-star pianist Joseph Moog (pictured below).
The Opera Boys Lichfield Garrick, Sat 20 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 25 May
Crossover artists are big business nowadays, so there’s little wonder that The Opera Boys are enjoying such a successful career. They’re significantly assisted along the way, of course, by a remarkable talent; their classically trained voices combine in a powerhouse of vocal harmony to deliver a winning blend of opera, pop and everything in between. Repertoire favourites include Nessun Dorma and Time To Say Goodbye, along with showstoppers from musicals including Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera and Jersey Boys.
Sacconi Quartet
Kosmos Ensemble
The Bramall, University of Birmingham, Thurs 4 May
Concord College, Shropshire, Sat 27 May
Blessing concerts with infectious energy and enthusiasm is the stock in trade of the award-winning Sacconi Quartet. Formed at the beginning of the millennium, the foursome have been widely praised for their imaginative approach. They’re currently the quartet-in-association at the Royal College of Music and associate artist at the Bristol Old Vic.
‘Entrancing dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and gypsy passion’ - all delivered with ‘inimitable panache and virtuoso technique’ - is the intoxicating mix being offered by the hugely talented Kosmos Ensemble in this Shropshire Music concert. Each a highly regarded soloist in their own right, Harriet MacKenzie (violin), Meg Hamilton (viola) and Milos Milivojevic (accordion) draw from a repertoire that features tango, gypsy, Balkan and Japanese music, along the way referencing classical composers including Brahms, Dvorak and Sarasate.
Chanteuse Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 11 May
This Midlands-based female vocal group are happy to turn their talents to all manner of musical challenges, presenting everything from intricate chamber pieces to show-stopping smash hits. A first ever international concert series in France and second prize in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod ladies’ choir competition has seen their reputation grow at a breakneck speed. whatsonlive.co.uk 17
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Enter Shikari Lauren Foster talks to lead vocalist Rou Reynolds ahead of the band’s anniversary gig at Slam Dunk Festival Your performing at Slamdunk as part of your tenth anniversary tour. What can audiences expect? For the first time in our lives and for a band that relentlessly looks forward, we’ll be pausing for breath, celebrating our history and looking at how we got to where we are today. We’re allowing ourselves a few months of nostalgia as we revisit our first release, Take To The Skies. We’ll be playing every track from the album, which means a few songs will be getting their first ever airing live! Take To The Skies reached number four in the UK album chart, selling almost 30,000 copies in its first week. Were you surprised that the album was so well received? We’d been feeling a slow and steady surge of support for a while, as more and more people began to take notice of us, but I can’t say we anticipated the album charting. The chart was such a foreign concept to us anyway, coming from such a DIY punk background, so it really blew us away. I remember it really feeling like an incursion on pop music by the underground. It felt like a success for the whole scene. Similarly, could you have ever imagined, when you started out back in 2003, that
you’d be headlining the UK’s biggest punk rock festival? Absolutely not. Back then, it was just on our bucket list to play shows outside, to simply be on at a festival. After playing every small, sweaty and dark venue on the UK circuit, playing outside felt like such a luxury. I remember that being our only ambition - a somewhat quaint one, in retrospect. Now, though, it feels right. We’re more than ready. We’re insatiable. In more recent years, you’ve worked closely alongside Hospital Records in releasing drum & bass remixes. How did this come about? Hospital Records has been my favourite drum & bass label since I was about 16, buying records and getting into DJing for the first time. We’d worked with a few artists on their label who’d done remixes of our tracks here and there. And it felt like with The Mindsweep we had the perfect album - in all its diversity - to be reworked and remixed in its entirety. It turned out a few of the producers on the label were fans of ours as well, so it felt like a really natural and worthwhile project to do. With that in mind, how do you think your fan base has evolved over the years?
I think it’s mainly just become more diverse. It started off as much more of a narrow, ‘underground scene’-orientated following. But it’s since blossomed to include people from all walks of life, all ages and backgrounds. I think this basically follows or shadows the progression of our music as it’s become more diverse, with wider influences. Last year, Enter Shikari embarked on their biggest headline tour to date, playing numerous arena-style venues. Do you prefer performing bigger shows or smaller, more intimate gigs? My preference is always to play outside, in and often against the elements. It feels more primitive and raw that way. But really, I get asked this question all the time and I’m honestly not fussy. I enjoy playing anywhere; the environment isn’t important as long as it provides a backdrop for human connection. Give me a mic, toss me down a well and I’ll sing my heart out if anyone’s down there to join me. Give me a stage in the middle of a swamp and I’ll wrestle an alligator for their enjoyment.
Enter Shikari play Slam Dunk Festival at the NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 27 May whatsonlive.co.uk 19
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Festivals
Mello Festival Throckmorton Airfield, Worcestershire, Fri 26 - Sun 28 May
Following a successful launch in 2016, Mello Festival returns to Throckmorton Airfield with an eclectic mix of indie, folk, jazz and dance music. Spotting a gap in the market for a largescale festival championing ‘real’ music in Worcestershire, the organisers aim to create
a chilled and welcoming atmosphere that will appeal to audiences of all ages. This year sees the event expand across three stages, with an improved range of food stalls including veggie options. 2017 line-up includes: Hawkwind, Lucy Spraggan, Goldie Lookin' Chain, Dreadzone, Bez (Happy Mondays), Space, Republica, Altered Images, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Alarm, Electric Swing Circus (pictured).
Staffs Fest Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire, Fri 26 - Sun 28 May
Beginning as a small-scale blues festival in Stafford, this great-value-for-money event has expanded year on year to encompass an exciting array of rock, reggae, soul and blues acts. In addition to enjoying live, loud and local music, visitors can take a stroll through the nearby woods, enjoy a guided tour of the farm on Farmer Ray's tractor trailer, or vote for the winner of the Star Of Staffs competition, open to budding musicians aged 14 to 18. All tickets include free onsite camping, but rooms are also available in the farmhouse B&B for those who prefer their indoor comforts. 2017 line-up includes: The Bad Rats, The Shine, Bloke, Rockdogs, Barrelhouse Jukes, Black Rose Cadillac, Used Blues, Cold Flame, Slyder, Ged Wilson, Chelsea Coleman, Voodoo Stone, Gabbidon Band, Judy Emeline, Rainbreakers and Bobby KP Woods
Bearded Theory
Slam Dunk Festival
Let’s Rock
Catton Park, South Derbyshire, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 May
Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 27 May
Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 27 May
Take a trip back in time with some of the biggest acts of the ’80s. Leading the way for quality, family-friendly festivals since 2009, this blast from the past is suitable for all ages, whether you're looking to relive your youth or hearing old pop classics for the first time.
Taking place in the grounds of Catton Hall in the heart of the National Forest, the nineyear-old Bearded Theory has been rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the UK's best independent festivals. Ever expanding to meet demand, the multi-award-winning event features fantastic acts spread across six stages, including a dance tent, a cinema, and a comedy and cabaret area, as well as a superb Children's Village, top-notch facilities and an award-winning bar with affordably priced drinks. 2017 line-up includes: Skunk Anansie (pictured) & Slaves, New Model Army, Madness, Glasvegas, The Selecter, Cast, Foy Vance, The Fall, Reverend & the Makers, Kissmet and Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
2017 line-up includes: Billy Ocean, ABC, Tony Hadley (pictured), Heaven 17, Nick Heyward, Nik Kershaw, T'Pau, The Real Thing, Altered Images, Brother Beyond and Jaki Graham Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, punk and ska, this three-stop touring festival last year moved its Midlands date from Wolverhampton to the NEC, allowing for easy access from across the country. Linked to the Leeds-based club nights and indie record label of the same name, Slam Dunk takes place over the May bank holiday weekend and boasts more than 40 acts across multiple stages, as well as DJ sets, exclusive signings and a riotous afterparty to round things off. 2017 line-up includes: Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Bowling For Soup (pictured), Neckdeep, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Deaf Havana, Beartooth, Tonight Alive and We Are The Ocean whatsonlive.co.uk 21
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Richard Herring Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 13 May
Richard Herring has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most inventive and original comedians, cleverly using his real-life trials and tribulations to inform his high-quality line in comic patter. And he’s certainly not a man to shirk big, controversial or risque subjects when it comes to his comedy shows. Previous tours have seen him ponder religion (Christ On A Bike), politics (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking Cock). This latest offering is a compilation of, as he himself puts it, "the least worst stuff" from his previous one-man shows. For newcomers to his work, it offers a great opportunity to enjoy a whistlestop tour of 20-plus years of laughter-making; for seasoned admirers, it’s a not-to-bemissed chance to get reacquainted with some 24-carat comedy gold.
Micky Flanagan: An’ Another Fing
Pam Ann
Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 May, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 June
Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 31 May
An ever-rising star on the UK comedy circuit, Micky Flanagan has made all the usual stopoffs for TV-friendly funnymen, lending his talents to telly favourites including Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. His latest tour, kickstarting this very month, is one of two major undertakings in 2017. The other sees him returning to television with new series The Micky Flanagan Detours, a show in which he ‘declutters his mind of the big questions that keep people up at night’. Gags include: “I've worked out what an ambience is - it's a night out without poor people,” and “I went to Prague last year with the wife. She said after two days, ‘Are you enjoying yourself?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve just paid £15 for two coffees’.”
Camp, kitsch and oh so rude, air hostess Pam Ann has been flying her comedy flag - courtesy of Australian comedienne Caroline Reid - since the 1990s, storming to global success on a level that's seen her tour with Cher, crew private jets for Sir Elton John and win the approval of no less a legend than Madonna. She flies in to the Midlands this month with a touring show to celebrate her 20th anniversary. Jokes include: “EasyJet are like minicab drivers. ‘How much to Prague?’ ‘I’ll do it for a tenner.’”
Hilarity Charity Gala Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 18 May
This returning Central Youth Theatre (CYT) fundraiser is once again compèred by Daniel Kitson. The show also features Romesh Ranganathan and Josh Widdicombe. Other comedians will be added to the line-up in the days leading up to the show. This is the fourth event of its kind to be organised by CYT, Wolverhampton’s leading youth theatre since 1983.
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Comedy
The Noise Next Door The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 5 May
Praised for presenting their audiences with ‘a superior kind of chaos’, The Noise Next Door is a quartet - previously a quintet - of improvising comedians who’ve been garnering critical praise for a good few years now. Previous on-stage endeavours have included a mini-musical embracing the uncomfortable bedfellows of pantomime, folk music and death-metal, and a surreal adventure in which the Magic Roundabout’s Zebedee leads the forces of good against Darth Vader, who’s holed up in Worcester Cathedral. Check ’em out.
Bourgeois & Maurice Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 27 May
Musical satirists Bourgeois & Maurice (aka cabaret performers Liv Morris and George Heyworth) reckon their latest show is, in common with a Kanye gig, a ‘feast for the eyes’ - but with a smaller budget and bigger egos. After smashing the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, the London-based dynamic
duo are promising a Hippodrome debut awash with ‘glorious’ costumes, impressive visuals, songs including the classic Everybody’s At A Chemsex Party Except Me, and ‘some things’ that will hopefully light up! An utterly scathing and joyfully cynical take on ‘our post-modern, post-gender, postBrexit world’, this is a show that’s witty, topical and definitely worth a look.
Jon Richardson: The Old Man Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 4 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 10 May
Omid Djalili Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 5 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 13 May
Award-winning funnyman Omid Djalili is probably one of the most subversive comedians on the UK comedy circuit. This latest touring show sees him adopting his usual - and highly successful - scattergun approach to the business of being funny. Gags about Donald Trump, tried-andtested impressions of Godzilla and admissions about some of his biggest ever foot-in-mouth clangers feature among the highlights.
He's been referred to as an OCD-afflicted, grumpy young man, a description which will certainly strike chords with anybody who's ever caught Jon Richardson's hugely entertaining act. Having become both a husband and a father since his last tour - his wife is fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont Richardson has plenty of fresh subject matter with which to make merry. But although the show draws on his new circumstances, it remains at heart a set about life's idiosyncrasies. Richardson’s very much an established talent nowadays and offers an evening of genuinely funny comedy. Indeed, seasoned professional and one-time Bullseye host Jim Bowen has even threatened to “smack his arse if he gets any funnier”. Jon can't say he hasn't been warned... whatsonlive.co.uk 23
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Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
Funny Girl Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 24 - Sat 29 July
This massively successful touring version of the hit musical sees the Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith and Natasha J Barnes sharing the lead role. Smith stars at the Hippodrome this month, Barnes topbills at the Grand in July. Telling the story of Broadway star and comedian Fanny Brice, Funny Girl was written over 50 years ago and debuted on Broadway in 1963.
Daniel Bye: Going Viral mac, Birmingham, Sat 20 May
Daniel Bye blends storytelling, comedy and performance lecture to examine the ways in which the modern-day, high-definition world has made everybody ‘more connected, more vulnerable and more human - but not equally so’... 24 whatsonlive.co.uk
The show made a global star of Barbra Streisand and boasts iconic songs People and Don’t Rain On My Parade. Barnes, who originally understudied Smith to great critical acclaim when the production was playing the Menier Chocolate Factory last year, has described the show as “a bit relentless - like rapid machine gun fire in the form of musical theatre”. One-time Popstar To Operastar winner Darius Campbell takes the main supporting role of Fanny’s con-artist second husband, Nick Arnstein, when the show visits the Grand in the summer. The part is played by Chris Peluso at the Birmingham Hippodrome this month.
“I juggle with comedy and tragedy, roughness and polish, truth and lies,” explains Daniel. “I wrestle down big ideas about the world until they're small enough for us all to swallow. “I want you to laugh, cry, gasp and change the world - because we’re all part of history, and that means we can all change it.”
following the death of their daughter, security guard Morris and his long-suffering wife, Jean, win £2million on the lottery. But instead of transforming their lives for the better, the money drives yet another wedge between the bickering couple...
A Womb Of One’s Own
Lucky Sods
The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 10 May
Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May
This thought-provoking reflection on the subject of unwanted pregnancy sees all four of its performers playing the lead role. Eighteen-year-old student Babygirl is determined to cast off the strait-jacketing effect of a strict Catholic upbringing. But when she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, it soon becomes apparent that there’s more to being independent than just having fun...
John Godber’s talent for taking big themes and presenting them in an accessible, downto-earth manner has seen him become one of the UK’s most successful playwrights over the last two decades. This mid-1990s offering is a perfect example of a creative force operating at the very peak of his powers. With their marriage resembling a war zone
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m¡longa The power and beauty of Argentinean tango.
Tue 16 Sat 20 May
Tue 23 May
Fri 26 & Sat 27 May
From £17
From £18
From £15
Half-Term Treat
Bourgeois & Maurice: How to save the world without really trying
Mon 29 May - Sat 3 Jun
£17
From £15
Tue 6 Sat 10 Jun
Tue 13 Sat 17 Jun
From £17
From £16
Smother 201 Dance Company
d e xe nc la a l Re orm 3 Ju rf n Pe Mo
Sat 27 May
Thu 1 & Fri 2 Jun £15
Mon 3 Sat 8 Jul From £20
Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person.
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Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
The Wedding Singer New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 23 - Sat 27 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 - Sat 16 September; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 3 Sat 7 October
Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore movie of the same name, this musical homage to the 1980s sees wedding singer Robbie Hart plunged into the depths of despair after his girlfriend dumps him at the altar. Enter his pal, Julia, whose support seems to be Robbie’s only lifeline in an otherwise miserable existence. But will he realise that his sweet-natured friend is actually the love of his life?... Well-known television faces Ray Quinn, Cassie Compton, Roxanne Pallett and Ruth Madoc star alongside musical-theatre favourite Jon Robyns.
La Strada The REP, Birmingham, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May
A brand new stage adaptation of Federico Fellini’s 1954 movie masterpiece, this Coventry Belgrade Theatre touring version of La Strada follows the journey of Gelsomina, a young woman who’s effectively sold by her mother to a brutal and hard-drinking street performer. When the ill-matched pair come across an itinerant circus, Gelsomina finds herself faced with a stark choice that will decide the course of her future... Olivier Award nominee Sally Cookson directs.
Vice Versa (or The Decline And Fall Of General Braggadocio At The Hands Of His Canny Servant Dexter And Terence The Monkey). Two other plays by Porter (pictured) have previously been presented at the RSC - A Mad World My Masters in 2013 and 2014’s highly acclaimed The Christmas Truce, performed to mark the centenary of World War One.
Ventoux Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 18 - Fri 19 May; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 20 May
Vice Versa Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 11 May - Sat 9 September
With productions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus comprising the RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre season, it’s perhaps not surprising to find that the Company’s adjacent Swan Theatre is also getting in on the Rome-related act. Phil Porter’s new play has been inspired by the comedies of Plautus and bears a full title that very handily explains its basic plot: 26 whatsonlive.co.uk
‘Breathtaking’ video accompaniment provides the backdrop to this dramatic story of a memorable race up Ventoux, the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France. The protagonists are Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani, whose drug-fuelled race there in the year 2000 was one of the greatest the sport of cycling had ever seen. A well-reviewed show, this, so expect a Tour de France tour de force...
La Cage Aux Folles Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 16 - Sat 20 May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 27 June - Sat 1 July
Jean Poiret’s hugely popular farce has been delighting audiences across the world for over 40 years. Set in a SaintTropez nightclub, it tells the story of the venue’s gay manager, Georges, his romantic partner, Albin, and the problems that ensue when Georges' son brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents... West End leading lady Marti Webb joins former EastEnder John Partridge and TJ Hooker star Adrian Zmed in this new production of the Broadway and West End award winner.
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FEATURE
My Country... Rufus Norris takes on Brexit in a new touring play
How does a self-professed ‘national’ arts institution begin to represent a nation bitterly divided? It's a question that's been plaguing National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris, who, together with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, has attempted to condense a plethora of views and voices on the UK's most contentious subject into a single 90-minute play. Almost a year on from the shock results of Britain's EU referendum, it feels as though everyone - from scientists to celebrities, politicians to pollsters and traditional journalists to Twitterati - is still scrabbling to respond. Unlike most, however, Norris has resisted the temptation to air his own views on the matter - at least on stage. Rather than analysing or proselytising, his My Country: A Work In Progress is instead an extended listening project, composed primarily of a series of interviews conducted with ordinary people from across the UK. “After the referendum, I felt very strongly that we needed to have a response,” says Norris, “but also that the response should be led by listening to people rather than us saying, 'This is what we think’. Already, there was too much of a London voice in the whole build-up to the referendum, and the rejection of that was reflected in the very
strong protest vote that was the result.” Crucially, though, the finished show would not simply be a way of “explaining” the rest of the country to regular visitors to the theatre's London Southbank home, but would also tour around the UK, holding up a mirror to fragmented communities and polarised opinions wherever it went. It's as part of this tour that the production this month comes to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The project began with a group of interviewers from a range of theatre and community-based backgrounds heading out to harvest opinions on their home turf. A total of 80 interviews were then hurriedly transcribed and cut down into manageable chunks ready to be given to the cast. “We did give the interviewers a list of questions to ask, but it was up to the person to respond in the way they felt most pertinent,” Norris explains. “So in Leicester, immigration was a big theme, whereas in the North East, the fishing industry and farming subsidies became prevalent topics. In Northern Ireland, we thought Derry would be an interesting place to talk about borders and nationalism.” Contributors were then selected, with a view to what Carol Ann Duffy has described as “human music”. “What she meant by that was people talking with passion from a position of experience. So the woman in Leicester who talks in what might be described as racist terms is talking from the position of someone who has seen
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her community change beyond recognition in a very short space of time, while the man talking about the fishing industry in the North East remembers Amble Harbour being five boats deep, where now there are hardly any boats at all. “When somebody's talking about what they've read on their Facebook news or in their little echo chamber - whether it's the Guardian or the Daily Mail - it's not that interesting to listen to. This is human music because it's based in rich experience.” It's not the first time Norris has used verbatim interviews in a production - his critically acclaimed musical, London Road, famously employed a similar device back in 2011. Nevertheless, from a director's perspective, creating My Country has been an altogether different experience. “Making London Road was a longer process. From the first time (writer) Alecky Blythe went into Ipswich to the night we opened the show was probably about four years. Also, to a degree, that had a story. This isn't a story; it's a political moment. There can be no answers. We can't put something on stage that says, 'And they all lived happily ever after,' or 'It's a tragedy,' because we don't know. Article 50's only just been delivered, so it will be another 10 years before we really have a sense of what this moment means and whether any of the frustrations people expressed will be addressed.” This partly explains the subtitle - it's not just the country, but also the play itself that could be said to be ‘A Work In Progress’. Searching for a structure on which to hang
the material collected, Norris hit on the idea of a personified Britannia, calling a conference of her regions in an attempt to solve the complex problems facing them. Each featured region acts as a mouthpiece for its people, literally voicing their concerns. Added to the interviews are elements of in-character ‘banter’ between the different regions, as well as more poetic sections penned by Duffy. As Poet Laureate, Duffy was an obvious choice as Norris’s collaborator, finding herself in a similar position to him as a national representative of her art. But there were other considerations, too. “She lives in Manchester, so she's not a London voice, and I knew it needed to be a writer who was going to respond to and be very interested in what people had to say. Also, it's a very pressured time when you're putting a show like this together in a short period of time, so it needed somebody with a cool head. We'd worked together before, so I knew we'd get on very well.” Not every part of the country gets a look in. London may have been a conscious exclusion, but on top of this, time and resources made limitations necessary, meaning that neither the North West (home to Duffy) nor the West Midlands (Norris originally hails from Worcestershire and has worked extensively in Birmingham) are featured. “We started with people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and after that we looked at how we could diversify it. The East Midlands was our first location in England, so we felt we had to go
north and south to balance it out. In the end, we settled on the North East and South West, but if there's a follow-up, it will obviously go to the areas we didn't visit this time.” In a sense, the impossibility of reflecting the entire country in a single show is like a microcosm of Norris' job at large - though so far he's shown no sign of shrinking from the challenge. “We're massively stepping up our nationwide work, which is really important because there are a lot of people who feel, in quite a justified way, that London receives too much of the national budget in terms of arts provision. It's really important that institutions like this get out and about a lot more, whether through co-productions or cinema broadcasts. “We've also got various productions coming up that I feel speak in different ways to the issues of the time, and I think we will continue to try to participate in the national debate as much as possible. We’ve got another long-term verbatim piece that we're developing, but let's see how it pans out. I'm keeping a close eye on that Scottish situation!”
My Country; A Work in Progress shows at Birmingham REP from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 May and then Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 May
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Theatre previews from around the region
Theatre
Million Dollar Quartet Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June
Jason Donovan stars in a Tony Award-winning West End musical that’s set to leave Midlands audiences ‘all shook up’ when it visits Shrewsbury this month. Inspired by real events, Million Dollar Quartet tells the story of how Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley were brought together for an impromptu jam session in Memphis in 1956. The show includes more than 20 legendary rock’n’roll hits, including Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, I Walk The Line and Great Balls Of Fire.
All Or Nothing
Anna Of The Five Towns
Relatively Speaking
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 May; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 22- Sat 24 June
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fri 26 May - Sat 17 June
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 16 - Sat 20 May
The 150th anniversary of the birth of Stokeon-Trent author Arnold Bennett is here celebrated with a new adaptation of one of his best-loved stories. Set against the backdrop of the Potteries, his 1902 novel tells the story of a young woman’s battle for independence, in violation of the constraints imposed upon her by the strictly controlling Methodist Church and her dictatorial father.
Mention Alan Ayckbourn and a list of brilliant observational comedies springs readily to mind - a fact which makes this particular work of special interest; it was with Relatively Speaking that the playwright’s exceptional qualities first became evident to a wider audience. A major West End hit in the early 1970s, the play follows the high-farce involvements of Ginny and Philip, her married lover, his wife, and Ginny’s new love, Greg. Not surprisingly, confusion abounds!
This new show follows in the footsteps of other recent ’60s jukebox musicals about The Beatles and The Kinks. It tells the story of mod favourites the Small Faces from the perspective of a middle-aged and beer-swilling Steve Marriott, the band’s original singer. Although surviving in their original incarnation for only four years, the Small Faces made a significant splash on the music scene, enjoying chart hits including Whatcha Gonna Do About It, Tin Soldier, Lazy Sunday, Here Comes The Nice, Itchycoo Park and the show’s title track. When Marriott left, they replaced him with Rod Stewart and dropped the word Small from their name, but it’s the musical output from those early years which has secured the band their iconic status.
Romeo & Juliet Lichfield Garrick, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 May; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 20 Thurs 22 June; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Thurs 29 June; mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 July
Hopeless Romantics Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 31 May
The highly regarded Reform Theatre once again collaborate with Nick Lane, having previously presented well-reviewed productions of his comedies My Favourite Summer and Me & Me Dad. This latest offering focuses on ‘non-elective celibate’ Alan, a man whose love life is very much dead-on-arrival. When his judgmental parents invite him and his romantically successful sisters to an anniversary dinner, Alan decides to take drastic action to avoid looking like a loser, asking work-experience girl Zoe to pose as his girlfriend for the night...
Shakespeare’s ‘fifth tragedy’, as it’s often called, is a classic tale of love, loss and redemption. In a city torn apart by civil war, two young people are destined to find the kind of love about which most others can only dream... Not that the finer points of Romeo & Juliet are likely to be overly important in this particular production, given the fact that it’s zany funsters Oddsocks who’re at the helm! Expect plenty of madcap mayhem and laughter in a production that gives the world’s most famous love story an imaginative mods & rockersinspired overhaul. whatsonlive.co.uk 29
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Theatre
Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region
Horrible Histories: The Best Of Barmy Britain The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Wed 3 May; Lichfield Garrick, Mon 15 - Tues 16 May
If you love the Horrible Histories series - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then The Best Of Barmy Britain is a show that’s definitely well worth catching. Alongside providing answers to such searching questions as ‘what would happen if a Viking moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the show also invites its audience to escape the clutches of Burke and Hare, move to the groove with the partying Queen Victoria and prepare to do battle in the First World War. In short, and as its publicity says, it’s ‘a truly horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty bits left in!’
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Elves And The Shoemaker
Big Howard’s LOL-tastic Yukfest
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 22 May; Malvern Theatre, Wed 24 - Thurs 25 May; Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 May
Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 21 May
mac, Birmingham, Sat 27 May
Full House Theatre is the company behind this lively show for children aged four and older. Lovable retired shoemaker Geoff is getting on a bit and struggling to remember the highlights of his many years spent working in the shoe shop. But when a visit to the bottom of his garden brings him into contact with two magical friends, he starts to recall his life. He also realises that he can finally give his wife the only thing she’s ever wanted - and just in time for her 90th birthday, too.
Howard Read (aka Big Howard) last appeared at mac with his animated CBBC pal Little Howard, who was busily attempting to avoid being tragically rubbed out by ‘the pencil of death’. Big H has now hit the road with another hour’s-worth of mirth. Suitable for youngsters aged five-plus, the show brings together stand-up comedy, interactive digital animation, sound effects and jokes. And - we’re warned - it may also contain the word ‘elk’. Best brace yourself!...
Don’t Dribble On The Dragon
Dough!
Eric Carle’s 1969 book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has been translated into more than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 million copies. This stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale is presented alongside three other popular children’s stories by the same author - The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly. The show features no fewer than 75 ‘lovable’ puppets.
Ulla’s Odyssey mac, Birmingham, Sun 7 May
Homer’s Odyssey provides the inspiration for this family-friendly nautical adventure from OperaUpClose. The talented ensemble, who burst onto the scene in 2009, bagged the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera and have since been garnering plaudits like they’re going out of fashion. Premiering in 2015, Ulla’s Odyssey follows the attempts of a 14-year-old girl to become the youngest person to sail the world single-handedly. Her spectacular ambition is made all the trickier by her en-route encounters with dangerous sea creatures and robotic customs officials. Suitable for children aged seven-plus.
The Core, Solihull, Sat 27 May
The late Paul Daniels was the high-profile prestidigitator behind the marvellous moments of magic contained in this production, a brand new stage adaptation of the book by Steven Lee. Taking as its theme the importance of family, the show is a musical adventure about a toddler named Tom who, as well as having an older brother, has a secret dragon and a dribbling problem. When the young chap’s endless drooling drives a slobbery wedge between him and his sibling, it’s up to the dragon to try and resolve the problem - with a little help from some of that aforementioned magic, of course...
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 28 May
An exploration of the way in which ‘life can be filled with colour and beauty when we step outside the beige world we know’, Dough! tells the story of a girl named Franky. While making a delivery to an unfamiliar place, she encounters a baker who shows her how ‘fantastic things can be done with ordinary stuff’. “And what could be more ordinary than the dough that makes our everyday staples?” asks Olivia Furber, the creator of this dynamic show for children aged three-plus. “Familiar to all cultures, dough creates the loaves, naan bread, croissants, dumplings and chapattis that remind us of home.” whatsonlive.co.uk 31
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FEATURE
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Being Outrageous!
Matilda: The Musical comes to the Birmingham Hippodrome
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by Heather Kincaid
Almost seven years after its celebrated debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Matilda: The Musical has evolved into an international phenomenon, holding the joint record for the most Olivier Awards ever won by a single production. Yet remarkably, despite multiple performances overseas, the show has never toured its home country - until now.
For all this emphasis on his collaborator's work, Kelly's own contributions have been equally as vital, from creating brand new characters like Mrs Wormwood's ballroom dancing partner Rodolpho (a favourite with Roald Dahl's widow, Felicity), to a whole new plot strand based around a story that Matilda tells to the librarian, Mrs Phelps.
In the West End, the show continues to draw excited crowds of kids and grown-ups alike, but next year, families and Roald Dahl fans across the country will have the chance to experience its magic for the very first time. Ahead of its arrival at Birmingham Hippodrome in July 2018, we asked playwright Dennis Kelly and executive producer André Ptaszynski to explain why Matilda has been such a roaring success.
“In the West End,” says Ptaszynski, “there are just piles of dead musicals with great scores that have failed because of the script, yet this guy who claims to know nothing about musicals comes in and realises immediately that it needed more than just the linear narrative of the book to turn Matilda into the show it is.”
“We all love things that are dark and funny and which really make you feel something, and Matilda has all of those things,” says Ptaszynski. “I think Dahl, Tim (Minchin, composer & lyricist) and Dennis all come from a very similar comic-dramatic world. There's a darkness and a sharpness to the material that we all recognise.” “For me,” says Kelly, “I think it's mostly the music. The songs are consistently brilliant throughout. Way back in the mists of time, before Tim was on board, they asked me whether I'd be interested in writing lyrics. I thought I'd give it a go, but if they were rubbish, I didn't want to do it because I really wanted this show to work. So when he came along, initially I still had this residual feeling that I might have been able to do it, but as soon as I saw what he was writing, I knew it was way better than anything I could have done!”
Of course, it helped to be taking cues from an undisputed master storyteller... “I never really had to think about what Dahl's voice was or anything like that because it's so ingrained in you as a kid,” says Kelly. “At the time, I didn't really know Matilda. I'd read other Dahl books, but I'm a bit older than the generation that grew up with Matilda, so it wasn't until I was already working on the script in a café one day that I realised how much it means to people. I remember the waiter asked me what I was writing, and when I told him, he just went mental! He started quoting from it and telling me how it was his favourite book and how it had inspired him. In that moment, I suddenly thought, 'Why did I agree to this?!' But you can't write with too much of a sense of responsibility because that's not what Dahl's doing. He's writing with relish about burps and mud and all of that, which to me feels very free, so I didn't want to be a slave to it.”
“As a director, Matthew seems to be obsessed with putting a piece of theatrical magic in every scene,” says Ptaszynski, “whether it's the dummy falling from the roof or the swings or the school gates.” “One of the parts I really love is Bruce Bogtrotter's burp,” adds Kelly, “because it's just pure theatre. It's basically just a light moving around the stage, but people are enthralled. In Stratford, we had discussions about things like a balloon blowing up or those guys that blow smoke into bubbles, but in the end, we couldn't do any of that crazy stuff because of the thrust stage. An illusion relies on everyone looking the same way, and if you can see round the back, it's not gonna work. In the end, I think that gave it a slightly homemade feel, which fits in well with the Dahl story. Even though we could have done more in the West End, I like that the original RSC show is still running through the production even now.” Matilda: The Musical shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 3 July – Saturday 8 September 2018
Completing the creative trio at the heart of the show's success is director Matthew Warchus.
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DOUBLE CELEBRATION OF HIP-HOP IN BRUM
There can be little doubt that the 2010s have ushered in a golden age of hip-hop. Where much of mainstream music now seems toothless in the face of rising global unrest and division, this is a genre that continues to respond dynamically to the contemporary political climate. But it's not just the high-profile stars breaking the charts and scooping up prestigious accolades who are making waves. On a grassroots level, there's a wealth of talent reconnecting with the genre's countercultural origins, expanding its reach through dance, visual art, film and theatre alongside the more familiar mix of music and spoken word. From its birthplace on the streets of NYC, hiphop has evolved into an international phenomenon, with diverse performers breaking ground around the world, including a burgeoning crop right here in the West Midlands. It's fitting, then, that Britain's second city is set for its biggest ever celebration of hip-hop this summer, with the return of Birmingham Hippodrome’s B-Side Festival and the arrival of Jonzi D’s Breakin' Convention at Birmingham REP. After attracting 5,000 visitors, 70 performers and 150 street dance competitors to Southside last year, B-Side is back for its second outing from 19 to 21 May. Produced in partnership with leading lights of the local scene, Break Mission, Juice Aleem, Mickael ‘Marso’ Riviere and GraffitiArtist.com, this exciting addition to Birmingham’s cultural calendar focuses on celebrating and developing homegrown talent. 34 whatsonlive.co.uk
This year’s programme kicks off with a free Welcome Jam & Launch Party exploring Birmingham’s contributions to global hiphop culture. Hosted by Juice Aleem and DJ Silence, the event will feature leading speakers and performers, including Prit, Nucleo, T-Kid, Boogie Frantik, PoeOne, Link, IMD, Bubbles and Sic-Nis.
established art forms, offering a mix of professional development, youth and education projects in addition to its worldrenowned events.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a mix of free and paid-for workshops on graffiti, dance, poetry and more, as well as learning all about the genre in a range of talks.
Inspired by the action of jumping on and off moving trains, commuters in Johannesburg's Soweto township developed a dance style known as ‘isparapara’ in the 1950s, later transformed into the famed Pantsula style by adding elements of tap. Uniting seven of Korea's finest bboys, Just Dance have won multiple competitions, touring their distinctive blend of Korean culture with contemporary choreography all around the world.
B-Side 2017 also boasts the first ever FluxCon, a mini convention celebrating the best of comics, indie games, animation and sci-fi concerning the black experience. Performances include The Holiday, a genreblending commission by internationally acclaimed artist Benji Reid. Live street art will fill the Hippodrome foyer and surrounding streets in the brand new Graff Jam, headed by New York’s legendary T-Kid with Graffitiartist.com. There’ll also be topquality DJ and MC sets from Lady Sanity, Quartz, Strange U, DJ Latifah, DJ Nucleo and more. Those looking to show their skills will have plenty of opportunities to do so, with explosive rap and dance contests running all weekend. Stopping off in Birmingham on 2 & 3 June, touring festival Breakin’ Convention is the brainchild of pioneering dancer, director and poet Jonzi D. Uniting top international acts with local talent in various locations, it aims to put hip-hop on an equal footing with more
This year's show is headlined by South Africa's Soweto Skeleton Movers, Korean bboys Just Dance Productions and CanadianSwedish dance duo Tentacle Tribe.
Finally, Montreal-based duo Tentacle Tribe create unique works by combining conceptual hip-hop with influences from a range of earthly creatures. Since 2005, they've collaborated with numerous acclaimed companies, ranging from Cirque du Soleil to Bboyizm. These exciting acts are joined by local groups Jigsaw Collective, Rhythm Junkiez, Street Dance Academy, Broken Silence, Marshons and Nuvo Origin. B-Side Festival is at Birmingham Hippodrome from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May. Breakin’ Convention runs at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 2 & Saturday 3 June
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Dance
Dance previews from around the region
Ballet Black DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 May
Ballet Black comprises British and international dancers of black and Asian descent, and takes an impressively daring approach to its work. Under the guidance of highly rated artistic director Cassa Pancho, the company here presents a winning blend of classical and contemporary dance. The programme begins with Captured, a four-hander set to a Shostakovich string quartet... The second piece, featuring the music of Debussy, is an abstract work by celebrated British choreographer Michael Corder... The bill is completed by the award-winning Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s alternative version of Little Red Riding Hood.
Birmingham Royal Ballet Triple Bill
ACE Dance: TEN Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 24 May
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May
Humanity’s universal stories are placed under the microscope by Jose Agudo, whose new work strikes an overarching tone that’s both epic and poetic. In the process, the choreographer brings ‘hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary underpinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African style’. “Ten will build on the themes of spiritual dedication and striving,” explains ACE. “Ultimately this piece will be about humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 the universal symbol of completion.”
2Faced Dance: Run Theatre Hafren, Newtown, Powys, Thurs 4 May; Malvern Theatre, Tues 9 May
Birmingham Royal Ballet stops off in Shrewsbury as part of a short tour, presenting a ‘sparkling’ triple bill designed to celebrate the diversity of classical ballet. Kickstarting the programme is Kenneth MacMillan’s Solitaire, set to composer Malcolm Arnold’s English Dances and exploring the imagination of a girl who dreams up playmates for herself. Hans van Manen’s 5 Tangos, meanwhile, is a Latin-inspired work showcasing the fiery music of Astor Piazzolla. The programme is completed by Pineapple Poll, a Gilbert & Sullivan-inspired affair in which a ‘gaggle of girls’ fall in love with the dashing captain of HMS Hot Cross Bun.
As part of the journey towards its stated aim of becoming ‘a worldwide leader in the production of breathtaking, physical and inspirational dance’, Herefordshire-based 2Faced Dance Company here explores ‘the darker side of humanity’. The show features an all-male ensemble of dancers performing a triple bill of works. Choreography is by newcomer Rebecca Evans and the well-established Tamsin Fitzgerald and Lenka Vagnerová. whatsonlive.co.uk 35
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Film
Alien: Covenant CERT tbc
CRITIC’S CHOICE
Starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, James Franco, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce Directed by Ridley Scott (USA/UK)
Ridley Scott sucks us back into deep space for his third stab at the franchise he created way back in 1979. Actually a sequel to Prometheus, the prequel he directed in 2012, the new film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as it lands on a remote, undiscovered Eden. But there lies the android David (Michael Fassbender, reprising his role from Prometheus), as well as something altogether more alien and terrifying. The film is the second in a proposed trilogy preceding the time frame of the first Alien film. Released Fri 12 May
Film highlights released in May... Jawbone CERT 15 (91 mins) Starring Johnny Harris, Ray Winstone, Michael Smiley, Ian McShane Directed by Thomas Q. Napper (UK)
With nowhere else to go, former amateur boxer Jimmy McCabe (Harris) returns to the ring to do what he does best… Harris, best known for his roles in London To Brighton and Monsters: Dark Continent, wrote the screenplay himself - à la Stallone - and was trained for his part by none other than Barry McGuigan. Released Fri 12 May
Mindhorn CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Julian Barratt, Simon Farnaby, Essie Davis, Russell Tovey, Andrea Riseborough, Steve Coogan Directed by Sean Foley (UK)
Colossal CERT 15 (109 mins) Starring Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson Directed by Nacho Vigalondo (Canada/Spain)
Richard Thorncroft used to be Mindhorn, the TV detective who could see the truth with the help of his robotic eye. But Richard is now a washed-up actor when the police approach him to negotiate with a serial killer who will only talk to ‘Mindhorn.’ It’s played for laughs, obviously.
The monster attacking Seoul in South Korea is indeed humongous, but what’s it got to do with Gloria? This is what Gloria (Anne Hathaway) has to find out, as she tries to get her life back on track after losing her job and her boyfriend in New York. The comedy is directed by Nacho Vigalondo, who’s made his reputation with sci-fi and horror.
Released Fri 5 May
Released Fri 19 May
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Film highlights released in May... Frantz CERT 12a (114 mins) Starring Pierre Niney, Paula Bear, Ernst Stötzner, Marie Gruber, Johann von Bülow, Cyrielle Clair Directed by François Ozon (France/Germany)
If ever a film were pertinent to our times, it is François Ozon's Frantz. Set in Germany in the aftermath of the First World War, Ozon’s story of both acceptance and discrimination shows a country bruised, humiliated and fiercely resentful of its neighbour, France. In the sleepy medieval town of Quedlinburg, the beautiful Anna visits the grave of
her fiancé Frantz Hoffmeister, a violinist who was killed in the battle of Verdun. She is surprised, then, to find red roses placed there by an unknown hand. After making enquiries, she discovers that the floral donor is a Frenchman, who is staying in town… François Ozon, one of the great auteurs of contemporary French cinema, here delivers perhaps his finest film to date, a magnificent period romance that is at once enigmatic, mischievous and profoundly moving. Released Fri 12 May
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge CERT 12a tbc
Starring Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geoffrey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Kevin McNally Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (USA)
Jack Sparrow’s old rival, the undead Salazar (Javier Bardem), decides to rid the High Seas of all brigands. Expect ghosts, witches and much supernatural tomfoolery.
CRITIC’S CHOICE
Released Fri 26 May
Snatched CERT tbc
Spark CERT tbc
Starring Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn, Joan Cusack, Ike Barinholtz, Óscar Jaenada, Wanda Sykes Directed by Jonathan Levine (USA)
With the voices of Jace Norman, Jessica Biel, Susan Sarandon, Patrick Stewart, Hilary Swank Directed by Aaron Woodley (Canada/South Korea/USA)
Emily and Linda have little in common, other than the fact Emily is Linda’s daughter. However, when Emily’s boyfriend dumps her, she sees little recourse but to invite her mother on her pre-booked jungle adventure. Expect embarrassment.
Spark is a teenage monkey and he’s not half bad at space travel. So he and his friends head to Planet Bana in the hope of rescuing it from the unscrupulous General Zhong. In 3D. Released Mon 29 May
Released Fri 19 May
The Other Side Of Hope CERT 12a (100 mins)
Starring Sherwan Haji, Sakari Kuosmanen, Kati Outinen, Tommi Korpela Directed by Aki Kaurismäki (Finland/Germany)
There’s little hope for Khaled, a refugee from Syria who’s just arrived in Helsinki. Nor for Wikström, who's just opened his first restaurant… It’s important to know that Aki Kaurismäki, Finland’s most famous director, trades in deadpan humour and a bitter, melancholy wit. Released Fri 26 May whatsonlive.co.uk 37
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Visual Arts previews from around the region
Room
Here & Now
Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 6 May - Sat 24 June
mac, Birmingham, until Sun 4 June
Comprising works by a number of international women artists, this thought-provoking exhibition reflects the multiple and often concurrent meanings and functions of ‘the room’. The featured installations, sculptures and photographs, all works which have been produced between the 1970s and the present day, envisage the room in a variety of ways - as an erotically charged or psychological space, and also in terms of its structural and aesthetic properties.
The art of tapestry weaving is alive and well, as this first major curated exhibition of work for over 20 years ably demonstrates. A touring show from the National Centre For Craft & Design, Here & Now showcases the ways in which the narrative heritage of the medium is used to engage with contemporary political, aesthetic and personal issues. In the process, the exhibition aims to emphasise the artform’s ongoing relevance in the modern world.
ghamRUM BirmHATinSO NB @W
on erhNaWmOpLVtES Wolv HATSO @W
ShrHoATpsSOhNirSHe ROPS @W
ire staHffAToSOrdNsSThAF FS @W
steWrOsRhCSire WorHcATeSO N @W
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Visual Arts May MM - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:34 Page 2
Visual Arts
Rachel Goodyear
Face To Face: Portraits Through Time
The New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 26 May - Sun 3 September
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 4 June
Manchester-based Rachel Goodyear has developed her reputation as an artist via a drawingbased practice that hints at the world of the unconscious mind. Using old magazines, books and anonymous photographs as her inspiration, she creates characters which she then either locates within claustrophobic spaces or sets against heavy and brooding washes of ink and watercolour... Rachel has created an immersive installation for her Walsall exhibition. Incorporating projected animations and sound, the new work enables the viewer to enter an environment which the artist describes as ‘both alluring and fearful whilst hovering between the familiar and the surreal’. The installation is accompanied by a collection of her drawings.
This fascinating exhibition brings together works loaned from numerous sources, including the Arts Council Collection and the National Portrait Gallery. Indeed, the latter has contributed no fewer than 10 works of art. Featuring snapshots of ordinary people as well as portraits of Henry VIII, Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie and Princess Diana, Face To Face explores the centuries-old fascination with capturing one’s own image. The display comprises paintings, photographs, sculptures and interactive activities.
Last chance to see... New Art West Midlands Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 14 May
Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools are currently exhibiting new work at four leading galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands includes painting, installation, sculpture, photography, video, animation and digital artworks. Highlights of the show include Yazmin
Boyle’s three-metre-long metal sculptures. The sculptures are made of industrial steel strap overlaid with a feminine lace print and formed into three-dimensional funnels and circles. Megan Evans (pictured below - left and right), meanwhile, uses make-up to paint her portraits of women undergoing cosmetic surgery. Many of the works on show take themes connected to science and biology. Numerous other pieces focus on the subjects of globalisation, migration and belonging. Image credit (centre): Damian Massey.
A Dutch Window Grand Union, Birmingham, Fri 5 May - Sat 22 July
Seecum Cheung’s current project, of which this exhibition is the latest installment, explores the rise of right-wing Nationalism within Europe. An award-winning artist working primarily with the moving image, Cheung has conducted a series of interviews to track the political shifts occurring across the continent. In the process, she’s engaged with leading specialists in the field of right-wing radicalism, human rights organisations and activist refugee groups. The ‘chapter’ of her work being presented in Birmingham this month takes as its subject matter this year’s national elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany. whatsonlive.co.uk 39
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explore the midlands The Midlands is home to an abundance of enjoyable and exciting places to visit, catering for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find somewhere and something that fits the bill. Our What’s On directory features a selection of some of the best places to visit across the region this summer. Have fun!
Birmingham You may also like...
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
National Sea Life Centre
Thinktank Science Museum
Set over 15 acres of luscious lawns and foliage, Birmingham Botanical Gardens features four glasshouses, gardens, a playground and tearoom. Westbourne Rd, B15 3TR
The centre features more than 1,000 creatures and 60-plus displays including a million-litre underwater tropical tank and a brand new Octopus Hideout exhibit.
Museum attractions include over 200 interactive exhibits on science and discovery, as well as a programme of workshops, shows and demonstrations.
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Brindleyplace, B1 2HL
Curzon St, B4 7XG
visitsealife.com/birmingham
birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank
• Aston Hall • BBC Birmingham • Birmingham Back To Backs • Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery • Cadbury World • Cannon Hill Park • Library of Birmingham • Wonderful World of Trains and Planes
Shropshire You may also like...
Blists Hill Victorian Town
British Ironworks Centre
Telford Town Park
One of 10 award-winning museums that make up the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Blists Hill offers the chance to step back in time to the days of Queen Victoria.
This family-run centre boasts a varied collection of beautifully decorative metal items, some of which are faithful reproductions of ironwork no longer seen today.
Sitting next to the town’s Southwater development, the park offers multiple play areas, fishing pools, bike hire, nature trails and extensive grassed areas.
Madeley, TF7 5DU
Oswestry, SY11 4JH
Telford, TF3 4EP
ironbridge.org.uk
britishironworkcentre.co.uk
telfordtownpark.co.uk
• Attingham Park • Dudmaston Estate • Hawkstone Park & Follies • Ludlow Castle • Park Hall Farm • Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery • Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre • Weston Park • Wroxeter Roman City
Staffordshire You may also like...
Tamworth Castle
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Lichfield Cathedral
Step back in time through 900 years of history at Tamworth Castle. Wander the chambers and hallways and get a real sense of how its previous residents spent their time in the castle. Tamworth B79 7NA
Located in a Victorian pottery factory, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Stoke-on-Trent, famous the world over for the quality of its pottery.
Boasting over 1,300 years of history and recently voted third best cathedral in the UK, Lichfield Cathedral is currently hosting a Turner exhibition.
Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ
19A The Close, WS13 7LD
stokemuseums.org.uk
lichfield-cathedral.org
tamworthcastle.co.uk
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• Alton Towers • Beacon Park • Cannock Chase Forest • Drayton Manor • Lower Drayton Farm • Middleport Pottery • Samuel Johnson Birthplace • Shugborough Estate • Trentham Gardens • World of Wedgwood
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Warwickshire You may also like...
Coventry Transport Museum
Warwick Castle
Compton Verney
Home to the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. Discover fascinating stories of Coventry and its people through the rise and fall of its biggest industry.
Playing host to more than 1,000 years of history, magic, myth and adventure, the castle this summer features the brand new War Of The Roses Live! attraction.
One hundred-and-twenty acres of stunning parkland and lake surround an award-winning art gallery. There’s also an on-site adventure playground for kids.
Coventry CV1 1JD
Warwick, CV34 4QU
Warwick, CV35 9HZ
transport-museum.com
warwick-castle.com
comptonverney.org.uk
• British Motor Museum • Coventry Cathedral • Fargo Village • Hatton Adventure World • Kenilworth Castle • National Motorcycle Museum • Ragley Hall • Shakespeare’s Birthplace • Stratford Butterfly Farm • Stoneleigh Abbey • The MAD Museum
Wolverhampton & Black Country You may also like...
RAF Museum Cosford
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Black Country Living Museum
Over 70 historic aircraft are here displayed in three wartime hangars on an active airfield. The collection spans nearly 80 years of aviation history.
This free-to-visit gallery has over 300 years of art to explore. The popular LEGO exhibition, Brick Wonders, features until July. Lichfield St, W’hampton WV1 1DU
Visitors can explore period shops and houses and discover what it was like to live and work in one of the world’s most industrialised landscapes.
Lyssander Ave, Cosford, TF11 8UP
wolverhamptonart.org.uk
Tipton Rd, Dudley DY1 4SQ
rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford
• Bantock House • Bilston Craft Gallery • Dudley Canal Trust • Dudley Zoo & Castle • Himley Hall • Northycote Farm & Country Park • Red House Glass Cone • Walsall Arboretum • Wightwick Manor • Wolves Museum
bclm.co.uk
Worcestershire You may also like...
Avoncroft Museum
The Commandery
Arley Arboretum
Set in 19 acres of Worcestershire countryside, this independent museum features buildings spanning a 700-year period.
A beautiful building that’s most famous for being the Royalist headquarters during the deciding conflict of the English Civil War, the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
The Arboretum offers plenty to enjoy for visitors of all ages. Attractions include an Italian garden with fountain, dinosaur and fairy trails and a maze.
Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU
Upper Arley, Nr Bewdley, DY12 1SQ
worcestershire.gov.uk/museums
arleyarboretum.co.uk
Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR avoncroft.org.uk
• Croome Park • Forge Mill Needle Museum • Harvington Hall • Museum of Royal Worcester • Severn Valley Railway • West Midlands Safari Park • Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery • Witley Court & Gardens
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Events previews from around the region
Events
The Baby Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May
Sleep-deprived new parents would do well to call on their reserves of energy and get along to this popular show. Widely considered to be the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, The Baby Show brings together leading retailers and brands, includes one-to-one demonstrations and provides the opportunity to ‘touch, feel and compare’ items, enabling shoppers to make an informed decision about their purchases. The show also offers free advice on topics such as sleeping, breastfeeding and weaning, and comes complete with a host of facilities to help you have a hassle-free day. We’re fairly sure that if your baby could talk, they’d advise you to attend...
Ludlow Food Spring Festival
This Morning Live NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 May
This brand new lifestyle show, inspired by ITV1’s This Morning programme, features appearances by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby (pictured), the presenters of the popular daytime television series. The event also boasts numerous lifestyle elements, including fashion & style, food & drink, home, gardening, pets, beauty, and health & wellbeing. Commenting on the four-day show, Emma Gormley, ITV Daytime Managing Director, said: “With our fantastic presenting talent and the wonderful mix of content that we'll be taking on the road, this event promises to delight fans of the show across the country.”
Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May
This annual festival ably illustrates why Ludlow is one of the country’s most reputable foodie towns. The two-day event features more than 200 beers alongside an array of food stalls, with vendors offering delectable delights ranging from artisan flours to charcuterie, award-winning cakes, gourmet sausage rolls and local cheeses. The Marches Transport Festival and a wealth of musical entertainment complete the weekend’s programme of attractions.
Tudor Weekend Blakesley Hall, Birmingham, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May
Visitors to Blakesley Hall get the chance to participate in Tudor games and dancing, or try their hand at writing with a quill pen, at this family-friendly event. Tudor reenactors entertain and educate throughout the weekend, presenting Shakespeare's Richard III and battle scenes from Henry V, as well as demonstrating a range of sure-to-be-impressive sword-fighting techniques. Tudor-style cooking is also on the agenda, while a number of Tudor characters will be showing off their textile skills. Sounds like a step back in time that could be well worth taking... whatsonlive.co.uk 45
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MEETING POINT: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square TOUR TIMES: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm CONTACT:
0121 427 2555 / 07805 115 998 enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
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Events
Events previews from around the region
Telford Kite Festival Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Sun 7 May
READER OFFER! 20% off for What’s On Readers when quoting
Jurassic Kingdom: Where Dinosaurs Come To Life
WHATSON20 when booking
Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sat 20 May - Sun 4 June
Monstrously good fun is on the cards for dinosaur-loving visitors to this brand new touring event. Featuring more than 30 impressive installations of animated dinosaurs with electronic moving parts, the show is being marketed as ‘a truly awesome educational and entertaining Jurassic experience’. And there’s every reason to imagine it will be exactly that...
Wool@J13 Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May
As visitors explore the gardens, they’ll uncover life-sized replica dinosaurs, including both Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. An education marquee, hosting a number of on-screen dinosaur documentaries, ensures that youngsters can learn as well as enjoy, while a special excavation scene provides children with the chance to dig up dinosaur bones. To book, visit jurassickingdom.uk
Dragon Hunt
Color Obstacle Rush
Tamworth Castle, Sat 27 May - Fri 2 June
Wolverhampton Racecourse, Sat 27 May
Two dragons for the price of one is the springtime holiday treat for families visiting Tamworth Castle this half term. As well as resident dragon Ruby, the venue is also playing host to Hafgrim, her mischief-making brother, who’s got himself lost somewhere within the castle and its grounds. Visitors are invited to help find him, along the way participating in a selection of dragon-friendly activities... Best be vigilant, though - the evil ‘dragon catcher’ is on the prowl and will stop at nothing to capture Ruby or Hafgrim. What a rotter!
One of the premier groups of its kind in the UK - the Midlands Kite Flyers Association - is coordinating this free-to-attend day of highflying fun. As well as enjoying colourful kite displays, visitors can also get handy tips and design ideas from experts, to help them build their own kite in a special workshop. Kite-making sessions for kids will be taking place at Telford Shopping Centre in the run-up to the event.
This multicoloured event became hugely popular across Scandinavia following its Finland launch in 2014. Expanding into the US and Europe the following year, it combines ‘the fun of colour powdered runs, the thrill of an obstacle course and the atmosphere of a music festival’. Obstacles in the 2017 edition of the show include inflatables - some with colour stations inside them - a sponge ball ocean, space-hopper racing and water balloon fights. The event also features 20 music zones, positioned at locations around the course, and a special chill-out area.
This brand new wool and yarn festival is taking place on a 600acre farm just one mile from Junction 13 of the M6 - hence the event’s name. The festival is being organised by Staffordshire-based wool artist Ingrid Wagner in collaboration with Val James, who runs a successful farm attraction. “We want to offer visitors a great experience,” says Ingrid. “Overall, we’ve had a great response from exhibitors, so the shopping experience really will be buzzing. We have bagots and baguettes, llamas and lattes, doe-eyed donkeys, a gaggle of geese and even a rescued reptile - and that’s before we even get to the Hebrideans and a Jacob or two!” whatsonlive.co.uk 47
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Events
Events previews from around the region
Shropshire Kids Festival The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May
‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of this high-energy weekend, with plenty of arts & crafts events and workshops allowing children to get hands-on while they learn. Other attractions include a 75m water slide, a helter-skelter and a go-kart track, the chance to play a host of sports and take part in jujitsu, karate and yoga sessions. There’s an inflatable obstacle course too, and ‘wacky races’ with water balloons and space hoppers. A circus skills tent, kids cookery classes and a ‘not to be missed’ foam party further add to the fun.
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone™ In Concert Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Mon 15 May
The present-day passion for Potter shows no sign of abating, particularly after the stage production of The Cursed Child bagged a record-breaking nine prizes at last month’s Olivier Awards. This latest touring attraction for fans of JK Rowling’s wizarding world features a highdefinition screening of the very first Potter movie. It’s accompanied by a live Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performance of the film’s score, composed by the legendary John Williams.
Museums At Night: 1960s Party Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 20 May
Enginuity’s contribution to this year’s nationwide Museums At Night festival sees the popular Ironbridge Gorge attraction hosting a free-entry 1960s party. The event features the chance to play popular board games of the time - including
Twister, Operation and Mousetrap - enjoy a performance of memorable jukebox hits by a local musical theatre group. and roll back the years with a glass of sparkling Babycham or Blue Nun wine. Visitors are encouraged to get into the Swinging ’60s spirit of things by attending the event in era-appropriate fancy dress.
Red By Night Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 20 May
Flying sparks, clanging hammers and rising smoke are much in evidence at this special Black Country Living Museum event. The Dudley visitor attraction’s annual Night At The Museum celebration this year brings to life the history of the region via a package of entertainment that includes theatre performances, poetry, music and storytelling. There’s also the chance to see the Endurance steam engine in action. Plenty of traditional food and drink should ensure the sound of rumbling stomachs isn’t added to the museum’s cacophony of industrial noises.
Staffordshire County Show Staffordshire County Showground, Wed 31 May - Thurs 1 June
Staffordshire’s annual two-day county show makes a welcome return, complete with its usual eclectic mix of attractions and entertainment. The main-ring programme of events features displays from the Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, vintage machinery and livestock parades, show jumping and young farmers floats. Highlights elsewhere at the Showground include falconry, sheepdog and duck displays, donkey rides, craft and antique fairs and a cookery theatre & food hall.
War Of The Roses Live! Warwick Castle, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June
Branded by Warwick Castle as a heartpumping, fist-thumping, live-action horseback battle with jaw-dropping special effects, War Of The Roses Live! invites visitors to pledge their allegiance either to King Henry VI from the House of Lancaster, or to the House of York as it challenges for the English throne. The show takes place on selected dates between this month and September.
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thelist
The List Cover May Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:59 Page 2
Your week by week listings guide May 2017
Let’s Rock Shrewsbury at The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury - Saturday 27 May
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I
What’s On
and more!
Mon 1 to Sun 7 May
Mon 8 to Sun 14 May
Mon 15 to Fri 21 May
Mon 23 to Wed 31 May
Tia McGraff at Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury
Evita at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Chinese State Circus at The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
Sun 7 May
Tues 9 - Sat 13 May
Wed 17 - Sun 21 May
Ruby Turner at the Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock Sun 28 May
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thelist
THROUGHOUT MAY
Visual Arts Bilston Craft Gallery DISCOVER DINOSAURS A new familyfriendly exhibition exploring the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs, until Sun 13 Aug
New Art Gallery - Walsall NEW JOANNE MASDING A solo exhibition of new work by Birminghambased artist Joanne Masding, Fri 5 May - Sun 30 July NEW SOHEILA SOKHANVARI Soheila is an Iranian-born artist whose multidisciplinary work weaves layers of political histories with bizarre, humorous and mysterious narratives that are then left to the viewer’s own sensitivity to complete, Fri 26 May - Sun 3 Sept
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ANN SUTTON: ON THE GRID Touring exhibition bringing the work of Ann Sutton back to her Stoke-on-Trent roots and showcasing a new body of work inspired by her travels, until Sun 27 Aug
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery RHYME AROUND THE WORLD Featuring artwork by much-loved, bestselling and acclaimed illustrators, including Robert Ingpen, Shirley Hughes, Axel Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Mini Grey, Jessica Ahlberg and Polly Dunbar, until Sun 7 May
The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE, PHOTO CANOPY 2 Mon 1 - Sat 20 May BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COLLEGE, DEGREE SHOW Mon 29 May - Sat 10 June
Wolverhampton Art Gallery BRICK WONDERS Exhibition of over 70 amazing models, including the Great Wall of China and Niagara Falls, until Tues 4 July BACK TO BLACK A Black History Month exhibition of artwork by contemporary Black British artists, until Sun 31 Dec
Other VISUAL ARTS FRANS WESSELMAN Exhibition of etchings, woodcuts and stained glass, until Sat 6 May, Silk Top Hat Gallery, Ludlow
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JOY IN THE EVERYDAY Solo exhibition by artist Kanj Nicholas, until Tues 9 May, Bantock House & Park, Wolverhampton TOY THEATRE This exhibition charts the history of toy theatre through a range of examples from the National Puppetry Archive, until Sat 3 June, Bantock House & Park, Wolverhampton WILDLY BRITISH Artist Lauren van Helmond reveals her love of both making and painting, entwined with a fondness of old objects and animals, until Sun 2 July, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford ABSTRACT PAINTINGS: MARTIN LEWIS Solo exhibition featuring a selection of Martin's most recent works, until Mon 8 May, Qube Gallery, Oswestry ANGELA HARDING Showcase of new work by artist Angela Harding, until Sat 13 May, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock SPRING OPEN EXHIBITION The Feisty Felters and Pumed Gainc – A Fifth Branch, until Sat 27 May, The Willow Gallery, Oswestry TWO VIEWPOINTS Exhibition of work by equestrian artists Alison Wilson and Glynis Mills, Sat 29 Apr - Tues 30 May, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal NEW CURIOSITY: THE VISUAL FIELD OF INQUIRY EXHIBITION Society of Staffordshire Artists present a group exhibition illustrating the visual curiosity of the artist, Wed 3 May - Wed 7 June, Keele University NEW SECRET SEVERN ART TRAIL WEEKEND A weekend of art in the Ironbridge Gorge. A trail from Coalbrookdale to Jackfield, showcasing the art of Secret Severn's artists at many different locations. For trail map and details, visit secretsevern.co.uk, Fri 5 - Sun 7 May, Ironbridge Gorge NEW LAY OF THE LAND (AND OTHER SUCH MYTHS) Solo exhibition by artist Victoria Lucas, Fri 5 May - Fri 2 June, AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent NEW MARY FITZPATRICK Winner of the Qube Open People’s Choice Prize 2016, Mary will be exhibiting a selection of her more recent works, Thurs 11 May - Mon 12 June, Qube Gallery, Oswestry NEW JOY BELLINGHAM - SOLO EXHIBITION A selection of landscape paintings in watercolour, acrylics, oil, oil pastels and photography, Sun 14 Sat 27 May, The Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury NEW ELLESMERE ART EXHIBITION Exhibition featuring works by more than 75 nationally renowned artists and sculptors, Wed 31 May - Sun 4 June, Ellesmere College
Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May
Gigs
O2 Academy, B’ham
STEVE HACKETT Mon 1 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
SKINNY LISTER Fri 5 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
SHORTSTRAW Tues 2 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham
WHILE SHE SLEEPS Fri 5 May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
JOSE JAMES Tues 2 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham
DUETS FOR DJANGO Fri 5 May, Lichfield Garrick, Staffordshire
RAT BOY Tues 2 May, O2 Institute, B’ham
THE MAGIC GANG Fri 5 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham
MARIANAS TRENCH Tues 2 May, O2 Institure, Birmingham VICKY SPEEDBOAT, FULLSHORE & INSOMNIACS Tues 2 May, The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 3 May, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent LADIES OF THE BLUES Wed 3 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SAYWECANFLY Wed 3 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE MAGIC GANG Wed 3 May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent SEAFRET Wed 3 May, O2 Institute, B’ham NEVER 42 Wed 3 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton HARP AND A MONKEY Wed 3 May, The Red Lion Folk Club, B’ham UK SUBS Thurs 4 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton ANDREW COMBS Thurs 4 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE KING BLUES Thurs 4 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ELLA FITZGERALD AT 100 WITH MARTIN TAYLOR & ALISON BURNS Thurs 4 May, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-underLyme, Staffs
QUILL Fri 5 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton
ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW AND THE LOW RIDERS Fri 5 May, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Staffordshire WILL JOSEPH COOK Fri 5 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham CHERISH + MIZZ PINK Fri 5 May, The River Rooms, Stourbridge TAKE THAT Fri 5 - Sat 6 May, Genting Arena, Birmingham THE VERVE EXPERIENCE Sat 6 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham MORGAN HERITAGE & ETANA Sat 6 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham UNDEROATH Sat 6 May, O2 Institute, B’ham SETTING SONS Sat 6 May, The Flapper, Birmingham CHRIS JAGGER & THE KRONIES Sat 6 May, Ludlow Brewery, South Shropshire EXPLOSIVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA Sat 6 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton HUEY MORGAN FUN LOVIN' CRIMINALS FRONTMAN Sat 6 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham HAYSEED DIXIE Sat 6
May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent UK GUNS N' ROSES Sat 6 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 TRIBUTE Sat 6 May, The River Rooms, Stourbridge CLEAN CUT KID Sat 6 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham VIVA LA COLDPLAY Sat 6 May, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire SYNERGY Sat 6 May, Havana Republic Bar and Restaurant, Shrewsbury UNDER A BANNER Sat 6 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat 6 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham TIA MCGRAFF Sun 7 May, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury HANDS OF FIRE Sun 7 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE ROBERT CRAY BAND Sun 7 May, Birmingham Town Hall THE JOHN OTWAY BIG BAND Sun 7 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton HAYSEED DIXIE Sun 7 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton HOOPS Sun 7 May Hare & Hounds, Birmingham NANCY KERR AND THE SWEET VISITOR BAND Sun 7 May, Lichfield Guildhall MARTIN SIMPSON Sun 7 May, The Hive Shrewsbury
MAXIMO PARK Fri 5 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham BREAK & DLR Fri 5 May, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury DAVID LIVE - THE DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE SHOW Fri 5 May, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent THE BRAZEN Fri 5 May,
Tia McGraff - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury
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Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May
Classical Music Comedy PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: KONAN TANAKA Programme includes works by Mozart, Ravel, Lieberman & Chopin, Tues 2 May, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: NAFIS UMERKULOVA Tues 2 May, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire
DAVID TRENT, NICK DIXON & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY RICHARDSON Wed 3 May, The Glee Club, B’ham ALAN HUDSON, JULIAN DEANE, LENNY SHERMAN, JAY ISLAAM & LOU CONRAN Thurs 4 May, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs
RUSSELL WATSON & HIS ORCHESTRA Wed 3 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham
ANGELA BARNES, IAN D. MONTFORT, JACK BARRY & JAMES ALDERSON Thurs 4 May, The George Hotel, Lichfield
SACCONI QUARTET Thurs 4 May, The Bramall, Birmingham
KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs 4 May, Stourbridge Town Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Ben Gernon (conductor) & Alison Balsom (trumpet). Programme includes works by Beethoven, Haydn & Dvorak, Thurs 4 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
JON RICHARDSON Thurs 4 May, Birmingham Hippodrome
ENSEMBLE PHOENIX MUNICH: REQUIEM FOR A PINK MOON An Elizabethan tribute to Nick Drake, Thurs 4 May, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSIC SERVICES TUBA QUARTET Featuring Michael Howley & Lewis Musson (Euphonium), Jonathan Truscott & Jonathan Gawn (tuba), Fri 5 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham HESS' QUINTET FOR CONTRABASSOON Featuring Margaret Cookhorn (Contrabassoon), Jane Wright & Katherine Gittings (violins), Christopher Yates (viola), Helen Edgar (Cello) & Julian Atkinson (Double Bass). Programme includes Hess' Quintet for contrabassoon and strings Op.63 & Dvorak's Quintet in G, Op.77, Fri 5 May, CBSO Centre, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE POPS ORCHESTRA Featuring Christopher Houlding (conductor) & Eric McElroy (piano), Fri 5 May, Birmingham Town Hall SHEKU KANNEH MASON (CELLO) & ISATA KANNEH MASON (PIANO) Programme includes works by Beethoven & Shostakovich, Fri 5 May, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA Featuring Ben Gernon (conductor) & Alison Balsom (trumpet). Programme includes works by Beethoven, Barker & Dvorak, Sat 6 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE CELTIC TENORS Sun 7 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
RON VAUDRY, ANDY WILKY, JO ENRIGHT, STEPHEN DODD & ANGIE BELCHER Thurs 4 May, Ashmore Inn, Wolverhampton TOM TAYLOR, NICK DIXON, RON VAUDRY & MATT GREEN Fri 5 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, MARK NELSON, LEO KEARSE & SAM AVERY Fri 5 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, BARRY DODDS & BEN BRIGGS Fri 5 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham OMID DJALILI Fri 5 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ANDY WILKY, KEITH CARTER & ADAM STAUNTON Fri 5 May, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Fri 5 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton NICK DIXON, RON VAUDRY, MATT GREEN & COMIC TBC Sat 6 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, MARK NELSON, LEO KEARSE & SAM AVERY Sat 6 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, BARRY DODDS & BEN BRIGGS Sat 6 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham GARY DELANEY Sat 6 May, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham JOHN SIMMIT, CURTIS WALKER, THANYIA MOORE & LATEEF LOVEJOY Sat 6 May, mac, Birmingham
Theatre TO SIR, WITH LOVE New staging of ER Braithwaite's powerful story, adapted for the stage by the writer of East Is East, Ayub Khan-Din, until Sat 6 May, The REP, Birmingham
THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO COMPETITION FINAL Sun 7 May, The Bramall, Birmingham
DIAL M FOR MURDER Frederick Knott’s erotic tale of betrayal, passion and murder is best known from its 1954 Alfred Hitchcock-directed film version starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, until Sat 20 May, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Ursula Queen Of The Jungle The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury, Wed 3 - Sat 6 May
This new one-woman show tells the true story of a Kensington debutante who ended up living amongst the head-hunting Naga natives of North East India. “Ursula went out East to do a little anthropology,” explains the play’s writer, Chris Eldon Lee, “but she ended up organising the Nagas to ward off the threat of a Japanese invasion of India. In doing so, she became the only combatant female officer in the British Army. This wasn’t the ‘done thing’, of course, so she’s been lost in army records ever since as a ‘typist’. And so the legend of the ‘Naga Queen’ was born - a legend which became a strip cartoon in Girl Magazine.” The production stars Joanna Purslow, who appeared at the Wightman venue last year in a hugely successful production of Shakespeare’s Will. The show is here receiving its premiere prior to being performed at the Edinburgh Festival and in India.
ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Iqbal Khan (Much Ado About Nothing, Othello) returns to the RSC to direct Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and power. Part of the RSC’s Rome season, Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon JULIUS CAESAR Shakespeare’s bloody story of conspiracy and murder, noble intentions and ignoble actions. Part of the RSC’s Rome season, until Sat 9 Sep, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Dress up as your favourite character and experience Disney’s most popular animated film in a whole new light, Mon 1 May, Birmingham Hippodrome THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Awardwinning West End smash hit described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off, Mon 1 - Sat 6 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC Screening of the classic Julie Andrews musical in full-screen technicolour, complete with lyric subtitles so you can sing along, Tues 2 May, Birmingham Hippodrome GREAT EXPECTATIONS Birmingham Ormiston Academy present an amateur staging of Dickens’ penultimate
novel, Tues 2 May, The Old Rep, Birmingham 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Amateur production presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, Lichfield Garrick THE VERDICT Powerful bestselling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi-Academy Award-nominated film, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre DISCO INFERNO The Arcadians present the story of ambitious and talented hopeful Jack Flash, a man with a 'burning' desire to make it in the music business at any cost, Tues 2 Sat 6 May, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS THE MUSICAL Nostalgic musical featuring classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck Berry and many more, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SPAMALOT Musical Theatre Stafford present an amateur staging of Monty Python’s spoof on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
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Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May
Theatre, Telford, Shropshire
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN The horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty bits left in, Wed 3 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford
ANYONE FOR BREAKFAST? Amateur staging of Derek Benfield’s muchloved farce, Thurs 4 - Sat 13 May, Sutton Arts Centre, Sutton Coldfield
BETWEEN THE TWO Rochi Rampal & Daniel Tyler's story asks, where do we belong when the maps are redrawn?, Wed 3 - Thurs 4 May, The REP, Birmingham
PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS Non-sexual show featuring the ancient art of genital origami, Fri 5 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire
URSULA, QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE An ‘almighty girl's-own adventure’ telling the true story of BBC correspondent Mark Tully’s remarkable aunt, Wed 3 Sat 6 May, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
MOBY DICK Birmingham Ormiston Academy present an amateur staging of Herman Melville’s classic tale, Fri 5 May, The Old Rep, Birmingham
JUMPROV DEBUT SHOW Ninety-minute show completely made up on the spot and featuring classic improv games, Thurs 4 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 1984 Birmingham Ormiston Academy present an amateur staging of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, Thurs 4 May, The Old Rep, B’ham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit West End show using huge projection photos and original film footage to celebrate the iconic American duo, Thurs 4 May, The Place, Oakengates
WONDER WOMAN; THE NAKED TRUTH Notnow Collective address family, parenthood and work-home subjects in a challenging, highly visual and immersive way, Fri 5 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS Icarus Theatre Collective draw audiences into the unknown world of the Antarctic, where they stumble upon the horrors that lie beyond The Mountains of Madness, Fri 5 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury IN TENTS AND PURPOSES Humorous, time-hopping story exploring whether our lives are predetermined or
A musical brew of laugther and witchcraft!
9 July,
6.30pm
Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Tel: 01332 258328
15 - 16 July,
7.30pm
Mac, Birmingham
Tel: 01214 463232
21 - 22 July,
7.00pm
Nottingham Castle
Tel: 01158 077900
28 - 29 July,
7.30pm
Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford
Tel: 01332 258328
Full tour dates at 54 whatsonlive.co.uk
www.oddsocks.co.uk
shaped by our choices, Fri 5 May, mac, Birmingham QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE A ‘glorious, uplifting celebration of the urgent necessity to be your true self’, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE TRIALS OF GALILEO Icarus Theatre Collective present a ‘one-man rollercoaster’ focusing on the events surrounding Galileo’s heresy trial in 1633, Sat 6 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury FORGET ME NOT: THE ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNIT A one-man comedy poetry theatre show about how we treat and perceive people with dementia, Sat 6 May, mac, Birmingham THE LARAMIE PROJECT Iconic play, rarely performed in the UK, about the gay hate crime that shocked the world and led to the US's Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, Sat 6 - Sat 20 May, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ULLA’S ODYSSEY OperaUpClose present a nautical fantasy fusing puppetry and live music, Sun 7 May, mac, Birmingham
Dance ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ballet Theatre UK present a choreographed performance of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s tale, Thurs 4 May, Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET TRIPLE BILL Three works highlighting the diversity of classical ballet: Kenneth MacMillan’s Solitaire; Hans van Manen’s 5 Tangos; and the G&S-inspired Pineapple Poll, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 4 May; Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 4 May BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG)
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Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May Fantasy/Musical. Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, until Thurs 4 May; Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, until Thurs 4 May; Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Fri 5 May THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin. Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 4 May; Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 5 Thurs 11 May MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 2 May MULHOLLAND DRIVE (15) Mystery/Thriller. Starring Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 2 May TRESPASS AGAINST US (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 2 - Wed 3 May TAXI (15) Action/Comedy. Starring Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon. The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-uponTrent, Thurs 4 May I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12a) Documentary. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, James Baldwin. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 4 May FREE FIRE (15) Crime/Thriller. Starring Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May
NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 5 May, showing at selected cinemas A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) HARMONIUM (15) MINDHORN (15) SLEEPLESS (15) UNLOCKED (15) WHISKY GALORE! (PG)
Events
seum, Dudley TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Drop-in event where visitors can learn the tile decorating technique known as ‘tube lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’ to create their own tile to take home, Tues 2 May, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the rarely seen backstage areas of the theatre, as The REP invites you to be an audience member, set builder, prosthetics maker or assistant stage manager, Thurs 4 May, The REP, Birmingham GUNG-HO! Thrill-seekers will hit speeds of up to 40mph on Europe’s tallest inflatable slide, which has been transformed for the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course’s return to the Midlands, Sat 6 May, Cofton Park, Birmingham CANCER RESEARCH RACE FOR LIFE: PRETTY MUDDY Sat 6 May, Weston Park, Staffs R.M.S TITANIC: MADE IN THE MIDLANDS Join Titanic expert Andrew Lound as he explores the role played by the people and the varied industries of the Midlands in the life of the most famous ship in the world, Sat 6 May, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent
DELBOY AND RODNEY SITCOM EXPERIENCE THE COMEDY DINNER SHOW Saturday 27th May, 2.00pm
MARTY MACDONALD’S TOY MACHINE
Saturday 3rd June, 7.30pm
CLOUDBUSTING
Sunday 4th June, 2.00pm
DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON
STAFFORDSHIRE PLATE RACEDAY Sat 6 May, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffs
Thursday 8th June, 7.30pm
JUNIOR HERITAGE SKILLS WORKSHOPS Take part in a range of hands-on traditional art & craft activities, and find out about the rich manufacturing heritage of the Black Country, Sat 6 May, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
I WAS A TEENAGE CHRISTIAN TOUR
VE DAY CELEBRATION Collect your ration book and use the coupons to join in with a variety of events and activities to celebrate VE Day. Free entry, small charges for some activities, Sat 6 May, Museum of Cannock Chase SOOTY'S BIRTHDAY BAKE OFF Direct from the hit CITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo bake a chocolate cake with a sprinkle of Cadbury magic, Sat 6 - Sun 7 May, Cadbury World, Bournville
DINO DAY Look on as T-Rex and Velociraptor prowl around the farm, Mon 1 May, National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton-on-Trent
TELFORD KITE FESTIVAL Join members of the Midlands Kite Fliers and fly your kite in the park, Sun 7 May, Telford Town Park, Shropshire
STAFFORD MORRIS MEN Traditional Morris Dancing for May Day, Mon 1 May, Moseley Old Hall, Nr Wolverhampton
TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore 550 stands filled with all kinds of collectables from the UK’s leading dealers, Sun 7 May, NEC, Birmingham
COSTUMED TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE Explore the elegant Georgian home of Birmingham's foremost industrialist Matthew Boulton, Mon 1 May, Soho House, Birmingham
MUDDY PUDDLES Join Ben Faulks, aka CBeebies’ Mr Bloom to find out what could be beneath the surface of a common or garden puddle. Children’s event which forms part of Shrewsbury Bookfest, Sun 7 May, Shrewsbury High School Prep, Old Roman Rd, Shrewsbury
MAY DAY AT THE MUSEUM Watch as Maypole dancers weave their magic, Mon 1 May, Black Country Living Mu-
Friday 26th May, 7.30pm
KATY BRAND
Friday 9th June,7.30pm
SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK
Saturday 10th June,7.30pm
A CELEBRATION OF NEIL DIAMOND
Wednesday 14th June, 2.00pm
THE VERA LYNN STORY
Saturday 17th June, 7.30pm
THE DREAMERS
TWC GP 01220
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KING OF POP Mon 8 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham J HUS Mon 8 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE PARROTS Mon 8 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham DEVON ALLMAN WITH HIS BAND Mon 8 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton ASH MAMMAL Mon 8 May, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham THE RIFLES Mon 8 May, The Glee Club, B’ham C DUNCAN Mon 8 May, Hare & Hounds, B’ham BONFIRE RADICALS Mon 8 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham LANKUM Mon 8 May, mac, Birmingham KATATONIA Tues 9 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton MIKE DENVER Tues 9 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire NAPALM DEATH Tues 9 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH IAN MCCULLOCH Tues 9 May, The Robin, Bilston DAN WALSH Wed 10 May, The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire THE ONE HUNDRED Wed 10 May, The Asylum, Birmingham THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 10 May, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent THE KITCHEN COLLECTIVE, KHALIQ, FLYING ANT DAY + MIDNIGHT RUNAWAY Wed 10 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton MARK LEWANDOWSKI Wed 10 May, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire
WOMEN IN ROCK Wed 10 May, Eleven, Stoke-onTrent SIMON MAYOR AND THE MANDOLINQUENTS Wed 10 May, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-underLyme
Monday 8 - Sunday 14 May Symphony Hall, B’ham IMAGINED ISLE Fri 12 Sun 14 May Birmingham Town Hall THE FESTIVALS EXPERIENCE Sat 13 May, The River Rooms, Stourbridge
THE DOVETAIL TRIO & NINEBARROW Wed 10 May, The Red Lion Folk Club, Birmingham
THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY Sat 13 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
NEIL SANDS' MUSIC & MEMORIES Thurs 11 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire
JUDAS Sat 13 May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent
3 DAFT MONKEYS Thurs 11 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE NEIL DIAMOND STORY Thurs 11 May, The Robin, Bilston BOO HEWERDINE BAND Thurs 11 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham HE IS LEGEND Thurs 11 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham PROCOL HARUM Thurs 11 May, Birmingham Town Hall CHARLOTTE CHURCH'S LATE NIGHT POP DUNGEON Fri 12 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham ELHAE Fri 12 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham
SCREAMING QUAYS Sat 13 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham CKY Sat 13 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham ROCK 4 SPON - THE NEW SAINTS, BAD FLOWERS, SHYYNE, SCIATTICA & JT VALENTINE Sat 13 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton THE CRIBS Sat 13 May, O2 Institute, B’ham THE JAPANESE HOUSE Sat 13 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham TIPITINA IN CONCERT Sat 13 May, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire BRANDON ALLEN QUARTET PLAYS GENE AMMONS Sat 13 May, The Hive, Shrewsbury
FAILURE IS AN OPTION Fri 12 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham
FAMILY CEILIDH WITH RABSCALLION Sat 13 May, Birmingham Town Hall
HAT FITZ AND CARA Fri 12 May, SpArC, Bishops Castle, South Shropshire
FAIRPORT CONVENTION Sat 13 May, Birmingham Town Hall
THE STARS FROM THE COMMITMENTS Fri 12 May, The Robin, Bilston THE JIVE ACES Fri 12 May, Lichfield Guildhallb DJ FORMAT & ABDOMINAL Fri 12 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
ROBIN NOLAN TRIO Sun 14 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Shropshire MR PUNCH PERFORMS MARILLION Sun 14 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton JON BODEN Sun 14 May, Birmingham Town Hall
ADAM ANT Fri 12 May,
VO FLETCHER Wed 10 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
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THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT Programme includes works by Vaughan Williams, Wammes, Hollins, Locklair & Widor, Mon 8 May, Birmingham Town Hall ULSTER ORCHESTRA Featuring Rafael Payare (conductor) & Alina Ibragimova (violin). Programme includes works by Brahms & Sibelius, Mon 8 May, Birmingham Town Hall BEATRICE RANA PERFORMS BACH’S GOLDBERG VARIATIONS Tues 9 May, Birmingham Town Hall ALEXAI KISELIOV (PIANO) & ANDREY IVANOV (PIANO) Programme comprises Rachmaninov’s Sonata for Cello & Piano in G minor Op.19, Tues 9 May, Lyttleton Lecture Theatre, Birmingham & Midland Institute
Katatonia - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
ANDY HAMILTON Wed 10 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre JON RICHARDSON Wed 10 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford BARBARA NICE, MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 10 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY RICHARDSON Thurs 11 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham MARK THOMAS Thurs 11 May, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield BARBARA NICE, TONY HAWKE & DARREN HARRIOTT Fri 12 May, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN, LLOYD LANGFORD & CARLY SMALLMAN Fri 12 May, The Glee Club, B’ham
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring John Wilson (conductor), Rachel Kelly (Mezzo soprano) & Neal Davies (baritone). Programme includes works by Vaughan Williams & Bax, Wed 10 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
ANDY ZALTZMAN Fri 12 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham
CHANTEUSE CHAMBER CHOIR Thurs 11 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 12 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford
BRAHMS SEXTET Featuring Caroline Simon & Gabriel Dyker (violins), Catherine Bower & Amy Thomas (violas), Eduardo Vassallo & Helen Edgar (cellos), Programme comprises Brahms' String Sextet in B flat, Op.18, Thurs 11 May, CBSO Centre, Birmingham
REGINALD D HUNTER Fri 12 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring Stephen Bell (conductor) & Joshua Ellicott (tenor). Programme includes works by Suppé, Josef Strauss & Lehar, Fri 12 May, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent
RICH WILSON, DAMIAN CLARK, STEVE BUGEJA & COMIC TBC Sat 13 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham
MICHAEL TSALKA FORTEPIANO Lunchtime concert featuring works by CPE Bach, WF Bach, Mozart, Cherubini & Beethoven, Fri 12 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham ORGAN PROMS Sat 13 May, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent LUDLOW ORCHESTRA Featuring soloist Liang Shan. Programme includes works by Wagner, Rachmaninov & Brahms, Sat 13 May, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire
RICH WILSON, DAMIAN CLARK, STEVE BUGEJA & COMIC TBC Fri 12 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham
HARRIET KEMSLEY & KATE LUCAS Fri 12 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN, LLOYD LANGFORD & CARLY SMALLMAN Sat 13 May, The Glee Club, B’ham
JOHN LYNN, JULIET MEYERS & SIMON BLIGH Sat 13 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham RICHARD HERRING Sat 13 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ANDY PARSONS Sat 13 May, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham DESI CENTRAL, PRINCE ABID, GUZ KHAN, SINDHU VEE, ESHANN AKBAR & PATRICK MONAHAN Sun 14 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham LEE NELSON Sun 14 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
ORCHESTRA PRO ANIMA Featuring Michael Bochmann MBE. Programme includes works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach, Dvorak, Bottesini, Strauss, Warlock & Grainger, Sun 14 May, The Roses, Kidderminster CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET III Special performance promising a fascinating insight into the complex character of Beethoven’s world, Sun 14 May, Concord College, Acton Burnell, Shropshire
BEANS ON TOAST Wed 10 May, The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton THE FUREYS’ Wed 10 May Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire
Classical Music Comedy
ENGLISH COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION Sun 14 May, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffordshire
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Monday 8 - Sunday 14 May Severn, Shrewsbury
Theatre WOMAN IN WHITE Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster
EVITA Emma Hatton (Wicked) stars as Eva Peron in Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit musical, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL Alexandra Burke takes the lead in a new production based on the hit movie of the same name, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
MEET FRED Hijinx Theatre present ‘an innovative production with an urgent human story at its heart’. Suitable for audience members aged 14-plus, Tues 9 May, mac, Birmingham I WANT LOVE (PART 1) Hannah Ringham's story of a break up and a search for new love, Tues 9 - Wed 10 May, The REP, Birmingham FOOTLOOSE Amateur production presented by Shrewsbury College’s HQPA, Tues 9 - Fri 12 May, Theatre
17 - 18 May, 20 - 22 June, 29 June, 15 - 16 July, 28 - 29 July,
7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm
FUNNY GIRL Sheridan Smith takes the lead in the touring production of the much-loved musical, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Birmingham Hippodrome LUCKY SODS John Godber’s candid black comedy about a couple who have nothing on a Friday and are millionaires on a Saturday, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham OLIVER! Amateur production presented by the Tudor Musical Comedy Society, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Lichfield Garrick Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Oakengates Theatre, Telford Mac, Birmingham Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford
Full tour dates at
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage adaptation of Judith Kerr's muchloved picture book for children, Wed 10 - Thurs 11 May, Lichfield Garrick 9 TO 5 Amateur production presented by students of the Wolverhampton Musical Theatre, Wed 10 - Sat 13 May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
LA STRADA Sally Cookson's stage adaptation of Federico Fellini's Oscarwinning movie masterpiece, Mon 8 Sat 13 May, The REP, Birmingham NOT DEAD ENOUGH Bill Ward and Laura Whitmore star in Peter James’ thriller, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
A WOMB OF ONE’S OWN Ambitious fourhander in which four different actresses play Babygirl and an absurd cast of characters, Wed 10 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
AM I DEAD YET? A show asking what happens when we die, how we think about dying and whether some of us might be brought back, Thurs 11 Sat 13 May, The REP, Birmingham VICE VERSA ‘Side-splitting’ romp, lovingly ripped off from the Roman comedies of Plautus, Thurs 11 May Sat 9 Sept, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon I AM JOAN One-woman show about trauma, resilience and self-belief, Fri 12 May, mac, Birmingham ALL IS WELL New writing exploring the true cost of nuclear power, Fri 12 Sat 13 May, mac, Birmingham THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKE-
SPEARE Groove to the Othello Rap, indulge in Titus Andronicus - The Cooking Show, and try to keep up with Hamlet backwards, Fri 12 - Sat 13 May, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire BRIAN CONLEY: THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER (IN HIS PRICE RANGE) All-new show featuring brand new comedy, sketches & songs, Sat 13 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE STARSHIP OSIRIS Award-winning intergalactic comedy farce from Willis & Vere, Sat 13 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham JUST LIKE THAT! ‘All-encapsulating’ celebration of Tommy Cooper, Sat 13 May, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham THE DEATH SHOW Lucy Nicholls & Antonia Beck invite audiences to celebrate their own mortality, stick two fingers up at the Grim Reaper and discover why talking about death is incredibly life-affirming, Sun 14 May, mac, Birmingham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit West End show using huge projection photos and original film footage to celebrate the iconic American duo, Sun 14 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Tel: 01543 412121 Tel: 02476 553055 Tel: 01952 382382 Tel: 01214 463232 Tel: 01332 258328
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Monday 8 - Sunday 14 May
Dance
days of ‘fabulous’ walks and events, Fri 12 - Sun 14 May, Whitchurch Heritage Centre
AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE & NATALIE LOWE Strictly’s favourite couple are back with a bang after their first successful UK tour, Tues 9 May, Lichfield Garrick
BODYPOWER EXPO 2017 The biggest indoor fitness expo in the world, Fri 12 - Sun 14 May, NEC, Birmingham HANDICRAFT WEEKEND Focus on the hand-made parts of the collection, from lace to embroidery, Fri 12 - Mon 15 May, Sunnycroft, Telford MATCHROOM BOXING - THE HOMECOMING Kal Yafai makes the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title, Sat 13 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
REUNION Ana Morales Flamenco Co & Flamenco Edition ’17 present an evening of passionate flamenco, Wed 10 - Thurs 11 May, DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome ASIAN SPRING 2017 Lively celebration of South Asian dance, Sun 14 May, Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, Birmingham
INDEPENDENT BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL Showcasing the very best of Birmingham’s independent restaurants, bars, pubs, street food traders, retailers, artists, designers and producers, Sat 13 May, The Bond Complex, B’ham MAGICAL LANDS Selly Manor is transformed into magical kingdoms from classic stories and fairytales. Meet Snow White, Peter Pan, Cinderella and Jack and his beanstalk. Visit the School of Wizardry, enjoy storytelling sessions and a ‘magical’ trail, Sat 13 May, Selly Manor, Birmingham WOOL@J13 A celebration of all things woolly, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, Lower Drayton Farm, Stafford
Talks
MARCHES TRANSPORT FESTIVAL The 32nd festival of its kind takes place alongside the eighth Ludlow Spring Festival, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire
AN AUDIENCE WITH ALLAN LAMB An evening with the ex-Northamptonshire and England cricketer, Thurs 11 May, The Bramall, University of Birmingham
SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL A weekend of fun for youngsters of all ages, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
PROFESSOR BRIAN COX LIVE ‘A dazzling journey through space and time, delving into high science and freewheeling on the edges of the known cosmos’, Fri 12 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
Events WWE LIVE WWE stars live in action, Wed 10 May, Genting Arena, B’ham AN AUDIENCE WITH ALLAN LAMB An evening with the ex-Northamptonshire and England cricketer, Thurs 11 May, The Bramall, Birmingham BAMMA 29 Mixed martial arts promotion, Fri 12 May, Genting Arena, Birmingham HANDICRAFTS WEEKEND Fri 12 May, Sunnycroft, Telford, Shropshire LUDLOW SPRING FESTIVAL Featuring more than 180 local food & drink producers and suppliers, Fri 12 - Sun 14 May, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire
NATIONAL FOREST WALKING FESTIVAL Featuring a programme of varied walks exploring this ever changing landscape. Walks available for all tastes and abilities, Sat 13 - Thurs 25 May, The National Forest, Swadlincote, Derbyshire PUGFEST BIRMINGHAM The UK’s biggest pug festival returns to Birmingham for a Jurassic Pug charity fundraising event, Sun 14 May, PawPounders Dog Daycare Centre, Birmingham JANE AUSTEN AFTERNOON TEA: ROMP THROUGH THE REGENCY Discover both the high spots and low points during the ‘most colourful’ period of our nation’s history, Sun 14 May, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent LLANGOLLEN MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL Featuring stalls offering alternative therapies, psychic readings, mediumship and more, Sun 14 May, Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen
COMING SOON... 5 May, 8pm Andy Fairweather-Low & The Low Riders Tickets: £20
6 May, 7pm
Stephanie Parrott’s Midland Youth Ballet
Swan Lake Tickets: £10
16- 20 May, 7.30pm 2.30pm Sat Mat The Mellow Dramatics
Gypsy
Tickets: £12, £10 Tues & Sat Mat
22 May, 11am & 2.30pm Hubbub Theatre
Kessoku ReMix! Tickets: £XX.XX
23 & 24 May, 7pm
2pm Wed Mat Burton & South Derbyshire College
Rock of Ages
Tickets: £7, £5 (Conc.)
26 May & 2 June, 7.30pm The Burton Musical Theatre Company
Summer Concert Tickets: £10
30 May, 1pm & 3pm M6 Theatre Company
One Little Word Tickets: £6, £20 (Family)
3 June, 8pm Joel DommettO LIVE UT
D SOL
Tickets: £15
5 May 8pm
At Burton Town Hall
Russell Kane – Right Man, Wrong Age
Tickets: £20
Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT
www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre,
Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA
FINE FOOD & ARTISAN FAIR Sun 14 May, World Of Wedgwood, Stoke-onTrent
WHITCHURCH WALKING FESTIVAL Three
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thelist Gigs
LOWLY Mon 15 May, Hare & Hounds, B’ham GAVIN DEGRAW Mon 15 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE IN CONCERT Mon 15 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham JOHN DOYLE Tues 16 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham SHAWN SMITH Tues 16 May, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham NATIVES Wed 17 May, O2 Academy, B’ham NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Wed 17 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 17 May, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent MISFIRES Wed 17 May, Hare & Hounds, B’ham EVAN DANDO Wed 17 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton DEAN FRIEDMAN Wed 17 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton JON GOMM Wed 17 May, Hare & Hounds, B’ham WHEATUS Wed 17 May, O2 Academy, B’ham KING OF POP Thurs 18 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire STEVE RODGERS & HIS BAND Thurs 18 May, The Robin, Bilston CASSIA, EMBER WEIR & THE AMERICAS Thurs 18 May, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
EMILY SMITH & JAMIE MCCLENNAN Fri 19 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury EVERYTHING FITZ Fri 19 May, SpArC, Bishops Castle, South Shropshire ELVIS BY JASON DALE Fri 19 May, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent ALMA Fri 19 May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-onTrent OLLIE HUGHES AS ROBBIE WILLIAMS Fri 19 May, The River Rooms, Stourbridge THE VAMPS Fri 19 May, Genting Arena, B’ham
LEFTFIELD Fri 19 May, O2 Institute, B’ham PANIC ROOM Fri 19 May, The Robin, Bilston ALEXANDER O'NEAL Fri 19 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN Fri 19 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE BIG CHRIS BARBER BAND Fri 19 May, Lichfield Garrick, Lichfied TRANSMISSION (JOY DIVISION TRIBUTE) Fri 19 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton DURAN DURAN EXPERIENCE Sat 20 May, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shropshire SOUL PARTY NIGHT WITH SOUL CITY Sat 20 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire IVORY WAVE & SOCIAL STATE Sat 20 May, The Sunflower Lounge,
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May Birmingham BRIAN POOLE & THE TREMELOES Sat 20 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury GEHTIKA Sat 20 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham SACK SABBATH Sat 20 May, Eleven, Stoke-onTrent THE MEHARIS Sat 20 May, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge U2-2 Sat 20 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton OUT OF TIME Sat 20 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton ECAUSE TO EFFECT Sat 20 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton HAZEL ENGLISH Sun 21 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ALBANY DOWN Sun 21 May, The Robin, Bilston LITTLE BROTHER ELI Sun 21 May, Lichfield Guildhall MONSTER MAGNET Sun 21 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham SIMPLE MINDS Sun 21 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SOUND OF THE SIRENS Sun 21 May, The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham IRON MAIDEN Sun 21 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham WHISKEY MYERS Sun 21 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham
Classical Music RAVI SHANKAR’S SUKANYA Ravi Shankar’s only opera, a mythical love story told through music & dance, Mon 15 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham GUANGZHOU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS THE FIREBIRD Featuring Long Lu (conductor), Jian Wang (cello) & Lei Jia (sheng). Programme includes works by Britten, Ye Xiaogang, Zhao Lin & Stravinsky, Tues 16 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MARTIN JAMES BARTLETT PIANO CONCERT Programme includes works by J S Bach, Enrique Granados Goyescas; Ginastera, Schumann, Vladimir Horowitz & Morton Gould, Wed 17 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: SYMPHONIC DANCES Featuring Karina Canellakis (conductor) & Cedric Tiberghien (piano). Programme includes works by Franck, Saint-Saens & Rachmaninov, Wed 17 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SUZANNE FISCHER (SOPRANO) & PANARETOS KYRIATZIDIS (PIANO) Programme includes works by Schubert, Hugo Wolf, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Debussy & Walton, Fri 19 May, The Barber Institute, Birmingham CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: UNDER THE SITAR WITH CITIZEN KHAN Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Adil Ray (presenter) & Surinder Sandhu (Musical Director), Fri 19 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham RODERICK WILLIAMS: EARTH AND AIR AND RAIN Also featuring Iain Burnside on piano. Programme includes works by Somervell, Bennett & Finzi, Fri 19 May, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire
Comedy COMEDY IN THE MET Mon 15 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 15 May, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham NATHAN CATON, SOFIE HAGEN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 18 May, The Glee Club, B‘ham JENNY ECLAIR Thurs 18 May, Dudley Town Hall
MICKY FLANAGAN Thurs 18 - Sat 20 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham HILARITY CHARITY GALA Thurs 18 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NATHAN CATON, ERIC LAMPAERT, CHRIS MCCAUSLAND & CLINT EDWARDS Fri 19 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROSS NOBLE, JEFF INNOCENT, VINCE ATTA & SCOTT BENNETT Fri 19 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham RICH HALL Fri 19 May, Stourbridge Town Hall
JO ENRIGHT, DUNCAN OAKLEY, WAYNE BEESE PLUS COMICS TBC Sat 20 May, David Lloyd, Dudley KABARET ANI MRU-MRU Sat 20 May, The Bramall, Birmingham NATHAN CATON, ERIC LAMPAERT, CHRIS MCCAUSLAND & CLINT EDWARDS Sat 20 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham
ARIANA GRANDE Thurs 18 May, Genting Arena, Birmingham
DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, JEFF INNOCENT, VINCE ATTA & SCOTT BENNETT Sat 20 May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham
JANE WEAVER Thurs 18 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham MADISON VIOLET Thurs 18 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham
THE OPERA BOYS Sat 20 May, Lichfield Garrick CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), Sat 20 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
ROGER HODGSON Thurs 18 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
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NATHAN LAUBE IN CONCERT Sat 20 May, St Chad’s Cathedral, B’ham
PATRICK MONAHAN, DARREN HARRIOT, FAYE TRACEY & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 19 May, Lichfield Garrick
EZIO Sun 21 May, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
THE BIG WOLF BAND Thurs 18 May, The Roadhouse, B’ham
KATHRYN TICKELL AND THE SIDE Thurs 18 May, mac, Birmingham
Hal Methodist Church, Walsall INTRICATE WEB: THE CHAMBER MUSIC OF LIZ JOHNSON Sat 20 May, CBSO Centre, Birmingham
Ezio - The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
THE LICHFIELD LIGHTHOUSE COMPANY An evening of sea shanties & songs from the seas, Sat 20 May, Central
TROY HAWKE, STEVE SHANYASKI & RORY O'HANLON Sat 20 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham REGINALD D HUNTER Sat 20 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MARK MAIER, PETE PHILLIPSON, CHRIS CAIRNS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 20 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BRIDGET CHRISTIE Sun 21 May, The REP, Birmingham
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Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May
Theatre
16 - Sat 20 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
ARCADIA Amateur production of Tom Stoppard’s play, which considers the relationship between past and present, order and disorder, certainty and uncertainty, Mon 15 - Sat 20 May, Attfield Theatre, Oswestry, North Shropshire HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN The horrible history of Britain, with all the nasty bits left in, Mon 15 - Tues 16 May, Lichfield Garrick THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit West End show using huge projection photos and original film footage to celebrate the iconic American duo, Tues 16 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LONG LOST FIRST PLAY (ABRIDGED) The Reduced Shakespeare Company present a ‘barnstormingly irreverent celebration of our cultural heritage’, Tues 16 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES John Partridge, Adrian Zmed and Marti Webb star in a new touring production of the smash-hit Broadway musical, Tues 16 - Sat 20 May, Birmingham Hippodrome MY COUNTRY: A WORK IN PROGRESS A National Theatre nationwide listening project in which people give their views of the country and town they live in, their lives, their futures and the EU referendum, Tues 16 - Sat 20 May, The REP, Birmingham SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, NO IRISH, NO DOGS Gazebo Theatre revisits one of its most powerful plays, an exploration of racism and migration, Wed 17 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire THE FOOTSIE CLUB Featuring ‘the cream of the UK cabaret scene’. Hosted by Stage Door Johnny, Wed 17 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ONCE ON THIS LAND South Staffordshire College & Momentum Performing Arts present a contemporary staging of The Little Mermaid, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 May, Lichfield Garrick ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks give a musical Mods & Rockers twist to the greatest love story ever told, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 May, Lichfield Garrick TOMMY New staging of the iconic rock musical, featuring music and lyrics by Pete Townshend, Wed 17 Sat 27 May, The REP, Birmingham
UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON DRAMA DEPARTMENT: DOUBLE BILL Featuring If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me? - a physical experiment featuring Newton’s third law - and Search For Identity - an exploration of identities via a journey through physical theatre, Tues 16 May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton RELATIVELY SPEAKING Alan Ayckbourn’s classic farce of mistaken identity and misunderstanding, Tues
RICHARD CARPENTER’S CLOSE TO YOU An epic concert of catchy tunes and harrowing psychological trauma from the smiliest piano player in pop-rock history, Thurs 18 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON TRIPLE BILL Featuring Miss Julie, We Are Such Things As Dreams Are Made Of and Seven Jewish Children, Thurs 18 May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
My Country; A Work In Progress - The REP, Birmingham
CHESHIRE CATS Amateur staging of Gail Young’s comedy, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 May, The Little Theatre, Donnington, Shropshire HOME CHAT Noel Coward’s early play about middle-class values and conventional morality, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 May, The Old Rep, Birmingham
B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL Enjoy the best from national and international artists, plus Birmingham’s finest hiphop talent, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, Birmingham Hippodrome
TINA T’URNER TEA LADY & AUDREY HEARTBURN Join award-winning musical comedian Tracey Collins as she performs a double bill featuring two iconic stars, Fri 19 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Musical adventure for children, featuring elves, princesses, games, songs and laughter, Fri 19 - Sat 20 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent LADIES IN LAVENDER Amateur staging of the heartwarming story, Fri 19 - Sat 27 May, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham VENTOUX A restaging of the epic Tour de France battle between Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani on the fearsome Mont Ventoux, Sat 20 May, Lichfield Garrick SCORCHED Told from the armchair of a care home and using new writing, physical theatre, period music, puppetry and projection to create a hazardous journey of remembrance, Sat 20 May, Ellesmere College Arts Centre, Ellesmere, North Shropshire DANIEL BYE: GOING VIRAL Unique storytelling, playful comedy and performance lecture come together to tell ‘a fantastical tale from the front line of an epidemic’, Sat 20 May, mac, Birmingham WHY ME Blue Mountain theatre present an inspirational story about three powerful Black women who turn their lives around to create the lives they deserve, Sun 21 May, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Scorched - Ellesmere College Arts Centre, North Shropshire
Dance
Talks AN EVENING WITH BOYCOTT & AGGERS Jonathan Agnew and Geoffrey Boycott celebrate the 40th anniversary of the latter’s 100th hundred, Sat 20 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 15 May ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON (tbc) Drama. Starring Jenny Seagrove, John Hannah. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 15 - Tues 16 May; Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 16 & Thurs 18 May
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thelist THE SALESMAN (12a) Drama/Thriller. Starring Taraneh Alidoosti, Shahab Hosseini. Foreign language, subtitled. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 15 - Wed 17 May NERUDA (12) Biography/Crime. Starring Gael García Bernal, Luis Gnecco. Foreign language, subtitled. Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 16 May PATERSON (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 22 May; Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, 30 May
LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Music. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. Stourbridge Town Hall, Tues 16 May BUNCH OF KUNST (18) Documentary/Biography. Starring Andrew Fearn, Sleaford Mods. Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 18 May MAD TO BE NORMAL (15) Biography/Drama. Starring David Tennant, Michael Gambon. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 19 May HIGH SOCIETY (12a) Comedy/Musical. Starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly. Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 19 May
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THE HANDMAIDEN (18) Drama/Mystery. Starring Min-hee Kim, Jung-woo Ha. Foreign language, subtitled. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Mon 15 - Thurs 18 May; Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 19 Sat 20 May THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 May BIG (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins. mac, Birmingham, Sat 20 May GOING IN STYLE (12a) Comedy/Crime. Starring Joey King, Ann-Margret. Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Sat 20 May LETTERS FROM BAGHDAD (PG) Documentary. mac, Birmingham, Sun 21 & Tues 23 May
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May SNATCHED (tbc) THE SECRET SCRIPTURE (12a)
Events TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Drop-in event where visitors can learn the tile decorating technique known as ‘tube lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’ to create their own tile to take home, Tues 16 May, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire
CHINESE STATE CIRCUS: DYNASTY Wed 17 - Sun 21 May, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
COLOSSAL (15) KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (12a)
THIS MORNING LIVE Join Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby at an
Released from Fri 19 May, showing at selected cinemas
OPEN COCKPIT EVENINGS A wide range of aircraft are available for close viewing, including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes, Fri 19 - Sat 20 May, RAF Cosford
LADIES SEASONAL STYLE EVENT Personal stylist Beth Goodrham shares her fashion essentials for the summer season, Wed 17 May, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL Featuring visiting heritage and modern diesel locomotives, home-fleet action, evening running and one or two surprises, Thurs 18 May, Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE:
event that features all the lifestyle elements associated with the award-winning TV show, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 May, NEC, Birmingham
LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND Unique music festival that also features discussions and a film screening, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, Ludlow Town Centre, South Shropshire THE BABY SHOW The UK's biggest pregnancy and parenting event, providing a family-friendly shopping experience and a unique opportunity to
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Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May hear from a selection of leading baby and childcare experts, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, NEC, Birmingham B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL Immerse yourself in dance and music performances, and see graffiti art being created before your eyes - all to a soundtrack from live DJs, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, Birmingham Hippodrome EXPLORE RAG RUGGING: PLAITING WORKSHOP Find out how to create rugs using the plaiting technique, Sat 20 May, Birmingham Back to Backs RED BY NIGHT Experience the industrial might of the Black Country via live demonstrations and hard-hitting street theatre, Sat 20 May, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley THE TENTH ANNUAL DUCK RACE Race a duck along the stream in Carding Mill Valley. There are prizes for every race, Sat 20 May, Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on experience of blacksmithing, Sat 20 May, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley SHREWSBURY FLEA MARKET Sat 20 May, West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS... Monthly weekend of outdoor fun to tick off more things on your list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 and 3/4, Sat 20 May, Moseley Old Hall, Nr Wolverhampton MUSIC LIVE AFTER RACING Enjoy a full day of racing followed by an exclusive music performance, Sat 20 May, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffs WHITCHURCH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Celebration of local and regional food and drink, Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, Whitchurch TELFORD FANZONE Hang out with friends, browse merchandise stalls, buy autographs, meet actors in the photo studio and come in Cosplay, Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, Telford International Centre, Shropshire HERITAGE WEEKEND AT CADBURY WORLD Featuring three guided walks around the village, Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, Cadbury World, Bournville JURASSIC KINGDOM All-new animatronic outdoor dinosaur experience, Sat 20 May - Sun 4 June, Birmingham Botanical Gardens STORYTELLING: SPRINGTIME TALES Join the resident storyteller on a guided
Chinese State Circus - Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
story walk through the dingle and around the big pool, with lighthearted tales and woodland trivia along the way, Sun 21 May, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire MACMILLAN CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Perfect day out for enthusiasts, while at the same time raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire, Sun 21 May, Eaton Manor Country Estate, Church Stretton, Shropshire
INFLATABLE 5K OBSTACLE RUN Pit your wits against 10 giant inflatable obstacles that will let you flip, bounce and boing your way around a 5k course, Sun 21 May, Wolverhampton Racecourse MIXED TRACTION DAY Ride on a number of steam and diesel trains operating along the line, Sun 21 May, Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
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thelist Gigs
IMELDA MAY Mon 22 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham RON SEXSMITH BAND Mon 22 May, The Robin, Wolverhampton HARDLINE Tues 23 May, The Robin, W’hampton LEO SAYER Tues 23 May, Lichfield Garrick
Monday 22 - Wed 31 May
HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN Fri 26 May, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire NORTHERN SOUL LIVE Fri 26 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
SHOW OF HANDS WITH MIRANDA SYKES Fri 26 May, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley, Shropshire
AVIV GEFFEN Tues 23 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham
DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE AND THE HOT RODS Fri 26 May, The Robin, Bilston
TOM CHAPLIN Tues 23 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
THE VINYL REPRISAL Fri 26 May, The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham
DAPHNE'S FLIGHT Tues 23 May, mac, B’ham
MALA Fri 26 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
LADY MAISERY Tues 23 May, mac, Birmingham
SHAKIN' STEVENS Fri 26 May, Birmingham Town Hall
THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 24 May, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent JULIE BYRNE Wed 24 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SHUGGIE OTIS Wed 24 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE GROWLERS Wed 24 May, O2 Academy, Birmingham DECLAN MCKENNA Wed 24 May, O2 Institute, Birmingham NASHVILLE IN THE ROUND Wed 24 May, The Hive, Shrewsbury CHRIS MAPP'S GONIMOBLAST SPECIAL GUEST ANNIE MAHTANI Wed 24 May, mac, Birmingham HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN Thurs 25 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
THE SPECIALS AND TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS Fri 26 May, NEC, B’ham BRINGING ON BACK THE 60'S Fri 26 May, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock SOUL'D OUT Sat 27 May, The Robin, W’hampton GURDAS MAAN Sat 27 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham CHRONIXX Sat 27 May, O2 Academy, B’ham BLACK ROSE Sat 27 May, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent THE FLAKY TARTS Sat 27 May, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley, Shropshire THE SEARCHERS Sat 27 May, Theatre Severn,
Shrewsbury JACK HARRIS & KITTY MACFARLANE Sat 27 May, The Hive, Shrewsbury RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BAND Sat 27 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton SLADE CONVENTION Sun 28 May, The Robin, Bilston CHRIS WOOD Sun 28 May, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury ANASTACIA Sun 28 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham DREAMS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Sun 28 May, The River Rooms, Stourbridge KISS Sun 28 May, Barclaycard Arena, B’ham RUBY TURNER Sun 28 May, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock MARIKA HACKMAN Mon 29 May, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham JUSTIN CURRIE Tues 30 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 31 May, Eleven, Stokeon-Trent ERIC GALES Wed 31 May, The Robin, Bilston COASTS Wed 31 May, O2 Institute, B’ham
EDGAR MOREAU IN RECITAL Also featuring Pierre-Yves Hodique (piano). Programme includes works by Beethoven, Poulenc, Schumann, Eric Tanguy & Schnittke, Mon 22 May, Birmingham Town Hall JENNIFER PIKE PLAYS MOZART Programme includes works by Haydn, Mozart & Schubert, Wed 24 May, Birmingham Town Hall JENNIFER PIKE PLAYS MOZART Featuring Franz Anton Krager (conductor). Programme includes works by Mozart, Haydn//Mozart & Schubert, Wed 24 May, Birmingham Town Hall BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE PRESENTS SIR JAMES & LADY JEANNE GALWAY Programme comprises Briccialdi’s The Carnival of Venice & Borne’s Carmen Fantasy, Wed 24 May, Birmingham Town Hall
THE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE STRING ORCHESTRA Featuring Julian Lloyd Webber & Mike Seal (conductors), Yue Yu (viola), Henry Fairs (organ) & Nick Bailey (host). Programme includes works by Widor, Bruch, Howells, Elgar, Jackson, Vaughan Wilson, Saint-Saens & Arne, Sun 28 May, Birmingham Town Hall
Comedy AL MURRAY Mon 22 May, The REP, Birmingham RORY BREMNER Wed 24 May, Lichfield Garrick REGINALD D HUNTER Wed 24 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, MANDY MUDEN, PETE TECKMAN & DAVE BRYON Wed 24 May, Tower Brewery, Burton-uponTrent, Staffordshire NOREEN KHAN, SUKH OJLA, SINDHU V & SHAISTA AZIZ Thurs 25 May, Wolverhampton Art Gallery
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: DVORAK’S CELLO CONCERTO Featuring Gustavo Gimeno (conductor). Programme includes works by Mozart, Dvörak & Schumann, Wed 24 - Thurs 25 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham OPERA BOYS Thurs 25 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 25 May, The Glee Club, B’ham ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT, JULIAN DEANE & BETHANY BLACK Fri 26 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham DALISO CHAPONDA, BARRY DODDS, STEPHEN BAILEY & ROGER MONKHOUSE Fri 26 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham
HALEY REINHART Wed 31 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham
BY GEORGE! MICHAEL LUNTS PIANO RECITAL Thurs 25 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
JOE BROMEHEAD, DAVID WHITNEY & ROBERT WHITE Fri 26 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham RICH HALL Fri 26 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Sakari Oramo (conductor), Steven Osborne (piano) & Cynthia Millar (ondes martenot). Programme comprises Messiaen’s L’Ascension & Turangalïla-symphonie, Fri 26 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
RYLEY WALKER Thurs 25 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton FOGHORN STRINGBAND Thurs 25 May, The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
THE MARIO LANZA OPERA PRIZE Adjudicated by Sir Thomas Allen, Sat 27 May, Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire
TWIN WILD Thursi 25 May, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent CROWDED SCOUSE Thurs 25 May, The Robin, Bilston
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LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes works by Buxtenhude, Elgar, Messiaen, L. Anderson & Mendelssohn, Mon 22 May, Birmingham Town Hall
FLYTE Wed 31 May, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
BRENT COBB Thurs 25 May, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
NATHAN CARTER Thurs 25 May, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock
Classical Music
Ruby Turner - Prince of Wales. Cannock
KOSMOS ENSEMBLE Featuring Harriet MacKenzie (violin), Meg Hamilton (viola) & Milos Milivojevic (accordian). Programme fuses Tango, Gypsy, Balkan & Japanese music referencing classical composers such as Brahms, Dvorak & Sarasate, Sat 27 May, Concord College, Acton Burnell, Shropshire
ADAM HESS, RHYS JAMES Fri 26 May, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton JUNIOR SIMPSON, JOSH HOWIE, ESHAAN AKBAR & WAYNE BEESE Fri 26 May, The Lamp Tavern, Dudley DARREN HARRIOTT & BEC HILL Fri 26 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PABLO SERSKI Fri 26 May, The Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent
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Monday 22 - Wed 31 May ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT, JULIAN DEANE & BETHANY BLACK Sat 27 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham DALISO CHAPONDA, BARRY DODDS, STEPHEN BAILEY & ROGER MONKHOUSE Sat 27 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham JOE BROMEHEAD, DAVID WHITNEY & ROBERT WHITE Sat 27 May, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham ANDY PARSONS Sun 28 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury STAND UP FOR REFUGEES Line up includes Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Robin Ince, Jo Enright, Mrs Barbara Nice Hosted by Tiernan Douieb, Wed 31 May, The REP, Birmingham
tongue-in-cheek production in which a psychiatrist decides to make every decision by following options given to him by the dice, Wed 24 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury HOW EVA VON SCHNIPPISCH WON WWII ‘A joyful night of hilarious anti-fascist feminist propaganda’, performed as part of the venue’s Cabaret Festival, Wed 24 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham GIRLS LIKE THAT AND WE LOST ELIJAH Stafford Gatehouse Youth Group present two one-act plays, Wed 24 Sat 27 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
PAM ANN Wed 31 May, Birmingham Town Hall
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Tinker’s Farm Opera present an amateur staging of the award-winning musical, Wed 24 Sat 27 May, Stourbridge Town Hall
Theatre
INTO THE WOODS Stratford Musical Theatre Company present an innovative re-imagining of Stephen Sondheim’s hit musical, Wed 24 - Sat 27 May, Stratford Artshouse
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Children’s show featuring a menagerie of 75 puppets and bringing to life Eric Carle’s storybooks, 22 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
JULIE MADLY DEEPLY Charming yet cheeky cabaret taking a look at ‘fame and famedom’. Fascinating Aida’s Sarah-Louise Young stars, Thurs 25 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham
THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stephen Mallatratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story, Mon 22 - Sat 27 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
LEGALLY BLONDE Amateur production presented by Birmingham Youth On Stage, Thurs 25 - Sat 27 May, The Old Rep, Birmingham
GREASE Tom Parker from boyband The Wanted makes his theatrical debut as Danny in this half-term staging of the classic high-school musical. Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope stars as Sandy, Mon 22 - Sat 27 May, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit West End show using huge projection photos and original film footage to celebrate the iconic American duo, Tues 23 May, Birmingham Hippodrome DAUGHTERS OF THE CURRY REVOLUTION Intimate performance, limited to 10 people, in which host Afreena discusses what it means to be her dad’s daughter in the context of anti-immigration rhetoric, Tues 23 May, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton TANK Breach Theatre explore the violence of language, the power of culture - and what happens when you inject a cetacean with LSD, Tues 23 Thurs 25 May, The REP, Birmingham THE WEDDING SINGER Musical based on the 1998 film of the same name and starring former X Factor finalists Ray Quinn and Cassie Compton, Emmerdale's Roxanne Pallet, comedy veteran Ruth Madoc and musical theatre favourite Jon Robyns, Tues 23 Sat 27 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE SIX-SIDED MAN Darkly comic,
LA POULE PLOMBÉE: JE REGRETTE! The story of La Poule Plombée, a French singer tortured by jealousy and unrequited love. Performed as part of the venue’s Cabaret Festival, Fri 26 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DELBOY AND RODNEY SITCOM EXPERIENCE The Laughlines cast perform a live situation comedy dining experience - complete with a two-course meal, Fri 26 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire
The Woman In Black Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 22 - Sat 27 May
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the Susan Hill novel, The Woman In Black is a classic ghost story first performed in 1989. It’s since become one of the West End's most successful plays. Solicitor Arthur Kipp believes that his family have somehow been cursed by a mysterious woman in black. In an attempt to tell his story, and to exorcise the evil curse which he’s convinced hangs over him, he hires a young actor to assist him in recounting his experiences...
MR MAKER AND THE SHAPES LIVE! CBeebies favourite featuring song, dance and audience participation, Sat 27 May, Lichfield Garrick THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Children’s show featuring a menagerie of 75 puppets and bringing to life Eric Carle’s storybooks, Sat 27 May, Birmingham Town Hall
JOAN An earthy story of ‘courage, conviction and hope’, this is Joan of Arc - possibly the world's first drag king... Fri 26 - Sat 27 May, The REP, Birmingham
BIG HOWARD’S LOL-TASTIC YUKFEST Featuring stand-up, interactive digital animation, sound effects, jokes and ‘lots and lots and lots of clever nonsense’. Suitable for children aged 5 plus, Sat 27 May, mac, Birmingham
ANNA OF THE FIVE TOWNS New adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s absorbing love story, set against a backdrop of life in the Potteries, Fri 26 May - Sat 17 June, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
DUSTY LIMITS: GRIN Performance resulting from over a decade of collaboration between two of the UK's most celebrated cabaret artists, Dusty Limits and Michael Roulston, Sat 27 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
MORGAN AND WEST’S MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS The time-travelling magicians present a ‘jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, brain-busting magic extravaganza’ for children aged five to 10, Sat 27 May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
THE WITCHES New version of Roald Dahl’s classic story, Sat 27 May - Sat 3 June, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham
MARTY MACDONALD'S TOY MACHINE Children’s show featuring the voices of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and Nicole Davis as Pongo the Pig and Molly-Moo the Cow, Sat 27 May, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire
THERE AND BACK AGAIN: AN ODYSSEY Ulysses and his companions head out on a fantastic voyage while Patrick Lynch plays with sand, stones, boats, bowls, fire and water, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
OLIVER! THE MUSICAL Presented by the Crescent Theatre Company, Sat 27 May - Sat 3 June, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham
DIRTY DANCING The classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together to experience the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives, Mon 29 May - Sat 3 June, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
GREASE Tom Parker from boyband The Wanted makes his theatrical debut as Danny in this half-term staging of the classic high-school musical. Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope stars as Sandy, Mon 29 May - Sat 3 June, Birmingham Hippodrome
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MAY HIGHLIGHTS 10 & 11 MAY
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA AGE
LIVE ON ST
3+
£14, £11.50 Groups
15 & 16 MAY
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN
£10.00 - £48.00
thelist DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Blunderbus present a feelgood show for children, based on Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie’s bestselling book, Tues 30 May, mac, Birmingham ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL Following in the footsteps of other ’60s jukebox musicals about The Beatles and The Kinks, All Or Nothing tells the story of mod favourites The Small Faces, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June, Regent Theatre, Stoke-onTrent MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Jason Donovan stars in the smash-hit musical inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock’n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury HOPELESS ROMANTICS Reform Theatre Company explore dating in the modern age, Wed 31 May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
17 & 18 MAY ODDSOCKS presents
ROMEO & JULIET £10.00 - £19.50
20 MAY
THE OPERA BOYS £20.00
25 MAY
Dance TEN - ACE DANCE Full-length dance production inspired by global migration, Mon 22 May, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall TRIPLE BILL FT. RED RIDING HOOD Ballet Black show blending the classical and the contemporary, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 May, DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome MILONGA Celebrated choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and a cast of Argentinian tango dancers, contemporary dancers and live musicians present a ‘fascinating’ exploration of tango, Fri 26 - Sat 27 May, Birmingham Hippodrome THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS Narrative ballet company Northern Ballet present this heartbreaking story through dance, Tues 30 - Wed 31 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
BYE BYE BABY £22
27 MAY
MISTER MAKER & THE SHAPES LIVE! £13 - £15.50
GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS Northern Ballet present a brand new ballet for younger audiences, Wed 31 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Events 1920S MUSIC HALL EVENING Fri 26 May, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire
BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com
THE VAPER EXPO Europe’s biggest and best vape event, Fri 26 - Sun 28 May, NEC, Birmingham
LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR
COLOUR OBSTACLE RUSH Unique event combining the fun of colour pow-
66 whatsonlive.co.uk
Monday 22 - Wed 31 May dered runs, the thrill of an obstacle course and the atmosphere of a music festival, Sat 27 May, Wolverhampton Racecourse TAMEFEST Showcasing the spectacular heritage of the Tame Valley Wetlands, Sat 27 May, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire WEAVER WANDER 2017 CAR RALLY Charity car run for classic cars, Sat 27 May, The British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry, North Shropshire SHROPSHIRE COUNTRY SHOW Celebration of the rural community, Sat 27 May, West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury COTSWOLD OUTDOOR CAMPING WEEKEND Featuring a range of family activities, Sat 27 May, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury APLEY FARM SHOP CRAFT FAIR Local Shropshire crafters sell handmade crafts, including stationery, art, photography, jewellery and kitchenware, Sat 27 May, Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF BBQ One of the UK’s largest competitive BBQ events, with teams from all around the world trying to become the Grand BBQ Champion 2017, Sat 27 Sun 28 May, National Brewery Centre, Burton-on-Trent SANDON SPRING FAIR A celebration of food, craft and family fun in the beautiful grounds of Staffordshire's Sandon Hall, Sat 27 - Sun 28 May, Sandon Hall, Stafford GET GEOCACHING Explore Attingham as you hunt for hidden geocaches around the grounds, Sat 27 - Sun 28 May, Attingham Park, Shropshire THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Sat 27 - Mon 29 May, Weston Park, Shropshire TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT Help Ruby, Tamworth Castle’s resident dragon, find her mischievous brother, Hafgrim, Sat 27 May - Fri 2 June, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire IN THE THICK OF IT: CHILDREN IN INDUSTRY Take a walk in the well-worn shoes of the Black Country’s working children and experience the ups and downs of their day-to-day lives, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley HISTORIC HEROES-THEMED ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Shropshire SUPERHEROES, SUPERPOWERS & SUPER DAYS OUT A week of superhero-themed activities, workshops and demos, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Shropshire THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW TRAIL Step into the magical world of CS Lewis, brought to life in the grounds of Croft, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Croft
Castle, nr Leominster THE SECRET GARDEN FAMILY TRAIL Follow the trail around the manor house and orchards, and join Mr Dennett for some gardening, Sat 27 May Sun 4 June, Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire WHITSUN WEEK AT DRAYTON MANOR Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs PIRATE WEEK Grab your crew and jump aboard for a swashbuckling adventure, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE! Epic liveaction show, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Warwick Castle CIVIL WAR GARRISON Watch as Stokesay is taken over by Civil War soldiers and their families, as they set up camp in the castle grounds, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May, Stokesay Castle, Ludlow, South Shropshire ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT Reenactors and historians transport you back in time to the Tudor Age, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster VINTAGE EASTNOR Nostalgic familyfun day featuring steam engines, a tea tent, giant garden games, model steam engine rides, a vintage carousel and chair swing, Sun 28 Mon 29 May, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire APLEY FARM SHOP CRAFT FAIR Local Shropshire crafters sell handmade crafts, including stationery, art, photography, jewellery and kitchenware, Mon 29 May, Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal MAKE SOME WILD ART Hunt around for natural materials to make your wild art masterpiece, Mon 29 May, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire FAMILY MEDIEVAL ENTERTAINMENT The Freemen of Gwent will be in residence, bringing the castle to medieval life, Mon 29 May, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire COSTUMED TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE Explore the elegant Georgian home of Birmingham's foremost industrialist, Matthew Boulton, Mon 29 May, Soho House, Birmingham THE GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB Climb to the top of the tallest trees at Dudmaston and look out on the estate from above, Tues 30 May, Dudmaston Estate, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire RED FAIRY BOOK TRAIL AND CRAFT Follow the trail around the mill grounds to find all the fairy doors, Tues 30 Wed 31 May, Sarehole Mill, B’ham PICTURE THIS - FAMILY DRAWING TOUR Tap into your inner artist with this interactive drawing exploration of Aston Hall, Wed 31 May, Aston Hall, Birmingham
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